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.
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The Fiddle/Mando & Banjo Weeks Concert II on Tuesday, July 2 features the wide-ranging music of mandolin virtuoso Mike Marshall, classical mandolinist Caterina Lichtenberg, progressive bluegrass from mandolinists Emory Lester and John Reischman, and banjo player Bill Evans, Irish music & more from Andrew Finn Magill, Alan Murray and Liz Knowles, and old-time from the college’s own Natalya Weinstein.
All shows begin at 7:30 pm in the college’s Kittredge Theatre. Tickets are $35 per concert (during Old-Time Week, ticket price includes dances following concerts). Children under 12 are $17. Limited tickets are available for check or cash only in Asheville at Malaprops Bookstore, and in Black Mountain at Acoustic Corner.
Black Mountain Blues is more than a Music Festival – we are dedicated to honoring the deeply rooted history and influence of the Blues on Americana Music and U.S history. The Blues is a testament of the human condition expressed through raw truth. These emotions expressed range from injustice, heart-break, triumph and love. The Blues is a narrative of resilience and is the root of many popular genres of music such as R&B, Jazz, Hiphop and Rap.
The 2024 Black Mountain Blues experience is a collaborative effort between LEAF Global Art and White Horse Black Mountain – two non-profit organizations dedicated to connecting communities through music and culture-keeping initiatives. The Black Mountain Blues artist line-up showcases a carefully curated representation of Delta, Memphis, Chicago, Texas, Piedmont and Female Blues musicians who will take the stage across varies venues in downtown Black Mountain, NC.
Black Mountain Blues is more than a Music Festival – we are dedicated to honoring the deeply rooted history and influence of the Blues on Americana Music and U.S history. The Blues is a testament of the human condition expressed through raw truth. These emotions expressed range from injustice, heart-break, triumph and love. The Blues is a narrative of resilience and is the root of many popular genres of music such as R&B, Jazz, Hiphop and Rap.
The 2024 Black Mountain Blues experience is a collaborative effort between LEAF Global Art and White Horse Black Mountain – two non-profit organizations dedicated to connecting communities through music and culture-keeping initiatives. The Black Mountain Blues artist line-up showcases a carefully curated representation of Delta, Memphis, Chicago, Texas, Piedmont and Female Blues musicians who will take the stage across varies venues in downtown Black Mountain, NC.
Black Mountain Blues is more than a Music Festival – we are dedicated to honoring the deeply rooted history and influence of the Blues on Americana Music and U.S history. The Blues is a testament of the human condition expressed through raw truth. These emotions expressed range from injustice, heart-break, triumph and love. The Blues is a narrative of resilience and is the root of many popular genres of music such as R&B, Jazz, Hiphop and Rap.
The 2024 Black Mountain Blues experience is a collaborative effort between LEAF Global Art and White Horse Black Mountain – two non-profit organizations dedicated to connecting communities through music and culture-keeping initiatives. The Black Mountain Blues artist line-up showcases a carefully curated representation of Delta, Memphis, Chicago, Texas, Piedmont and Female Blues musicians who will take the stage across varies venues in downtown Black Mountain, NC.
Heritage Fire Asheville, the all-inclusive, walk-around tour, will feature a lineup of local chefs and artisans, each grilling globally inspired, heritage-breed proteins al fresco. An all-star cast of top chefs from Asheville and beyond will be on-site serving up delicious bites prepared over live fire. Participating talent include Jason Sweeney (Asheville Proper), Erica Glaubitz (Bun Intended), Benjamin Sullivan (Cranford Bros BBQ), Santiago Vargas (Mikasa Criolla), Jeff McInnis & Janine Booth (Root & Bone – Hendersonville), Michael Lewis (Ukiah Japanese Smokehouse), and more. In addition to one-of-a-kind live-fire culinary creations, Heritage Fire will feature entertainment, axe throwing, custom hats, and permanent jewelry. Free flowing cocktails, wine, brews, and beverages will be available. After tastings, tour goers will also have the chance to vote for the Heritage Hero champion.
SKYLARANNA first ever Jazz Festival! Join us for an unforgettable night of beautiful jazz music with 5 of the best local jazz bands in WNC! Local art vendors, featuring delicious food by Chef Bruce Bogartz of SKYLRANNA’S very own ELEVATIONS restaurant and cool off with drinks. and ice cream! Event is Saturday, July 20, 2024, from 4PM-5PM. Includes free on-site parking or complimentary shuttle to venue.
VIP tickets are available and includes meet & greet with all the bands, wine, beverages, and hors d’oeuvres all serves poolside and in the exclusive SKYLARANNA lounge.
This is the 3rd year of THE BIG SECRET Family Festival! We combine fantastic family friendly sets from your favorite AVL bands with improvisation, circus acts, and wonderfully strange performance art to make EVERYONE feel like a kid! And while we have fun, we raise funds for other kids in the area. In the first two years, THE BIG SECRET has raised $36,000 for local kids and families, and we’re going strong! This year, we’ve got EMPIRE STRIKES BRASS, THE FRITZ, 23 SKIDOO & THE SECRET AGENCY, THE DELTA HOUSE JAZZ BAND, circus acts curated by TOYBOX THEATRE, Cherokee storytelling by JOHN GRANT, and much more. All profits will go to DELTA HOUSE Afterschool Program and Bounty & Soul Free Food Program. The show is at PISGAH BREWING’s Outdoor Stage on SUNDAY, JULY 21, from Noon till Dark. Tickets are $23 in advance, $30 day of show, and kids under 3 get in FREE!
Standup Comedy featuring Sarah Love On Wednesday July 24, 7-9p we will be having another professional comedy open mic in The Orange Peel’s comedy basement. PULP is a bourbon speakeasy (400+ varieties) located under the iconic stage. No food is served but we do have free snacks while they last and outside food is permitted (no drinks of any kind). Featuring Sarah Love, also known as “Ingles Laura Lynn Sarah Silverman”, is a comedian from Asheville, North Carolina. She is wry yet kinetic. Provocative yet relatable. She can’t wait for you to see her.
Host is Hilliary Begley voted repeatedly Asheville’s Favorite comic in the Mountain Xpress. Film debut in the Netflix original Dumplin’ as Aunt Lucy, or “Jennifer Anniston’s fat sister,” and Austin Film Festival winning movie When We Last Spoke with Cloris Leachman, now streaming on Amazon Prime.
[Comedy Open Mic is 3-5m depending how many signup. Signup at door. See Hilliary at the show to get your time and lineup placement. We have a comedy table with exclusive snacks. No entry fee for performing comics.]
We are excited to announce that the 97th Mountain Dance and Folk Festival will be held August 1, 2, and 3, 2024 in the lovely Kittredge Theatre at Warren Wilson College due to the upcoming renovation of UNCA Lipinsky Auditorium.
Much appreciation to Ingles for their support of the very successful 96th Mountain Dance and Folk Festival
97th Mountain Dance and Folk Festival
Kittredge Theatre
Warren Wilson College
701 Warren Wilson Road
Swannanoa, N.C. 28778
August 1, 2, 3, 2024
Shows begin at 7 PM
Advance tickets: eventbrite.com after December 1, 2023
Prices to be as follows:
Adult: $20.00/advance, $25.00/at door; Students: $5.00/Advance, $10.00/at door; Children under 12: $5.00; Groups of 10 or more: $15.00 each/Advance, $20.00 each/at door; 3-night package $55.00/advance, $60.00 at door.
We are excited to announce that the 97th Mountain Dance and Folk Festival will be held August 1, 2, and 3, 2024 in the lovely Kittredge Theatre at Warren Wilson College due to the upcoming renovation of UNCA Lipinsky Auditorium.
Much appreciation to Ingles for their support of the very successful 96th Mountain Dance and Folk Festival
97th Mountain Dance and Folk Festival
Kittredge Theatre
Warren Wilson College
701 Warren Wilson Road
Swannanoa, N.C. 28778
August 1, 2, 3, 2024
Shows begin at 7 PM
Advance tickets: eventbrite.com after December 1, 2023
Prices to be as follows:
Adult: $20.00/advance, $25.00/at door; Students: $5.00/Advance, $10.00/at door; Children under 12: $5.00; Groups of 10 or more: $15.00 each/Advance, $20.00 each/at door; 3-night package $55.00/advance, $60.00 at door.
We are excited to announce that the 97th Mountain Dance and Folk Festival will be held August 1, 2, and 3, 2024 in the lovely Kittredge Theatre at Warren Wilson College due to the upcoming renovation of UNCA Lipinsky Auditorium.
Much appreciation to Ingles for their support of the very successful 96th Mountain Dance and Folk Festival
97th Mountain Dance and Folk Festival
Kittredge Theatre
Warren Wilson College
701 Warren Wilson Road
Swannanoa, N.C. 28778
August 1, 2, 3, 2024
Shows begin at 7 PM
Advance tickets: eventbrite.com after December 1, 2023
Prices to be as follows:
Adult: $20.00/advance, $25.00/at door; Students: $5.00/Advance, $10.00/at door; Children under 12: $5.00; Groups of 10 or more: $15.00 each/Advance, $20.00 each/at door; 3-night package $55.00/advance, $60.00 at door.
AVLFEST
WE’RE BACK!! Spotlighting Asheville’s diverse music and arts scene, AVLFest will once again fill area concert halls, clubs, and outdoor venues alike with an exceptional lineup of local, regional, and national talent featuring a multitude of artists and performers! Performance showcases are set to take place Thursday August 1 through Sunday August 4 with wristbands granting passholders entry to 20+ Asheville stages, discounts at numerous local retailers and restaurants, as well as presale access and discounts to various events surrounding AVLFest weekend. Many more details will be released shortly.
Once purchased, your festival pass will be exchanged for a festival wristband upon arrival. Proof of purchase and corresponding identification will be required at check-in.
Join us for a day of Music (Folk & Bluegrass), Storytellers, Dancing, Kids Activities, Food & Beverages!
Headlining is The Hillbilly Thomists, whose album hit #3 on Billboard’s bluegrass chart, as well as being in the top 20 of all albums on Amazon. Joining them will be The Resonant Rogues & Stranger and Pilgram.
Check out the registration page for samples of the bands, as well as ticketing options.
Come on out & enjoy yourself on a summer Sunday afternoon & evening! Bring the family!
The Asheville Comedy Festival presents comedian, actor, and writer Tom Segura, one of the biggest names in the comedy business. He recently toured the world with more than 300 shows on his “I’m Coming Everywhere” tour. He is best known for his Netflix specials “Ball Hog” (2020), “Disgraceful” (2018), “Mostly Stories” (2016), and “Completely Normal” (2014). His fifth Netflix special “Sledgehammer,” was released in July 2023 and debuted at No. 1 on the
streamer. In July 2022, Segura released his New York Times Bestselling book, “I’d Like to Play Alone, Please,” to wide praise with Forbes calling it “laugh-out-loud funny.” Paste Magazine described him as, “… having a natural and capable storytelling ability, one that lifts his narratives out of average anecdote fare and plants them firmly in
hilarious ground.”
Segura’s, Your Mom’s House (YMH) Studios is home to his hit podcasts “Your Mom’s House,” which he co-hosts with his wife, comedian Christina Pazsitzky, “2 Bears, 1 Cave,” which he co-hosts with Bert Kreischer, and many more podcasts that draw millions of listeners each week. Additionally, YMH Studios was one of the first networks
to create wildly successful Livestream Podcast Events as an outcome of the pandemic.
Segura will open the annual festival as the headlining act on August 7th, 2024, at the ExploreAsheville.com Arena. The laughter-inducing extravaganza kicks off at 7:30 PM, promising an evening of unforgettable comedy.
The Asheville Comedy Festival, renowned for showcasing the nation’s fastest-rising stars in comedy, will run from August 7th to 10th, featuring multiple shows that spotlight over 30 of the country’s most promising comedic talents.
Known for his sharp wit, irreverent humor, and smooth stage presence, TOM SEGURA has solidified his status as a comedy superstar. His unique perspective and fearless approach to comedy have earned him a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim.
Standup Comedy featuring Cayla Clark On Wednesday August 15, 7-9p we will be having another professional comedy open mic in The Orange Peel’s comedy basement. PULP is a bourbon speakeasy (400+ varieties) located under the iconic stage. No food is served but we do have free snacks while they last and outside food is permitted (no drinks of any kind).
$15 tickets available at door at The Orange Peel’s websiteFeature Cayla Clark is an Asheville-based playwright, comedian, creator, and producer. While she is still new to the world of stand-up comedy, she has enjoyed exploring various other forms of comedy over the years, including sketch comedy, improv, and more. Since moving to Asheville, Cayla has had the opportunity to produce and host local comedic dating shows like Blind Date Live and Bad Date Mic. You can check out her hilarious Asheville centric comedy videos on instagram at @blinddateliveavlHost is Hilliary Begley voted repeatedly Asheville’s Favorite comic in the Mountain Xpress. Film debut in the Netflix original Dumplin’ as Aunt Lucy, or “Jennifer Anniston’s fat sister,” and Austin Film Festival winning movie When We Last Spoke with Cloris Leachman, now streaming on Amazon Prime.[Comedy Open Mic is 3-5m depending how many signup. Signup at door. See Hilliary at the show to get your time and lineup placement. We have a comedy table with exclusive snacks. No entry fee for performing comics.]
Sunday August 18 at 6:30p is another great comedy show at Asheville Pizza in Theatre 2, get your dinner , drinks & laughs with a comedy open mic & and comedian Jason Webb, Art Sturtevant, Jordan Julius and other Professional featured performers in a fun environment.. Hosted by Zandra Johnson!
Hendersonville Theatre premiers its first One Act Play Festival of short plays, featuring a variety of different stories from regional and national playwrights, local directors, and incredible performers.
The process began with an open call for plays. A team of readers poured through hundreds of submissions to select a group of outstanding plays. The result? A weekend-long extravaganza to bring a kaleidoscope of new and exciting world premiers to Hendersonville!
Hendersonville Theatre’s One Act Play Festival presents plays by established and emerging writers. Divided into two shows, Sections A and B are a multiple series of short plays, performed in rotation. One-act plays provide a condensed yet impactful theatrical experience, allowing for concise and focused storytelling that can captivate the audience’s attention from start to finish. This format often demands precision and intensity from the performers, leading to powerful performances that resonate deeply with viewers.
Additionally, Hendersonville Theatre’s One Act Play Festival serves as a unique platform for artists to showcase their skills and creativity. A one-act play offers the opportunity to demonstrate versatility in acting, directing, and technical execution within a limited timeframe. This challenge can foster growth and development among participants, pushing them to explore innovative approaches to storytelling and staging.
Furthermore, the festival environment itself fosters a vibrant exchange of ideas and a sense of community among theater enthusiasts. Presenting a one-act play at the festival allows performers and crews to connect with peers, receive constructive feedback from experienced professionals, and immerse themselves in a supportive network of fellow theater aficionados. This experience can prove invaluable for honing skills, gaining exposure, and broadening one’s perspective on the craft of theater.
Swain County Agricultural Fair’s 2nd Annual “Battle of the Bands,” is a four-hour music contest set to take place on Saturday, August 24th beginning at 11:30 a.m. The Battle of the Bands will feature six bands who are finalists competing for prize money.
Does your band have what it takes? We are currently accepting entries for the top 6 finalists to compete. Entry deadline is July 31, 2024. Music genres include: Bluegrass, Gospel, Country, Americana, and Southern Rock.
Top 3 bands will be awarded prize money: First Place – $1,500; Second Place – $1,000; and Third Place – $500
Hendersonville Theatre premiers its first One Act Play Festival of short plays, featuring a variety of different stories from regional and national playwrights, local directors, and incredible performers.
The process began with an open call for plays. A team of readers poured through hundreds of submissions to select a group of outstanding plays. The result? A weekend-long extravaganza to bring a kaleidoscope of new and exciting world premiers to Hendersonville!
Hendersonville Theatre’s One Act Play Festival presents plays by established and emerging writers. Divided into two shows, Sections A and B are a multiple series of short plays, performed in rotation. One-act plays provide a condensed yet impactful theatrical experience, allowing for concise and focused storytelling that can captivate the audience’s attention from start to finish. This format often demands precision and intensity from the performers, leading to powerful performances that resonate deeply with viewers.
Additionally, Hendersonville Theatre’s One Act Play Festival serves as a unique platform for artists to showcase their skills and creativity. A one-act play offers the opportunity to demonstrate versatility in acting, directing, and technical execution within a limited timeframe. This challenge can foster growth and development among participants, pushing them to explore innovative approaches to storytelling and staging.
Furthermore, the festival environment itself fosters a vibrant exchange of ideas and a sense of community among theater enthusiasts. Presenting a one-act play at the festival allows performers and crews to connect with peers, receive constructive feedback from experienced professionals, and immerse themselves in a supportive network of fellow theater aficionados. This experience can prove invaluable for honing skills, gaining exposure, and broadening one’s perspective on the craft of theater.
For its first big community event, Phoenix Fire Coffee is hosting Phoenix Festival – a fundraising event and small business expo showcasing local artists, food trucks, and live music. The event will be at The Outpost near Carrier Park on August 2liv4th. Food and vendors open from 4pm to 9pm. Music goes until 11pm. We hope to use this event to raise money for our grand opening while simultaneously uplifting small businesses and fostering a sense of community.
Admission is free, but a donation of $5 or more would be greatly appreciated.
Hendersonville Theatre premiers its first One Act Play Festival of short plays, featuring a variety of different stories from regional and national playwrights, local directors, and incredible performers.
The process began with an open call for plays. A team of readers poured through hundreds of submissions to select a group of outstanding plays. The result? A weekend-long extravaganza to bring a kaleidoscope of new and exciting world premiers to Hendersonville!
Hendersonville Theatre’s One Act Play Festival presents plays by established and emerging writers. Divided into two shows, Sections A and B are a multiple series of short plays, performed in rotation. One-act plays provide a condensed yet impactful theatrical experience, allowing for concise and focused storytelling that can captivate the audience’s attention from start to finish. This format often demands precision and intensity from the performers, leading to powerful performances that resonate deeply with viewers.
Additionally, Hendersonville Theatre’s One Act Play Festival serves as a unique platform for artists to showcase their skills and creativity. A one-act play offers the opportunity to demonstrate versatility in acting, directing, and technical execution within a limited timeframe. This challenge can foster growth and development among participants, pushing them to explore innovative approaches to storytelling and staging.
Furthermore, the festival environment itself fosters a vibrant exchange of ideas and a sense of community among theater enthusiasts. Presenting a one-act play at the festival allows performers and crews to connect with peers, receive constructive feedback from experienced professionals, and immerse themselves in a supportive network of fellow theater aficionados. This experience can prove invaluable for honing skills, gaining exposure, and broadening one’s perspective on the craft of theater.
Hendersonville Theatre premiers its first One Act Play Festival of short plays, featuring a variety of different stories from regional and national playwrights, local directors, and incredible performers.
The process began with an open call for plays. A team of readers poured through hundreds of submissions to select a group of outstanding plays. The result? A weekend-long extravaganza to bring a kaleidoscope of new and exciting world premiers to Hendersonville!
Hendersonville Theatre’s One Act Play Festival presents plays by established and emerging writers. Divided into two shows, Sections A and B are a multiple series of short plays, performed in rotation. One-act plays provide a condensed yet impactful theatrical experience, allowing for concise and focused storytelling that can captivate the audience’s attention from start to finish. This format often demands precision and intensity from the performers, leading to powerful performances that resonate deeply with viewers.
Additionally, Hendersonville Theatre’s One Act Play Festival serves as a unique platform for artists to showcase their skills and creativity. A one-act play offers the opportunity to demonstrate versatility in acting, directing, and technical execution within a limited timeframe. This challenge can foster growth and development among participants, pushing them to explore innovative approaches to storytelling and staging.
Furthermore, the festival environment itself fosters a vibrant exchange of ideas and a sense of community among theater enthusiasts. Presenting a one-act play at the festival allows performers and crews to connect with peers, receive constructive feedback from experienced professionals, and immerse themselves in a supportive network of fellow theater aficionados. This experience can prove invaluable for honing skills, gaining exposure, and broadening one’s perspective on the craft of theater.
2024 ESMF https://earlscruggsmusicfest.com/ Aug 30 – Sep 1, 2024 (Hours vary by day)
General Admission – $175
● Access to festival grounds, workshops, onsite activities, and secondary stage
● Children under age 12 are free with a paying adult
● Access to the floor of the International Arena at Flint Hill Stage
● May bring blankets or chairs for seating – limitations apply, see FAQs
Grandstand – $250
● Access to festival grounds, workshops, onsite activities, and secondary stage
● Access to the floor of the International Arena at Flint Hill Stage
● Children 3 and under are free with a paying adult
● Access to covered seating and concessions, including bars and washrooms, in the Grandstand
Scruggs Patron VIP – $450
● Access to festival grounds, workshops, onsite activities, and secondary stage
● Plus, access to designated VIP area on the International Arena floor
● Children 3 and under are free with a paying adult
● Includes dinner (deli sandwiches, chips, cookies, snacks), Two hour happy hour each day with access to a private bar, and washrooms on the second floor of the International Arena
● Exclusive ESMF merchandise item
● VIP Benefits apply only to the Flint Hill Stage (main)
Ridge VIP – $650
● Access to festival grounds, workshops, onsite activities, and secondary stage
● Plus, access to designated VIP area on the International Arena floor
● Children 3 and under are free with a paying adult
● Includes gourmet food service with tables and waiters on the third floor of International Arena, with balcony seating overlooking the Arena
● Private bars and washrooms in the Ridge VIP area
● Exclusive ESMF merchandise item
● VIP Benefits apply only to the Flint Hill Stage (main)
Bluegrass Cabana – $5,000
● Access for 8 to festival grounds, workshops, onsite activities, and secondary stage
● Private cabana on the floor of the International Arena, Includes private bar and food service
● Access to private washrooms
● Children 3 and under are free with a paying adult
● VIP Benefits apply only to the Flint Hill Stage (main)