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.

Friday, June 2, 2023
Wild West Adventure Trips w/ Nantahala Outdoor Center
Jun 2 all-day
various locations
Saturday, June 3, 2023
NOC Paddling School
Jun 3 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

Voted “Best Place to Learn” by Outside, NOC Paddling School has taught more paddlers than anyone else, with 50 years of experience going into every class. Our commitment to the sport and to providing the best possible instruction has not waivered. So come and let us be your respected and experienced instructor.

The Flying Squirrel Ten Mile
Jun 3 all-day
55 Orange St, Asheville, NC

Experience some of the best road running in Asheville with The Flying Squirrel Ten Miler, Asheville’s premier 10 Mile road race. Enjoy the ease and convenience of a road race with the spectacular views and seclusion of a mountain race. The race starts and finishes just blocks from downtown Asheville and then promptly takes runners on the winding roads of Town Mountain. Participants will enjoy shaded mountain roads typically only used by locals, such as the beautiful Sunset Drive and Patton Mountain Road. One thing about The Flying Squirrel Ten Miler is sure: you’ve got to “earn” those views. The Southern Appalachians are hilly and so is The Flying Squirrel Ten Miler.

Course

The course features five miles of gradual uphill and five miles of gradual downhill with a bit of flat at the beginning and end. Runners will gain over 1,400′ and lose over 1,400′ throughout the 10 mile long course. Check out our Course Description for a course map, elevation profile, and turn-by-turn instructions.

Start

The race will Start at 8:00AM on Saturday June 3, 2022. The race also Finishes at this same location. Click here for map.

Wildlife

Asheville is home to an amazing diversity of wildlife, including white squirrels, black bears, and fox. Yes, there are white squirrels that live on the course that sometimes make an appearance. A portion of race proceeds to go towards conserving the endangered Carolina Flying Squirrel.

About Us

Brought to you by the same race organizers that bring you the Asheville Turkey Trot (now in its 20+ year) and the Shut-In Ridge Trail Run (now in its 40+ year), The Flying Squirrel Ten Miler is committed to providing the absolute BEST experience for each and every participant!

Aid Stations

Our Aid Stations will have water. Cross the finish line and you will be greeted by spectators and a bunch of other runners.

Finish Zone

Post-Race: Once you catch your breath you’ll enjoy post-race refreshments.

There are several great places to grab a late breakfast or early lunch within a short walk of the Finish Zone including Liberty Coffee (fresh and healthy seasonal plates and full coffee bar – all Ten Mile participants get one free coffee!), City Bakery (classic Asheville bakery and cafe serving up sandwiches and soups), and Pulp + Sprout (juice bar and vegan cafe).

What’s Included With Your Registration?

Registrants are guaranteed the following:

  • Custom Flying Squirrel Ten Miler Shirt
  • Legit Post Race Food
  • Post Race Food
  • Coupons/Giveaways from our sponsors
  • Custom Race Bib
  • Professionally Timed Chip Time
  • Spectacular Views of Asheville (weather permitting)

 

RACE BENEFICIARY

 

The Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy (SAHC) permanently protects and stewards our region’s most beloved natural areas. Since 1974, over 80,000 acres of unique plant and animal habitat, clean water sources, farmland, scenic beauty, and places for people to enjoy outdoor recreation have been permanently protected in the mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee. SAHC is committed to creating and supporting equitable, healthy and thriving communities for everyone in our region.

We value our local Western North Carolina community and are committed to giving back. A portion of our race proceeds go towards our charity partner for that year. For the inaugural Flying Squirrel Ten Miler we are proud to be supporting a Western North Carolina based non-profit who is helping to conserve the endangered Carolina Flying Squirrel. The Carolina Flying Squirrel is a subspecies of the Northern Flying Squirrel and requires high elevation habitat to thrive. Read more about the Carolina Flying Squirrel here: https://www.fws.gov/southeast/wildlife/mammals/carolina-northern-flying-squirrel/

Wild West Adventure Trips w/ Nantahala Outdoor Center
Jun 3 all-day
various locations
Run for Life 5K
Jun 3 @ 8:15 am – 10:45 am
The Park at Flat Rock

Join us for this 5K Run for Life event hosted by Open Arms Pregnancy Center to help support women and teens facing unplanned pregnancies. This will be a run/walk-timed event to be held at The Park at Flat Rock located at 55 Highland Golf Drive, Flat Rock, NC US 28731 June 3,2023 with a start time of 8:30 AM.
Runners should register by May 14 to secure a T-shirt for the race.
Sign up at https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/FlatRock/Run4for5k
Those interested in sponsoring the event should contact Open Arms Pregnancy Center by May 15th to learn more. (Marlies Zerressen at [email protected] or Lydia Bright at 864-921-5770)
Open Arms’ ministry is love, our aim: to support and guide, our purpose: to serve God and preserve life. We provide a safe and supportive place for pregnancy related needs with ultrasounds, material and emotional support for those facing difficult circumstances or perhaps the loss of a child.
All are services are Free and Confidential.

Gatherings of Artists + Writers Coffee
Jun 3 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

TFAC invites all artists: painters, sculptors, writers, performers & more — to a casual weekly drop-in gathering on Saturday mornings at 9 AM to share your works in progress, alert others, and chat about art and what’s happening in your community.

The first weekly Coffee is Saturday, August 20 at 9 am.

No RSVP needed, just drop by!

Free parking available on Melrose Avenue, behind and alongside TFAC.

Just Brew It
Jun 3 @ 2:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Pisgah Brewing Company

Just Brew It is a homebrew competition and tasting in Asheville benefiting the work of Just Economics. The festival features 75+ different beers and 30+ amazing homebrewers. The competing homebrewers are some of the finest specialty homebrewers in the region with classic brews from traditional IPAs, lagers, sours, and stouts to unique beers brewed with specialty items like coffee, chocolate, spices, and fruit.

To attend, you must be a current member of Just Economics. This event is not ticketed, so you must purchase a membership prior to the event. Then, all Just Economics members can sample the homebrews and vote for their favorites!

Purchase your membership here: https://www.justeconomicswnc.org/donate/

Memberships are $30, which grants you entry to the event.
Memberships with a VIP package are $50, which grant you entry to the event an hour early (1:00pm) plus a souvenir glass, gourmet pretzel, and more.

This is a local festival you won’t want to miss and your membership supports the work of Just Economics to advance living wages, affordable housing and better transit! Hope to see you there!

Asheville Tourists vs. Wilmington Blue Rocks — Jade Jersey Giveaway
Jun 3 @ 6:00 pm
McCormick Field

The first 1,000 fans through the gates receive a Jade Jersey courtesy of Prestige Subaru.

Asheville City Soccer Club Women v Charlotte Independence SC
Jun 3 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Greenwood Field

6/3/23 - ACSC Women v Charlotte Independence SC

Sunday, June 4, 2023
NOC Paddling School
Jun 4 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

Voted “Best Place to Learn” by Outside, NOC Paddling School has taught more paddlers than anyone else, with 50 years of experience going into every class. Our commitment to the sport and to providing the best possible instruction has not waivered. So come and let us be your respected and experienced instructor.

Wild West Adventure Trips w/ Nantahala Outdoor Center
Jun 4 all-day
various locations
Women’s Paddlefest
Jun 4 @ 12:00 am – 2:00 pm
Nantahala Outdoor Center

Join a group of like-minded female paddlers for a weekend festival, hosted by inspirational paddler Anna Levesque! This festival is all about fostering community by connecting, sharing, paddling, and supporting each other on the river. Trips will be offered on different rivers and lakes representing a range of skill levels, and are open to all women in all watercraft!

Donations and registration fees benefit the Shannon Christy Memorial Fund, an organization that supports non-profits focused on women’s empowerment, and also benefits the Live Like Maria Fund.

New for 2023! 

Lake Paddle Guided Excursion–  Join professional women instructors for a guided lake excursion paddle with a stand up paddleboard or sit on top kayak, included with the activity! If you’re newer to paddling or not quite ready for whitewater, select a lake paddle and also enjoy the rest of the festivities. 

Paddlefest Scholarship- This year, we are offering scholarships for BIPOC women to attend and stay onsite. See below for details and to apply.

2023 Weekend Schedule

Schedule is subject to change and will be updated here.

 

Paddlefest Scholarship

NOC and Mind Body Paddle want to make a more equitable outdoors for all. We would like to offer scholarships for this event to support a more accessible outdoor community where all are welcome. Three BIPOC women will be chosen to receive the following scholarship:

  • Admission to the weekend of events
  • Event T-shirt
  • Group lake paddle with all equipment provided (if applicable)
  • Saturday Evening Dinner
  • Friday and Saturday Lodging Accommodations in NOC’s Basecamp

Interested participants must apply HERE by May 1, 2023.

If you have any questions, please email them to [email protected]

WNC Flyer bike race
Jun 4 @ 8:00 am
Oskar Blues Brewery

WNC Flyer bike race: Start/finish is at Oskar Blues Brewery, 342 Mountain Industrial Drive, Brevard. Starts 8 a.m. Bike ride, bluegrass, barbecue and complimentary first brew to support advocacy efforts of Blue Ridge Bicycle Club. Register at www.wncflyer.com.

2nd Annual Asheville Honey Festival
Jun 4 @ 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Salvage Station

Looking for a buzz-worthy event? Look no further than Asheville’s 2nd Annual Honey Festival! Join the Center for Honeybee Research and Shanti Elixirs on Sunday, June 4th, from 12-6pm for a day of celebration, education, and community-building.
At the festival, you’ll enjoy live music, food trucks, and vendors showcasing the unique flavors of honey and other artisanal goods. But that’s not all: you’ll also be supporting a great cause, as proceeds from the festival will go towards saving pollinators and our planet.
The Center for Honeybee Research will be offering local and international honey for guests to sample and purchase, and you can even participate in the People’s Choice award for local honey vendors. Plus, we will be featuring the live finals of the 12th Annual International Black Jar Honey competition. Festival goers can watch as local celebrities determine the world’s best tasting honey.
And don’t forget to come dressed in your best pollinator-themed costume! It’s all part of the fun at Asheville’s 2nd Annual Honey Festival.
Personal water bottles are recommended, and families are encouraged to attend. So mark your calendars for June 4th, and come out to celebrate the wonderful world of beekeeping, honey, and all things pollinators. Together, we can help save the bees!

Asheville Tourists vs. Wilmington Blue Rocks
Jun 4 @ 1:00 pm
McCormick Field

Post Game Kids Run the Bases presented by Ingles.

Monday, June 5, 2023
Jus’ Beginning Intro to Running Program – Summer Edition
Jun 5 @ 6:30 am – 7:30 am
Jus' Running

Interested in getting into running, but don’t know where to start? Jus’ Beginning is the perfect program for you! Join us Monday mornings at the Jus’ Running store for a group run geared towards new runners. This is an all-paces welcome program put on by Jus’ Running with an emphasis on providing a safe, encouraging, and judgement free environment for new and aspiring runners. It’s our mission to empower you, and we’ll do so with resources, support, and tips from our expert staff. Registration required, join us in creating new beginnings for the Summer of 2023!

Who: This program is geared towards new and aspiring runners

UPDATED DATES: Monday mornings from 6:30am-7:30am. Start date is June 5, end date is July 24, 2023.

Where: Meet in the Jus’ Running parking lot, 523 Merrimon Ave. The running / walking route will follow the greenway that runs adjacent to W.T. Boulevard and connects to the Reid Creek Greenway off of Broadway Street.

What to Expect: A 30 minute walk / run with other beginning runners, led by Jus’ Running staff members.

The Finish: Wrap up the end of your 8-Week Program by joining us for the Art Dash 5k on July 29. This is a great way to run your first race and participate with fellow beginners! The race is optional. See registration options below.

Registration:

**There are 2 options available**

  • 8-Week Intro to Running Program & Race Registration to the Art Dash 5k on July 29: $100 registration fee covers the beginner running program and an entry into a local 5k to run with fellow Jus’ Beginning program members (a total of $120 value).
  • 8-Week Intro to Running Program: $75 registration fee.

We’re committed to making this event accessible to all, regardless of ability to pay. If payment is too much of an obstacle, please contact Savanna at [email protected] to discuss financial help.

“(Running has) taught me the value of doing, which seeped into other areas of my life.” -Jus’ Beginning Participant

All paces are welcome! Please email [email protected] for more information.

Tuesday, June 6, 2023
Dark City Poet’s Society
Jun 6 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Black Mountain Library

Great news for poets and poetry lovers: Dark City Poet’s Society is returning to the Black Mountain Library. DCPS is a completely free poetry group that is open to poets of all ages and experience levels. Join us at the Black Mountain Library from 6-7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month for our (respectful) critique group. DCPS will meet at BAD Craft from 6-7 p.m. on the third Tuesday for our monthly open mic Poetry Night. Find out more on Instagram @darkcitypoetssociety or contact the Black Mountain Library.

Asheville City Soccer Club Men v Southern Soccer Academy
Jun 6 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Greenwood Field

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Wednesday, June 7, 2023
Chamber Golf Classic
Jun 7 @ 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Hendersonville Country Club

Come out for a round of golf with the Chamber!

Each year, our annual Golf Classic raises funds for our Chamber of Commerce Foundation and its workforce development efforts. Programs under the Foundation include, Teacher of the Year Reception, Junior Leaders Program, Apprenticeships programs and more!

Please reach out to Amy at [email protected] to register for a team, to sponsor a hole, or both! All registration forms are below.

Team Registration Form
Hole Sponsorship Form
Individual Player Form

All registrations are due no later than May 31st!

Tenants Rights Workshop
Jun 7 @ 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
West Asheville Library

Just Economics and Pisgah Legal Services are co-sponsoring a workshop for renters to learn their rights as tenants in NC. There will be a presentation and question and answer session with Pisgah Legal Services followed by a discussion with Just Economics about the Tenants’ Network. The goal of this workshop is to educate tenants about their rights as renters in North Carolina and begin connecting tenants to resources and to each other.

Through these workshops, Just Economics will facilitate the formation of a local Tenants’ Network. The purpose of having a Tenants Network is to build solidarity among tenants and between renters and the community, to organize mutual aid networks and to empower renters and community supporters to come together for projects to improve our neighborhoods. Additionally, the Tenants Network will be a way for renters to collectively advocate for public policies that favor the interests and rights of tenants and to take collective action to fight back when tenants face injustice.

Wednesday Pub Run
Jun 7 @ 6:15 pm
Archetype Brewing

Wednesday Pub Run

Join us every Wednesday at 6:15pm at Archetype Brewing – West off of Haywood, for a fun pub run featuring two different routes!

Follow us on social media to stay up to date on when we have special guests, shoe demos, and giveaway nights!

CREATIVE FACILITATOR TRAINING
Jun 7 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Story Parlor

Story Parlor and Inward & Artward present: an interactive 14-week program on how to create and facilitate unique offerings rooted in the intersection of the creative process, personal stories, and the human condition. Tailored for folks interested in starting a new and fulfilling career path, or simply wanting to deepen and/or refresh their approach to holistic creative facilitation.

Guideposts Include:

  • Identifying creative blocks, obstacles, and breakthrough strategies for self and others

  • How to create and conduct creative-based groups, workshops, classes, and retreats

  • Teaching philosophy and ethics

  • The intersection of mindfulness and the creative process, and how to implement into facilitation

  • Nurturing a sustainable creative lifestyle, personally, professionally, and instructionally

  • Tools to excavate personal stories and ways they can be used for healing, transformation, and creative bounty

  • Marketing, business planning, and logistics

  • Two one-on-one creativity coaching sessions

Early Bird pricing through April 30 | $1250
Regular price effective May 1 | $1400

Class dates include Wednesdays from 6:30-8:30pm
5/31, 6/7, 6/14, 6/21, 6/28, 7/5, 7/12, 7/19, 7/26, 8/2, 8/9, 8/16, 8/23, 8/30
Some classes will be conducted over zoom; Final two meetings will go till 9:30pm.

Refund and Covid policies can be found here.

Before registering, prospective participants must first submit the below application. Next steps will be provided thereafter.

Hendersonville Honeycrisps vs. Marion Swamp Foxes
Jun 7 @ 7:00 pm
Hendersonville Honeycrisps

The Honeycrisps are a summer collegiate baseball team playing in The Old North State League.

Our mission is to be the most exciting and family friendly entertainment option in the greater Hendersonville, NC community and to aid in the personal and athletic development of college baseball players.

Shamanic Global Healing Meditation
Jun 7 @ 9:45 pm – 10:30 pm
online

Hosted by The Heart of the Healer Foundation (THOTH)
Join us on the THOTH Facebook Page and contribute to a concentrated global intention for the healing of Pachamama as well as the collective psyche. This is a wonderful opportunity to energetically connect in soul presence with the circle of Pachakuti Mesa Practitioners worldwide, strengthening the Great Work of our shamanic planetary tribe. The power that is being harnessed and transmitted is deep and sentient nourishment for the Earth.
Learn more about the Pachakuti Mesa Tradition Link-Up HERE.
NOTE: If you cannot attend this ceremony live, the video recording will be posted on THOTH’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

FB Livestream link to join: www.facebook.com/theheartofthehealer
Ceremonialist: PMT Sanctioned Teachers

Thursday, June 8, 2023
Wild West Adventure Trips w/ Nantahala Outdoor Center
Jun 8 all-day
various locations
Friday, June 9, 2023
NOC Paddling School
Jun 9 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

Voted “Best Place to Learn” by Outside, NOC Paddling School has taught more paddlers than anyone else, with 50 years of experience going into every class. Our commitment to the sport and to providing the best possible instruction has not waivered. So come and let us be your respected and experienced instructor.

Wild West Adventure Trips w/ Nantahala Outdoor Center
Jun 9 all-day
various locations
Saturday, June 10, 2023
NOC Paddling School
Jun 10 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

Voted “Best Place to Learn” by Outside, NOC Paddling School has taught more paddlers than anyone else, with 50 years of experience going into every class. Our commitment to the sport and to providing the best possible instruction has not waivered. So come and let us be your respected and experienced instructor.

Wild West Adventure Trips w/ Nantahala Outdoor Center
Jun 10 all-day
various locations
Lure of the Lake Swim
Jun 10 @ 8:00 am
Lake Lure Beach

Come and swim in the only fresh water race of the Carolina Swim Series!  Lake Lure is beautiful in the early summer and great for an open water swim.  The water is around 70 degrees and there are no jelly fish, currents, or salt water to deal with while swimming!  Come swim with us and support a great cause!

Benefiting area charity Outreach of Hickory Nut Gorge and local first responders.

Welcome to the 2023 Lure of the Lake Swim, a Lake Lure Olympiad event. A 1.5 Mile and 3.0 Mile swim race, held on June 10th, 2023, is part of Set Up Events’ Carolina Swim Series.

Starting at 8:00 am the races will be held on the Lake Lure Beach across from the iconic 1927 Lake Lure Inn and Spa. Lots of good food, friendly volunteers, and a great race shirt await you at this beautiful freshwater lake in the Blue Ridge Mountains of WNC. Proceeds from this swim event will support our area charities and local first responders.

PRICING & REGISTRATION

Lure of the Lake Swim- June 10th, 2023

1.5 mile swim  $30.00

3 mile swim  $40.00

Packet Pick Up

6:30 – 7:45 am at the covered pavilion at Lake Lure Town Beach.

Policies & Refunds
There are no refunds for this race. This event occurs rain or shine. In the case of lightning, we will delay the start.

Wetsuit Rule Update!!!!

The expected water temp at Lure of the Lake is going to be in the 75-degree range. Lure of the Lake follows USA Triathlon wetsuit rules.

Wetsuits are legal up to 78 degrees, no penalty. 

Wetsuits are optional from 78.1 to 84 degrees. Any participant wearing a wetsuit in this range will not be eligible for awards or placement.

EVENT DAY DETAILS

SWAG AND EXTRAS
Athletes will receive with their registration a wristband to enjoy the beach life after the race for the full day.

T-SHIRTS

Deadline to register and receive a free shirt is May 26th.

Stay tuned for 2023 shirt announcement.

Hotdog Roast immediately following each race event on the beach sponsored by Lake Lure Inn & Spa, held in the pavilion of the beach.

White-Longsleeve-LLO Shirt.jpg