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.
– ALL AGES
– STANDING ROOM
– PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT ASHEVILLE MIDDLE SCHOOL
COVERFEST III
Sunday January 14th, the Grey Eagle will host Coverfest III: “A Benefit for Asheville Middle”. This special community event will raise funds for Asheville Middle School’s annual 8th Grade capstone trip to Washington DC. Several of Asheville’s amazing bands will donate their time & talent to perform mini-sets of covers throughout the day. Come hungry and get dinner at the Grey Eagle Taqueria as this year’s Coverfest promises to be a uniquely entertaining night of music & community all for a great cause. Doors 4pm, show 5pm till 10pm.
FEATURING PERFORMANCES FROM:
Drunken Prayer
Dulci Ellenberger
Fashion Bath
Hearts Gone South
Jeff Santiago y Los Gatos
Kid Billy
Krave Amiko
Scott Stetson’s Stink Bug Band
Tin Roof Echo
Upland Drive
his year, the keynote speaker is Atlanta Braves’ legendary pitching coach Leo Mazzone. Whatever advance coverage you can provide is much appreciated, as UNCA baseball has a limited operational budget which needs the revenues created through ticket sales to this important event. Thanks so much for your consideration. Here’s a quick bio on Leo:
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Member of the Atlanta Braves Hall of Fame
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Member of the 1995 World Series Champions and a Braves team that won 14 consecutive division titles.
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ESPN.com lists him No. 1 on its list of “Top 10 Assistant Coaches of All-Time”
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He worked for the Braves’ organization for 26 years (1979-2005)
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Coached future Baseball Hall of Fame starting pitchers Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine and John Smoltz–all were Cy Young Award winners as well–on a starting pitching rotation that was ranked No. 1 (1998) and No. 4 (1993) all-time by ESPN.
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Mazzone’s “accidental trademark” was his rocking back and forth while sitting in the dugout. On television broadcasts of Braves games, the camera would often show him rocking back and forth during the game.
Benefitting TrapKing Humane Cat Solutions
Fundraiser & Silent Auction, Music
Performances, Cat Clicker-Training, & More!
Join us for the purrfect, cat-filled evening!
A Charlotte Comic Takeover!!!
It’s Another Great Comedy Show at Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co, Theater 2! Jan 21, 6:30p, 18+, Get Dinner, Drinks & Laughs with the areas best standup comics. Featured and Open Mic Comedy. [Performing comics get 3-5m, FREE entry and pizza. ]
Morgan Marie is guest hosting, in from Charlotte with some great comic features in tow, Matt Hammy, Thomas Heynan & Christine McLennan!! Get Your Tickets Now!!
Join The Watchdog and a Panel of Experts to Discuss Possible Solutions for Restoring Quality Healthcare to Western North Carolina
TUESDAY, JAN. 23, 2024
6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
A-B Tech Conference Center
16 Fernihurst Drive, Asheville 28801
Free (registration required) (Donations are welcome)
Mission Health used to be one of the premier hospital systems in America, a magnet for top physicians and nurses, a provider of caring, quality care for patients, and a source of pride for the community.
Five years ago, Mission’s board of directors sold the system to HCA Healthcare of Nashville, promising that the sale to the hospital giant would lead to higher-quality, more accessible, and lower-cost healthcare for the people of western North Carolina.
Now, after five years of HCA management, there’s a broad consensus that the exact opposites have occurred. The question now is:
What can we, the citizens of western North Carolina, do to once again have the best-in-class, accessible, and affordable healthcare we used to expect?
Please join Asheville Watchdog and a panel of experts for a public discussion focused on solutions.
Confirmed panelists (L-R): State Sen. Julie Mayfield; Dr. R. Bruce Kelly, MD; Karen Sanders, MSN, RN; City of Brevard Mayor Maureen Copelof. Moderator: Asheville Watchdog Exec. Editor Peter Lewis
Note: Executives of HCA Healthcare, Mission Health, the Dogwood Health Trust, and MAHEC all declined The Watchdog’s invitations to participate in this event.
The event is free, but all attendees are requested to register in advance. Space is limited. There will be no microphones on the floor; submit your question in advance.
When: January 25th, 7 PM
Where: The Whale, 507 Haywood Rd #10 (Behind Haywood Common)
What: Teams up to 6 members, 7 rounds with 6 words each
How: It’s free – just show up!
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.
WNCAP (Western North Carolina AIDS Project) Dedicated to preventing new cases of HIV/AIDS and promoting self-sufficiency in people living with HIV. WNCAP provides HIV-related client support, prevention, education and advocacy activities guided by the belief that all people are entitled to equal access to health care and disease prevention.
WNCAP needs volunteers for the 2nd & 4th Saturday morning Food Box Delivery: 10am-noon. Ride with another team member and deliver pre-packed boxes of food to home-bound, food insecure families living in the Asheville/ Buncombe area. Requires ability to lift 50 pounds, good driving record, and confidentiality. More info at [email protected] , 828-252-7489 ext. 315.
Pruning techniques are essential for promoting the health and productivity of plants. Different techniques can control diseases, stimulate new growth, and maintain aesthetically pleasing landscapes. Join us as horticulture expert John Murphy teaches the basics of pruning.
A portion of the bar proceeds will support the enriching Artists in Schools program. There will also be raffles, including a chance to win a guitar and other exciting prizes!
This is a family-friendly event with something for everyone. Come for the music, enjoy the great food and drinks, and be part of a community that supports arts and education.On Saturday, February 10, 2024, Meals on Wheels of Greenville’s 29th annual Sweetheart Charity Ball will be held at the Greenville Convention Center from 6 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Come on out for an evening out in benefit of the homebound.
Parking off Exposition Drive.
-MIXED SEATED and STANDING SHOW with DANCE FLOOR
Calling all music lovers, dancers, and supporters of a worthy cause! Celebrate Mardi Gras during a singular evening benefitting the Asheville Breakfast Rotary Foundation! Tuxedo Junction covers a HUGE variety of danceable hits from Swing Jazz to Classic Rock, Pop, Funk, Motown, Beach, Country, and Rockabilly! All proceeds go back into the community for charitable organizations and scholarships.
Goodwill Industries of Northwest North Carolina invites Asheville-area design teams to compete in its popular Color Me Goodwill upcycled fashion show, which returns to The Orange Peel on April 19, 2024.
The 8th Annual Color Me Goodwill show will feature six designers and teams. Each will receive $200 to shop at local Goodwill stores, which they will deconstruct and transform into a five-piece collection based on their selected color. Each collection features a past Goodwill program participant as one of its models.
“We often say that Color Me Goodwill celebrates the power of second chances,” said Lance Crawford, Goodwill’s director of workforce development in Asheville. “The stunning runway collections show that it’s possible to repurpose secondhand items into high fashion. At the same time, the Goodwill program participants who model in the show share their powerful, inspiring stories of overcoming obstacles and transforming their lives.”
This year, the cash prizes awarded to the first-place winner and audience choice winner have been increased. The first place-winning design team, based on scores by a panel of expert judges, will receive a cash prize of $1,000. The winner of the audience choice vote receives $500.
“Every year, the designers of Color Me Goodwill somehow reach new heights of innovation and creativity,” Crawford said. “We wanted to reward the time and energy that these design teams put into their collections and continue to showcase the craftspeople that make Asheville’s sustainable fashion community so unique.”
Designers may apply for Color Me Goodwill either as an individual or as a team of up to three people. Designers who work individually may also collaborate with up to two assistants. All levels of design experience are welcome.
To apply, visit https://www.goodwillnwnc.org/cmg-designers-contract/ and complete the application materials by Friday, Nov. 17. Applicants will be asked to submit photos of their work or links to an online portfolio, which should be representative of their design skills.
16-time Grammy® award-winning musician, composer, and producer DAVID
FOSTER and acclaimed singer, television, and Broadway star, KATHARINE
MCPHEE are bringing their viral Instagram show on the road.
Coming directly from the Living Room to the stage, this intimate show with
the powerhouse duo will be packed with David‘s hits from Chicago,
Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Josh Groban, Michael Bublé, etc. and Kat’s
biggest songs from American Idol, Smash, and Waitress. Plus some of their
favorites that they just love!
About David Foster
Few other individuals can claim to have their fingerprints on more major moments in all of popular music than David Foster. He has created hit songs for a diverse array of artists including Barbra Streisand, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Andrea Bocelli, Michael Bublé, Josh Groban, Rod Stewart, Stevie Wonder, Earth, Wind & Fire, Diana Krall, Natalie Cole, Michael Bolton, Seal, Chaka Khan, Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, Chicago, Hall & Oates, Brandy, ’N Sync, Boz Scaggs, and Gloria Estefan.
Foster is gearing up to take on Broadway with several projects including writing the music for a new musical about the iconic animated character “Betty Boop.” He is also writing the music for a musical based on the Amy Bloom novel and New York Times bestseller Lucky Us.
About Katharine McPhee
Katharine McPhee can most recently be seen starring in the Netflix Original Series Country Comfort. Previously she starred as “Paige Dineen” on the CBS’ spy drama Scorpion and was featured in NBC’s award-winning musical series Smash, executive produced by Steven Spielberg. Her other television credits include CSI: NY, Community, and Family Guy.
McPhee appeared on the big screen in Columbia’s romantic comedy The House Bunny. In addition to her acting career, she finds great success in the music space after her turn on Season 5 of American Idol. McPhee’s first single debuted at #2 on the Billboard’s Hot Singles Sales chart. Her debut album landed on the Billboard 200 chart and went gold in 2008.
McPhee also has a presence in theater, having recently starred in both the U.S. and U.K. productions of Waitress.
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.
Undeniably the reigning virtuoso of the violin, Itzhak Perlman enjoys superstar status rarely afforded a classical musician. Beloved for his charm and humanity as well as his talent, he is treasured by audiences throughout the world who respond not only to his remarkable artistry, but also to his irrepressible joy for making music.
Having performed with every major orchestra and at concert halls around the globe, Mr. Perlman was granted a Presidential Medal of Freedom – the Nation’s highest civilian honor – by President Obama in 2015, a Kennedy Center Honor in 2003, a National Medal of Arts by President Clinton in 2000, and a Medal of Liberty by President Reagan in 1986. Mr. Perlman has been honored with 16 GRAMMY® Awards, four Emmy Awards, a Kennedy Center Honor, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and a Genesis Prize.
In the 2022/23 season, Mr. Perlman conducts the LA Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl and the Houston Symphony on Mozart’s Requiem, and is joined by an illustrious group of collaborators — Emanuel Ax, Jean-Yves Thibaudet and the Juilliard String Quartet — in a special Itzhak Perlman and Friends program appearing in only three locations: Toronto’s Roy Thomson Hall, UMS Ann Arbor and Carnegie Hall. He continues touring An Evening with Itzhak Perlman, which captures highlights of his career through narrative and multi-media elements intertwined with performance, to Boston, Philadelphia, Long Island, Akron, Austin and Naples (Florida). He plays season-opening concerts for the Colorado Symphony, Vancouver Symphony and Florida Orchestra, and recitals across the United States with longtime collaborator Rohan De Silva.
He currently serves as Artistic Partner of the Houston Symphony in a partnership that commenced in the 2020/21 season and culminates at the end of 2023/24. He performs 9 programs across three seasons that feature him in versatile appearances as conductor, soloist, recitalist and presenter.
Mr. Perlman has an exclusive series of classes with Masterclass.com, the premier online education company that enables access to the world’s most brilliant minds including Gordon Ramsay, Wolfgang Puck, Martin Scorsese, Ron Howard, Helen Mirren, Jodie Foster and Serena Williams, as the company’s first classical-music presenter.
James McMurtry is a Grammy-nominated folk-rock singer-songwriter, guitarist, bandleader, and occasional actor. A luminary in the Americana space, he weaves stories that resonate with gritty authenticity and emotional depth. His songwriting is celebrated by critics and fellow artists alike, with John Mellencamp raving, “James writes like he’s lived a lifetime,” and Jason Isbell lauding, “I don’t think anybody writes better lyrics.”
In August 2021, McMurtry released The Horses and the Hounds, his first collection in seven years. The album showcases his seasoned songwriting, seamlessly blending personal narratives with elegance (“Canola Fields”) and high energy (“If It Don’t Bleed”), and his ability to inhabit characters from various walks of life, as noted by critics who describe his work as subversive, funny, vulnerable and always poignant.
The release follows in the footsteps of McMurtry’s albums Complicated Games (2015), Just Us Kids (2008) and Childish Things (2005), all of which scored endless critical praise. Just Us Kids earned McMurtry his highest Billboard 200 chart position in two decades (since eclipsed by Complicated Game) and notched Americana Music Award nominations. Childish Things spent six full weeks topping the Americana Music Radio chart in 2005 and 2006, and won the Americana Music Association’s Album of the Year, with “We Can’t Make It Here” named the organization’s Song of the Year. Other accolades include a 1996 Grammy nomination for Long Form Music Video for Where’d You Hide the Body and an American Indie Award for Best Americana Album for It Had to Happen (1997).
Touring year-round, McMurtry consistently throws down powerhouse performances backed by his band.
McMurtry will be joined by opening act BettySoo.
Pardee Hospital Foundation’s Casino Night will feature casino games with live dealers, musical entertainment, exciting raffle opportunities, delicious food and locally sourced beer and wine. Proceeds from this year’s event will support Pardee’s growing cardiology program. Casino Games will include: Double Roulette Blackjack Full Size Craps Texas Hold’em Don’t miss out on the action, bring your friends, family or office colleagues to enjoy a unique night of fun all for a good cause! By attending or sponsoring this event you are ensuring access to quality and timely Cardiac care here in Western North Carolina.
The Land Cruise is a fundraiser that transforms the venue into a theme destination and welcomes more than 500 guests. Each year the menu represents the theme with this year being a Taste of Tuscany. For the 3rd year local News 7 anchor Gordon Dill will emcee our event. The Land Cruise Live Auction items range from trips, vacation homes, artwork and lawn equipment. The Silent Auction includes more than 100 items. This event is one local fundraiser you don’t want to miss!
WNCAP (Western North Carolina AIDS Project) Dedicated to preventing new cases of HIV/AIDS and promoting self-sufficiency in people living with HIV. WNCAP provides HIV-related client support, prevention, education and advocacy activities guided by the belief that all people are entitled to equal access to health care and disease prevention.
WNCAP needs volunteers for the 2nd & 4th Saturday morning Food Box Delivery: 10am-noon. Ride with another team member and deliver pre-packed boxes of food to home-bound, food insecure families living in the Asheville/ Buncombe area. Requires ability to lift 50 pounds, good driving record, and confidentiality. More info at [email protected] , 828-252-7489 ext. 315.
Dance Me is an exclusive creation inspired by the rich and profound work of Montreal-based poet, artist and songwriter, Leonard Cohen. Approved by Cohen during his lifetime, this riveting homage to the famed artist evokes the grand cycles of existence in five seasons, as described in Cohen’s deeply reflective music and poems.
Three internationally renowned choreographers were entrusted with putting movement to Cohen’s legendary songs: Andonis Foniadakis, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa and Ihsan Rustem. Their powerful and profound choreographic world reflective of Cohen’s singular work is brought to life by 14 Ballets Jazz Montréal performing artists.
Surrounded by a team of celebrated designers, Dance Me combines scenic, visual, musical, dramaturgical, and choreographic writing to pay tribute to Montreal’s greatest ambassador. Dance, music, lighting, scenography, and videography all come together in this unforgettable show.
“Leonard Cohen’s art and soul shine on in this stirring tribute.”
– The Telegraph Review
“The beautiful technique and preciseness throughout the evening of excellence was so complimentary to Mr. Cohen’s visions and words, and gave voice to his beliefs and musings.”
– BroadwayWorld Review
Diana Krall is the only jazz singer to have eight albums debut at the top of the Billboard Jazz Albums chart. To date, her albums have garnered two GRAMMY® Awards, ten Juno® Awards and have earned nine Gold, three Platinum, and seven multi-Platinum albums. Her 1999 release of When I Look in Your Eyes spent an unprecedented 52 weeks in the #1 position on Billboard’s Jazz chart, won two GRAMMY® Awards, and went Platinum in the U.S. and Canada. Her most recent release, This Dream Of You, has garnered critical acclaim from fans and press alike. Krall’s unique artistry transcends any single musical style and has made her one of the most recognizable artists of our time. As The New York Times recently noted, she possesses “a voice at once cool and sultry, wielded with a rhythmic sophistication.”
Bowl for Kids’ Sake- The most fun you’ll have in rented shoes!
Bowl for Kids’ Sake is a fun, easy and a great way to help get kids matched to a mentor!
1. Create a Team: Teams are formed with 4-5 members. Create a team with family, friends, fraternity brothers, sorority sisters, co-workers, just whoever you can round up!
2. Raise money: Each bowler is asked to donate or raise a minimum of $50 in donations. Each team raises $250.
3. Join Us at the Bowling Alley: After you have secured your donations, it’s time to have fun! You’ll receive two games of bowling with shoe rental included and lunch for your team.
This year’s theme:
Our theme this year is Support Your Sport! If you are a veteran participator in Bowl for Kids’ Sake then you already know that we LOVE our costumes. Here’s your change to dress up in your favorite sports gear, team jersey, or sports hero. The possibilities are endless and we can’t wait to see the creativity of our bowlers!
Don’t miss out on your chance to win prizes for best costume!
It’s the most fun you’ll have in rented shoes.
That’s what Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina is saying about its annual Bowl For Kids’ Sake,
the youth-mentoring organization’s biggest annual fundraiser happening Saturdays in March.
This year BBBSWNC is holding its event from:
Henderson/Polk/Transylvania: 11a.m.-3:30 p.m. March 2 at Tarheel Lanes (3275 Asheville Hwy.,
Hendersonville).
Buncombe: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. March 9 at Sky Lanes (1477 Patton Ave., Asheville).
Haywood/Madison: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. March 16 at Sky Lanes (1477 Patton Ave., Asheville).
Macon/Jackson/Swain/Graham: 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. March 16 at Galaxy Lanes (347 Jackson Plaza,
Sylva).
Cherokee: 9 a.m.-noon March 16 at UltraStar Multi-tainment Center at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino
Resort (777 Casino Drive, Murphy).
Burke: 9 a.m.-5:45 p.m. March 2 at Valdese Parks and Recreation Center (312 Massel Ave. SW,
Valdese).
Join us for the inaugural Adult Spelling Bee, a fundraiser for Smart Start Partnership for Children. Proceeds from this fun, community-building event will support Smart Start’s work to support, educate, and advocate to build a strong foundation for the young children in our community.
Your $50 Adult Spelling Bee Spectator Ticket will include:
- Heavy hors d’oeuvres by Everyday Gourmet
- One drink ticket for beer, wine or a non-alcoholic cocktail
- One vote for ‘Best Dressed Team’
- An entertaining showdown of Henderson County’s best adult spellers!
Learn about the basics of perennial and dahlia culture. What is a perennial and what makes them special in the garden? How can you get free plants from your current perennials? These questions and so much more will be covered. We will also have a demo on how to divide perennials. Presented by Isaac Wyatt, Agricultural Program Assistant with Henderson County Extension, will teach the basics of perennial and dahlia culture.
Fundraising concert supporting the mission of Greenville Jazz Collective. $60 ticket includes table seating and appetizers. Tickets sold at the door only if not already sold out.
Bowl for Kids’ Sake- The most fun you’ll have in rented shoes!
Bowl for Kids’ Sake is a fun, easy and a great way to help get kids matched to a mentor!
1. Create a Team: Teams are formed with 4-5 members. Create a team with family, friends, fraternity brothers, sorority sisters, co-workers, just whoever you can round up!
2. Raise money: Each bowler is asked to donate or raise a minimum of $50 in donations. Each team raises $250.
3. Join Us at the Bowling Alley: After you have secured your donations, it’s time to have fun! You’ll receive two games of bowling with shoe rental included and lunch for your team.
This year’s theme:
Our theme this year is Support Your Sport! If you are a veteran participator in Bowl for Kids’ Sake then you already know that we LOVE our costumes. Here’s your change to dress up in your favorite sports gear, team jersey, or sports hero. The possibilities are endless and we can’t wait to see the creativity of our bowlers!
Don’t miss out on your chance to win prizes for best costume!
It’s the most fun you’ll have in rented shoes.
That’s what Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina is saying about its annual Bowl For Kids’ Sake,
the youth-mentoring organization’s biggest annual fundraiser happening Saturdays in March.
This year BBBSWNC is holding its event from:
Henderson/Polk/Transylvania: 11a.m.-3:30 p.m. March 2 at Tarheel Lanes (3275 Asheville Hwy.,
Hendersonville).
Buncombe: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. March 9 at Sky Lanes (1477 Patton Ave., Asheville).
Haywood/Madison: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. March 16 at Sky Lanes (1477 Patton Ave., Asheville).
Macon/Jackson/Swain/Graham: 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. March 16 at Galaxy Lanes (347 Jackson Plaza,
Sylva).
Cherokee: 9 a.m.-noon March 16 at UltraStar Multi-tainment Center at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino
Resort (777 Casino Drive, Murphy).
Burke: 9 a.m.-5:45 p.m. March 2 at Valdese Parks and Recreation Center (312 Massel Ave. SW,
Valdese).
Dance Your Decade: Dance Party Supporting Reproductive Rights!
Join us March 9th at the Orange Peel for a good ole’ fashioned Dance Party with special guest DJ Molli Party!
Here’s how it works: You donate to help Julie break the supermajority and she’ll donate half of the proceeds from this event to Planned Parenthood!
Host Committee in Formation:
Senator Julie Mayfield
Nikki Harris
Katina Turner
Ellen Helms
Representative Lindsey Prather
Councilwoman Maggie Ullman
Commissioner Amanda Edwards
Hannah Cole
Melissa Booth
Anne Keller
Donna Clausen
Natalie Dorsey
Zoe Schumacher
Maryanne Rackoff
Kathie Kline
Linda Tatsapaugh
Anne Winter
Julie Harrison
Linda Cook
Jayne Abbot
Anne Callison Stokely
Bess Baird
David Joe Miller
Bernice Landis
Joanne Kalp
Steven Baumohl
Bob & Lynn Kieffer
Linda Cook
Linda Stover
Stacy Mullins
Dan & Melissa Jacobs