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 28, 2024
RANGER
Jun 28 @ 7:00 pm
Gunter Theatre

RANGER is a true tale of war seen through the lens of a Special Operations soldier, Sgt. David Waterhouse, in Iraq and Afghanistan. This first-hand account documents the brutality of combat and the raw nature of killing and death. It’s a journey of innocence lost, and the scars of war etched into the minds of service members. An untold account everyone should hear.

The Ranger Creed states that, “I accept the fact that as a Ranger my country expects me to move further, faster and fight harder than other soldier.”

After the release of RANGER, Further Faster Harder Foundation was created to give veterans a platform to tell their stories and find their purpose and voice again through documentaries, books, art, podcasts, and many other avenues.

Friday, June 28th marks the 19-year anniversary of the largest loss of Special Operations life since the Vietnam War. This event honors the memories of the 19 men who paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

We want to welcome everyone to join us in our First Charity Screening and Silent Auction to help give Voices to Vets.

Monday, July 8, 2024
“Music Movie Mondays” :THIS IS SPINAL TAP
Jul 8 @ 7:00 pm
Grail Movie House

“These go to eleven.” “It’s such a fine line between stupid
and clever.” “None more black.”
Those and countless other quotes from the 1984
“mockumentary” This is Spin̈al Tap have long since entered
popular culture. The misadventures of Britain’s Loudest
Band™ were chronicled by director Marty DiBergi (Rob
Reiner) in the uproarious cult classic. The fictitious heavy
metal group featured Nigel Tufnel (Christopher Guest),
David St. Hubbins (Michael McKean) and Derek Smalls
(Harry Shearer). The hapless musicians endure countless hilarious misadventures in the classic
film. This is Spin̈al Tap was a critical smash and an extremely influential motion picture. A sequel
is set for release next year.
Sure, interested parties can view This is Spinal Tap at home. But some movies were designed to
be enjoyed as part of an engaged audience. And this film is most definitely one of those. And the
film has been out of theatrical circulation for years, so opportunities are few. Described as
“culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant” by the Library of Congress and was selected for
preservation in the United States National Film Registry. But the main thing is that it’s really, really
funny and on-target.
Don’t miss this fun and rare opportunity. Black t-shirt optional.
As part of the Music Movie Mondays series, Grail Moviehouse in Asheville hosts a special one-
night-only showing of the film. Presented by Asheville-based speaker, author, music journalist (and
hardcore Spinal Tap fan) Bill Kopp, the evening will include a screening of the
film followed by an interactive discussion.

“Going to the movies has always been a kind of
communal experience,” says Kopp, host of Music
Movie Mondays. “Especially in this post-lockdown
era, the opportunity to not only watch a film but then
to discuss it with others is something even more
special. And music-related films lend themselves remarkably well to this
shared, interactive experience.”
Music Movie Mondays is a monthly series moderated by Bill Kopp, hosted by Grail Movie House
and sponsored by AshevilleFM. Music Movie Mondays presents a special screening of This is
Spinal Tap on Monday, July 8 @ 7 pm. The program will feature a brief introduction. Then we’ll
watch the film together; afterward, we’ll engage in a moderated discussion.
The one-night-only screening of This is Spinal Tap is the latest in the ongoing popular series of
Music Movie Mondays at Grail Moviehouse. Every month, we’ll watch and discuss new releases,
classics and cult favorites.

Friday, July 12, 2024
Movies in the Park: Free Family Films
Jul 12 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Pack Square Park

Movies in the Park returns with free family favorite films projected on a massive outdoor screen in Pack Square Park just after dusk on the second Friday of the month! Community members are invited to bring blankets and lawn chairs to the beloved summer tradition produced by Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) and sponsored by Au Pair in America.

The APR Rec n Roll Play Zone opens about an hour before showtime with games, music, and other activities for kids and teens, as well as themed giveaways while supplies last.

.:. Movies in the Park 2024 Lineup .:.
🎩 May 10, begins around 8:25pm – Wonka – Kids receive free bottles of bubbles
🕶 June 14, begins around 8:45pm – Barbie – Kids snag free pink and black sunglasses with UV400 lenses providing 100% UVA and UVB protection
🦝 July 12, begins around 8:45pm – Guardians of the Galaxy – Kids get free Recycling Raccoon coloring books
🤠 August 9, begins around 8:25pm – Toy Story – Kids receive unique rubber duck toys that change color in water
.:. Make a Plan .:.

🌜 All movies begin after dusk in Pack Square Park on 80 Court Plaza in downtown Asheville. Approximate showtimes listed above, but plan to arrive at least 15 minutes prior.
🥰 Bring blankets and folding chairs for comfort.
🎨 APR Rec n Roll Play Zone activities start approximately an hour before showtime.
👛 Bring money for treats from local vendors Kona Ice of Asheville and Kernel Mike’s World Famous Kettle Corn.
🌮 Food truck and food tent spaces available for vendors who sell more substantial food like pizza, sandwiches, and other entrees. Please contact Calvin Owens at [email protected] or (828) 747-1347 for more info.
🚲 Parking is free in marked spaces on city streets and in city-owned lots on Marjorie and Valley streets after 6pm, so there’s no need to feed the meter.
🚫 Pets, smoking, and alcohol prohibited.
🥳 Have fun! Dress up as your favorite characters, invite friends, and celebrate cool summer nights. Be sure to tag APR on Instagram and Facebook.
⛈ Outdoor events may be impacted by summer weather. Follow APR on Instagram and Facebook for cancellation announcements.

Friday, August 9, 2024
Movies in the Park: Free Family Films
Aug 9 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Pack Square Park

Movies in the Park returns with free family favorite films projected on a massive outdoor screen in Pack Square Park just after dusk on the second Friday of the month! Community members are invited to bring blankets and lawn chairs to the beloved summer tradition produced by Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) and sponsored by Au Pair in America.

The APR Rec n Roll Play Zone opens about an hour before showtime with games, music, and other activities for kids and teens, as well as themed giveaways while supplies last.

.:. Movies in the Park 2024 Lineup .:.
🎩 May 10, begins around 8:25pm – Wonka – Kids receive free bottles of bubbles
🕶 June 14, begins around 8:45pm – Barbie – Kids snag free pink and black sunglasses with UV400 lenses providing 100% UVA and UVB protection
🦝 July 12, begins around 8:45pm – Guardians of the Galaxy – Kids get free Recycling Raccoon coloring books
🤠 August 9, begins around 8:25pm – Toy Story – Kids receive unique rubber duck toys that change color in water
.:. Make a Plan .:.

🌜 All movies begin after dusk in Pack Square Park on 80 Court Plaza in downtown Asheville. Approximate showtimes listed above, but plan to arrive at least 15 minutes prior.
🥰 Bring blankets and folding chairs for comfort.
🎨 APR Rec n Roll Play Zone activities start approximately an hour before showtime.
👛 Bring money for treats from local vendors Kona Ice of Asheville and Kernel Mike’s World Famous Kettle Corn.
🌮 Food truck and food tent spaces available for vendors who sell more substantial food like pizza, sandwiches, and other entrees. Please contact Calvin Owens at [email protected] or (828) 747-1347 for more info.
🚲 Parking is free in marked spaces on city streets and in city-owned lots on Marjorie and Valley streets after 6pm, so there’s no need to feed the meter.
🚫 Pets, smoking, and alcohol prohibited.
🥳 Have fun! Dress up as your favorite characters, invite friends, and celebrate cool summer nights. Be sure to tag APR on Instagram and Facebook.
⛈ Outdoor events may be impacted by summer weather. Follow APR on Instagram and Facebook for cancellation announcements.

Friday, September 27, 2024
The Boys in the Boat: Book discussion and Film
Sep 27 @ 4:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Swannanoa Library

If you missed the critically-acclaimed 2023 movie The Boys in the Boat when it was at the theaters, now is your chance. The Swannanoa Library will host a brief discussion of the book by the same name (written by Daniel James Brown), followed by a free screening of the movie on Thursday, June 27, from 4-6:30 p.m.

Set against a fascinating historic backdrop, The Boys in the Boat tells the true story of the University of Washington rowing team and their inspiring quest to compete for gold at the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin. The Swannanoa Library is located at 101 West Charleston Ave. For more info, call the library at 828-250-6486.

Monday, October 7, 2024
OUR PLANET LIVE: LIFE ON OUR PLANET
Oct 7 @ 6:30 pm
Peace Concert Hall

Four billion years. Millions of species. Five mass extinction events (and counting, but more on that later). It’s the story of Life on Our Planet, a stunning new series chronicling the ongoing rise and fall of lives on Earth, from the cataclysmic events that reshape our ecosystems to the creatures that survived (or didn’t) along the way. Because life always finds a way — but as this eight-part epic journey proves, the road from single-celled life-form to the biodiversity we know today was anything but drama free.

About Keith Scholey
Keith Scholey is the series producer for Netflix’s Our Planet and Director of the cinema film David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet. Born and raised in East Africa, he qualified as a Zoologist with both a degree and PhD from Bristol University. He began working with the BBC Natural History Unit as a Researcher and subsequently became a producer making many films for the Natural World and Wildlife on One series as well as for special series including David Attenborough’s award winning The Private Life of Plants. As Head and Editor-in-chief of the BBC Natural History Unit, he oversaw series including David Attenborough’s Life of Birds and The Life of MammalsBlue PlanetAndes to AmazonCousins and Wild Africa. A veteran producer, editor and director of the natural history world, he left his job as Controller of Factual Production, responsible for all BBC ‘in house’ Factual content to join Silverback Films and continue the mission and aim of making content that makes a difference. Awards for productions he has been responsible for include Emmys, Baftas, RTS’s, Wildscreen pandas and Jackson Hole Awards. He was awarded a Doctor of Science degree from the University of Bristol.

Thursday, December 5, 2024
Holiday Fair & Kringle Village
Dec 5 @ 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Greenville Convention Center

Enjoy a uniquely elevated holiday experience created by the partnership of Greenville Convention Center’s Annual Holiday Fair and Rotary Club of Greenville’s Kringle Holiday Village.

Holiday Fair & Kringle Village will delight locals and draw visitors to the Upstate for three days of holiday fun December 5-7, 2024, at the Greenville Convention Center.

Greenville Convention Center will transform into a Winter Wonderland featuring a massive vendor market, roving performers, a European Bier Garden, the North Pole children’s play area, Santa’s Workshop, The Enchanted Tea Party, Little Miss Kringle Pageant, holiday movie night, snowball fights, main stage entertainment, the Grand Carousel, visits with Santa and more!

Friday, December 6, 2024
Holiday Fair & Kringle Village
Dec 6 @ 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Greenville Convention Center

Enjoy a uniquely elevated holiday experience created by the partnership of Greenville Convention Center’s Annual Holiday Fair and Rotary Club of Greenville’s Kringle Holiday Village.

Holiday Fair & Kringle Village will delight locals and draw visitors to the Upstate for three days of holiday fun December 5-7, 2024, at the Greenville Convention Center.

Greenville Convention Center will transform into a Winter Wonderland featuring a massive vendor market, roving performers, a European Bier Garden, the North Pole children’s play area, Santa’s Workshop, The Enchanted Tea Party, Little Miss Kringle Pageant, holiday movie night, snowball fights, main stage entertainment, the Grand Carousel, visits with Santa and more!

Friday, January 3, 2025
Foreign Film Fridays
Jan 3 @ 7:00 pm
Flood Gallery

Every Friday we’ll be having a cozy movie night in the gallery featuring some amazing foreign films curated by our very own film-buff Carlos Steward!

The movie starts at 7PM sharp; B.Y.O. snacks/drinks!

Thursday, January 30, 2025
No Man’s Land Film Festival coming to French Broad River Academy
Jan 30 @ 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
French Broad River Academy-North Campus

French Broad River Academy (FBRA) invites you to a screening of the No Man’s Land Film Festival (NMLFF), a curated selection of adventure-based short films that celebrate the power, strength, and determination of women in the great outdoors. The films highlight inspiring stories of female adventurers from around the world, and are tailored for student and family viewing. The event is open to the public.

The evening starts at 5:30 pm with a panel discussion by Asheville-area community outdoor adventure enthusiasts, followed by screening of the short films at 6 p.m. Doors open at 5 p.m.

Tickets are $15 per person, available for purchase in advance at https://www.fbra-avl.org/no-mans-land/ or at the door. All proceeds from ticket sales benefit FBRA and the school’s outdoor programming for students.

ABOUT NMLFF: Founded in 2015 in response to the lack of women-representation in the broader outdoor media, the No Man’s Land Film Festival (NMLFF) has grown to become the premier adventure film festival for women and gender non-conforming athletes, storytellers, and filmmakers. Learn more: https://nomanslandfilmfestival.org/

ABOUT FBRA: French Broad River Academy (FBRA) is an independent middle school (grades 6-8) in Asheville, NC, with dual riverfront programs for boys and girls. We integrate rigorous academics with outdoor adventure, service learning, and international travel to help our students become confident, compassionate leaders, ready to take on the world. Learn more about FBRA: fbra-avl.org

Sunday, March 16, 2025
2025 Banff Film Festival: QUARTZITE
Mar 16 @ 1:00 pm
Brevard Music Center
The Brevard College Wilderness Leadership and Experiential Education (WLEE) program is excited to host the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour on the Brevard College campus at the Paul Porter Center for Performing Arts. Proceeds go to the Brevard College Outing Club and other WLEE initiatives.