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, May 10, 2024
FEAST: School Garden Plant Sales
May 10 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Lucy S. Herring Elementary School
Please plan to support our FEAST program and long-term food security through edible education by buying your spring plants at one of these upcoming plant sales!
We empower youth and families to grow, prepare, and enjoy fruits and vegetables through hands-on cooking and garden education. 

FEAST classes focus on:

  • Problem-solving, communication, and teamwork.
  • Increasing fresh, locally grown produce in everyday living.
  • Gaining confidence by exploring different ways to grow and prepare fresh produce.
  • Creating and changing recipes and substituting ingredients.
  • Learning how food and the environment affects the brain and body.
  • Connecting to Core Curriculum and Essential Standards in math, reading, writing, science, health, and nutrition.
SCHOOL BASED PROGRAMS
FEAST: School Garden Plant Sales
May 10 @ 2:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Isaac Dickson Elementary School
Please plan to support our FEAST program and long-term food security through edible education by buying your spring plants at one of these upcoming plant sales!
We empower youth and families to grow, prepare, and enjoy fruits and vegetables through hands-on cooking and garden education. 

FEAST classes focus on:

  • Problem-solving, communication, and teamwork.
  • Increasing fresh, locally grown produce in everyday living.
  • Gaining confidence by exploring different ways to grow and prepare fresh produce.
  • Creating and changing recipes and substituting ingredients.
  • Learning how food and the environment affects the brain and body.
  • Connecting to Core Curriculum and Essential Standards in math, reading, writing, science, health, and nutrition.
SCHOOL BASED PROGRAMS
Wednesday, May 15, 2024
Kids Deserve Justice RESCHEDULED May 21
May 15 @ 4:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Rabbit Rabbit

Make a difference in the lives of local children! Join Pisgah Legal Services at Rabbit Rabbit in downtown Asheville for an evening of live music, featuring Jane Kramer and the band Rooster. Take part in family-friendly fun, a silent auction and more at this outdoor event for all ages. By participating, you contribute to our Children’s Law Program which provides crucial support to kids in our communities.

Pisgah Legal Services is a nonprofit providing free civil legal aid, anti-poverty advocacy, and access to health care to people with low incomes in Western North Carolina. Kids Deserve Justice supports our Children’s Law Program, which helps disadvantaged children avoid unsafe housing conditions and homelessness, access essential services such as medical care, and escape abuse. Legal intervention can stop an immediate crisis and improve local children’s long-term futures.

In 2023, we served over 23,000 people—more than 7,000 of them children—across the WNC mountain region.

Tickets are $25/person in advance, $30 at the door. Kids age 12 and under get in FREE. Tickets include event admission and 1 complimentary drink ticket.

Sunday, May 19, 2024
Flat Rock Backpack Program: Empty Bowls Benefit
May 19 @ 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Episcopal Church of St. John in the Wilderness

 

Local ceramic artists will once again fire up their kilns for the seventh
year to help hungry children in the greater Flat Rock area.
Advance tickets are recommended for the two seatings: 12:00pm-2:00pm and 4:00pm-
6:00pm. Each ticket includes one hand-crafted bowl donated by area potters, a soup-based
meal, with soups and breads donated by local restaurants and bakers, plus homemade cookies
baked by church members. For those wishing to eat at home, take-away is an available
option.
Tickets are $30 per person or $50 for a family of two adults and children under 12. Tickets
are available for purchase online at www.stjohnflatrock.org/empty-bowls.
Please join us for this fun community event. Donations are gratefully accepted throughout the
year. The Flat Rock Backpack Program has 501c-3 status. 100% of the money collected goes
to feeding at least 150 children in eight schools every weekend.
“The Backpack Team is so very appreciative of the support from the potters, the food
providers, and the community, who make this such a successful event,” said Debby Staton,
Flat Rock Backpack Program Coordinator.
The Parish Hall is located across the street from the church at 1905 Greenville Highway. For
more information write to [email protected] or visit www.stjohnflatrock.org.

Flat Rock Backpack Program: Empty Bowls Benefit
May 19 @ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Episcopal Church of St. John in the Wilderness

7th Annual Empty Bowls
Supporting the Flat Rock Backpack Program

Sunday, May 19, 2024
Two Seating Windows: 12:00-2:00pm | 4:00-6:00pm

Local ceramic artists will once again fire up their kilns for the 7th year to help hungry children in the greater Flat Rock area. On Sunday, May 19, Empty Bowls, a community meal benefiting the Flat Rock Backpack Program, will take place inside the Parish Hall at the Episcopal Church of St. John in the Wilderness.

Advanced tickets are strongly recommended for the two seatings: 12:00pm-2:00pm and 4:00pm-6:00pm. Attendees of the event may come any time

NEW EMPTY BOWLS PHOTO_reduced size.png

during their seating window. Each ticket includes one hand-crafted bowl (all donated by area potters) and a soup-based meal (a variety of soups, breads, and homemade cookies). For those wishing to eat at home, take-away is an available option.

Tickets are $30 per person or $50 for a family of two adults and children under 12. Limited tickets may be available at the door on the day of the event.

The Parish Hall is located across the street from the church building, at 1905 Greenville Highway. For more information, write to [email protected].

Tuesday, May 21, 2024
Kids Deserve Justice RESCHEDULED May 21
May 21 @ 4:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Rabbit Rabbit

Make a difference in the lives of local children! Join Pisgah Legal Services at Rabbit Rabbit in downtown Asheville for an evening of live music, featuring Jane Kramer and the band Rooster. Take part in family-friendly fun, a silent auction and more at this outdoor event for all ages. By participating, you contribute to our Children’s Law Program which provides crucial support to kids in our communities.

Pisgah Legal Services is a nonprofit providing free civil legal aid, anti-poverty advocacy, and access to health care to people with low incomes in Western North Carolina. Kids Deserve Justice supports our Children’s Law Program, which helps disadvantaged children avoid unsafe housing conditions and homelessness, access essential services such as medical care, and escape abuse. Legal intervention can stop an immediate crisis and improve local children’s long-term futures.

In 2023, we served over 23,000 people—more than 7,000 of them children—across the WNC mountain region.

Tickets are $25/person in advance, $30 at the door. Kids age 12 and under get in FREE. Tickets include event admission and 1 complimentary drink ticket.

Wednesday, May 22, 2024
Voodoo-It for Charity: Pint Night with Beer for Boobs
May 22 @ 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Voodoo Brewing Co. - Asheville

Voodoo Brewing Co. – Asheville

Support Beer for Boobs and breast cancer research and the American Cancer Society at Voodoo! Buy a beer for $10, keep the Beer for Boobs glass and $5 for each pour will be donated back to Beer for Boobs. May 22, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Thursday, May 23, 2024
ASHEVILLE MUSIC SCHOOL PRESENTS: DIRTY LOGIC–BENEFIT CONCERT
May 23 @ 6:00 pm
Salvage Station

Asheville Music School Presents: Sound Effects Benefit Concert with music by Dirty Logic and Minør! This is an all-ages event, and kids 7 and under get in FREE!

Now in its tenth year, Sound Effects is Asheville Music School’s primary fundraising event. This year, we are bringing the country’s premier Steely Dan Tribute Band, Dirty Logic to the outdoor stage at Salvage Station. AMS band Minør opens the show.

Our goal is to raise $35,000 to support AMS operations and the Paul Thorpe Music Education Fund, which funds the scholarship and outreach programs.

Asheville Music School (AMS) is strengthening communities through music education and outreach, while sustaining teachers and musicians in a vibrant music culture. Its 35+ music educators conduct private lessons in a wide variety of music styles and instruments for students of all ages and abilities. AMS also offers ensemble classes, summer camps, group classes, master classes and workshops in a supportive family-friendly environment.

Since its inception as a nonprofit, AMS has awarded more than $100,000 in need-based scholarships to those unable to afford private music lessons. All proceeds from this event will be used to help AMS continue and expand its free performances and group music classes for underserved communities, veterans, seniors, the homeless, people in recovery and those living with disabilities through its Sound Education outreach program.

ABOUT DIRTY LOGIC:

Composed of an all-star line-up of some of Asheville, NC’s best musicians, Dirty Logic works hard to create a show that both honors the exceptional music of Steely Dan and showcases the incredible skill and unique musical voice of each of the band’s members. This 11-piece powerhouse delivers the experience that true Steely Dan fans recognize as authentic passion for the music, skillfully and joyfully recreated. The collective shares the idea that: “playing this music the way that it should be played” means bringing together musicians who are masterful in their craft and who also share a deep love and sense of reverence for the music and musicians of Steely Dan.

While fans can expect to hear accurate renditions of the studio recordings and solos they know and love, the band also incorporates some funkier, re-harmonized arrangements found in Steely Dan’s live performances. Their knack for authentically recreating the band’s catalog and a healthy dose of high-energy improvisation ensures that each show is a refreshing musical experience. Their songbook includes tracks from Aja, Gaucho, The Royal Scam, Pretzel Logic, Can’t Buy A Thrill, Countdown to Ecstasy, Katy Lied, and the FM soundtrack.

Monday, May 27, 2024
Run for Life Memorial Day 5K and Fun Run
May 27 @ 8:00 am
Bill Moore Community (Fletcher) Park

Join us for this Memorial Day 5K Run for Life event to remember those who gave their all for our country and to help support Open Arms Pregnancy Center. This will be a run/walk-timed event to be held at Bill Moore Community Park in Fletcher (AKA: “Fletcher Park”) located at 85 Howard Gap Road, Fletcher, NC US 28732 on Memorial Day, Monday, May 27th with a start time of 8:00 AM. A Fun Run will start at 9:00 AM.
Runners should register by April 20th to secure a T-shirt for the race.
Sign up at https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/Fletcher/Run4for5k
Those interested in sponsoring the event should contact Open Arms Pregnancy Center to learn more. (Marlies Zerressen at [email protected] or call 828.676.4510)
Open Arms provides a safe place for women facing unplanned pregnancies, those
needing material goods for their baby, or those who need emotional support. We serve
each mom throughout her pregnancy and continue supporting her and the baby to 18 months of age. All services are free and confidential.

Thursday, May 30, 2024
Cultivated Community Dining Series
May 30 @ 6:00 pm
Cultura

This month’s Cultivated Community Dinner Series, in partnership with Olivette Farm, features Chef Eric Morris & benefits Feed AVL.

Please communicate any dietary restrictions or allergies at least 72 hours in advance. We cannot guarantee accommodations without notice. For more information on Feed AVL, you can visit feedashevillewest.com and to learn about Olivette Farm, you might explore their connection with the community via olivettefarm.com.

About

Spring unfolds its bounty at Olivette Farm, and Cultura’s table is set amidst the bloom. This April, join us under the stars and amongst the fields where our food roots. Cultura’s own Executive Chef Eric Morris will illuminate the night with a menu drawn from the earth and crafted with care. In partnership with Feed AVL, we celebrate the power of community and local sustenance. Feed AVL’s mission resonates with our own — nourishing the bonds between land, produce, and people. With every dish, we pay homage to their efforts to provide free, fresh, locally sourced food, particularly to the BIPOC community in Asheville. Reserve your seat at a table where dining transcends the meal before you. It’s a place where food is a bridge to understanding, care, and support for those who nurture us all. Olivette Farm, nestled by the French Broad River, offers more than just a setting; it’s an experience where each leaf and root tells a story of sustainability and conscious cultivation.

Saturday, June 1, 2024
Nerd Pride Fest
Jun 1 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
The Nerd Dungeon

Are YOU READY for NERD PRIDE FEST 2024!!
Saturday, June 1st 2024 : 10am – 4pm

Asheville’s local artist convention every first Saturday in June in honor of Pride month! This is a fun, free way to celebrate pride month by supporting local artists and nonprofits who do incredible things for the queer LGBT+ community in western North Carolina.

Nerd Pride Fest was our first ever event in our current location. So it had to be to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and reopening with food, games, live music, and more.

As a shop owned and operated by queer-identifying folks, The Nerd Dungeon is committed to being a safe and welcoming environment for people of all ages to express themselves any time of year, not just during Pride Month. We will always be a 3rd Place.
It is nice to have an excuse to go all-out and party, though! Pride Cosplay encouraged!

Just Brew It
Jun 1 @ 2:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Pisgah Brewing Company

What’s Brewing at Just Brew It:

Just Brew It isn’t just any beer festival; it’s a celebration of community, creativity, and great taste. Picture this: 50+ unique beers crafted by 20+ talented homebrewers. From classic IPAs to experimental brews infused with coffee, chocolate, spices, and fruit – there’s something for every beer lover’s palate. Those in attendance sample the homebrew and vote for their favorite while the homebrewers compete for the coveted People’s Choice Award!

But that’s not all! We’re adding a twist this year with a selection of non-alcoholic drinks for those looking for a different kind of refreshment.

How to Join the Fun:

To savor these sensational sips, become a 2024 individual member of Just Economics today.  This event is not ticketed, but rather a benefit for Just Economics’ members. Purchase a membership here and your name will be on the event attendee list. Then, all Just Economics members can sample the homebrews and vote for their favorites! 

  • Memberships are $35, which grants you entry to the event.
  • The VIP Package with Membership is $55, which grants you entry to the event an hour early (1:00pm) and a VIP swag bag with a souvenir glass and other goodies.
  • Non-alcoholic event passes are $15— For those who want to enjoy the music, atmosphere, and a creative selection of non-alcoholic beverages, this year we are offering a non-alcoholic event pass.

Get your membership here!

Support a Cause, Sip for a Purpose:

Just Brew It isn’t just about great beer; it’s about supporting Just Economics’ mission to promote living wages, affordable housing, and better transit in our community. Your membership directly contributes to positive change while you have a blast at the festival.

Saturday, June 8, 2024
Vibes for the Valley: A Benefit for Black Mountain Schools
Jun 8 all-day
Pisgah Brewing Company

Join us Saturday, June 8th for a music festical benefitting Black Mountain Schools’ Afterschool Program featuring performances by Amanda Anne Platt & The Honeycutters, Scott McMicken & The Ever Expanding and Hannah Kaminer & The Wistfuls!

The Black Mountain Schools PTO Vice President explained the need for the benefit concert: “The lack of public school funding and then the pandemic was hard on kids, and very hard on our public school afterschool programs. There isn’t sufficient funding for them. We want to bring afterschool programs back to the Black Mountain Schools in a big way – these programs are so important for kids’ socialization and academic achievement, and for parents, it’s critical to have afterschool care for their kids. If we want to keep our public schools thriving, we must bring back more of these programs, and make sure the teachers are compensated to do it!”

Black Mountain Schools PTO is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education.

**All funds collected from ticket sales will be donated to the Black Mountain Schools PTO.**

Thursday, June 13, 2024
15th Annual Authors for Literacy Event
Jun 13 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
DoubleTree Biltmore

Lisa See is the New York Times bestselling author of The Island of Sea Women, The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane, Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, Peony in Love, Shanghai Girls, China Dolls, and Dreams of Joy, which debuted at #1. She is also the author of On Gold Mountain, which tells the story of her Chinese American family’s settlement in Los Angeles. See was the recipient of the Golden Spike Award from the Chinese Historical Association of Southern California and the Historymaker’s Award from the Chinese American Museum. She was also named National Woman of the Year by the Organization of Chinese American Women.

Thursday, August 15, 2024
Farm-to-Fork Dinner, Social, and Silent Auction
Aug 15 @ 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Eliada Homes

WHY: To learn more about our mission and raise funds which will provide shelter, residential treatment, education, and life skills for children and young adults at Eliada. Helping children and teens in crisis develop the skills they need to overcome life’s obstacles and become productive adults helps ensure the future of our community. But we cannot do it without your support.

MISSION: Helping Children Succeed

SERVICE AREA: State of North Carolina – Eliada serves more than 500 children annually through 5 key programs that provide a place to live, education, special education, food and clothing, and intensive therapy to children who need these services. While most children are from Buncombe and surrounding counties, Eliada serves children from all corners of NC.

Thank you for helping us share Eliada’s mission with the community!

Have an auction item you would like to donate? Please fill out the Auction Donation Form. We appreciate your helping making this event a success!