Join a yoga session at the Asheville Art Museum that combines mindful movement with guided art viewing. All levels welcome, with tea and conversation afterward.
10 AM–12 PMFood & markets
Maintenance of Native Plant Gardens Through the Seasons
Learn how to maintain native plant gardens across all seasons with expert Adam Bigelow. Focus on ecological balance and seasonal care in a hands-on workshop.
1–4 PMArt & cultureFree for Members or included with Mus...
Cynthia Thompson discusses the art of paper in a curated talk at the Asheville Art Museum. This event is part of the museum's Art Break series and offers insight into paper as a medium in contemporary art.
2–4 PMOn stage$12 for Members; $15 for non-members
Exhibition on Screen | John Singer Sargent: Fashion and Swagger
Explore John Singer Sargent’s fashion-forward portraits through a documentary filmed at major art institutions in Boston and London. The film examines his influence on art, culture, and style.
AVL Sounds Fest features Dr. Dog, Floating Action, and Tyler Ramsey & Carl Broemel at Hellbender by The Orange Peel. A major music event with a diverse lineup across multiple genres.
AVL Sounds Fest brings a wide range of musical acts to the Grey Eagle Music Hall. This multi-day festival features local, regional, and national talent across 17 stages in Asheville.
6:30–8:30 PMLive music$22 for Members; $25 for non-members
New Amsterdam String Band performs a concert at the Asheville Art Museum, blending classical string traditions with improvisational energy. The show includes an intermission with access to the museum’s art and café.
John Mulaney performs his latest stand-up tour, Mister Whatever, at the Harrah's Cherokee Center Asheville. A high-profile comedy show featuring his signature storytelling and humor.
7–9 PMOn stage$15 advance, $18 day of
RAD WOMEN, Femme Comedy in The RAD
The River Arts District Brewing Company (RAD Brewing Co.)
via AVLtoday ↗
An all-femme comedy show at RAD Brewing Co. features top comedians from across the country, including a surprise headliner. The event celebrates women in comedy in a vibrant, casual setting.
Mystery Movie Night at Asheville Pizza Company offers a surprise film with no hints or spoilers. Attendees can enjoy a slice and a drink while experiencing an unpredictable cinematic event.
Monday, August 10
4–6 PMFood & marketsFree
Information Session 1: WNC AgOptions 2027 Grant Cycle
Mountain Horticultural Crops Research Station
via ASAP ↗
Learn about the WNC AgOptions 2027 Grant Cycle at the Mountain Horticultural Crops Research Station. This free session covers funding opportunities for farmers and includes Q&A with program staff.
6 PMLive music$13.05
PATIO SHOW: Woody Wood & Abe Reid of The Blue Rags
Woody Wood and Abe Reid of The Blue Rags perform a live patio show at Grey Eagle. The act blends Appalachian soul, rock, blues, and Piedmont roots music in a genre-defying set.
Anne-Marie Polanski leads a dharma talk on Buddha’s wisdom at Quietude. The session includes meditation and discussion, welcoming beginners and those interested in mindfulness.
Join a trivia night at Old Town District for a fun, competitive evening with themed questions and prizes. A popular weekly event for local fans of knowledge and friendly rivalry.
Irish guitarist and piper Brian Dooley performs with Asheville-based band Mooncoin in a Celtic music showcase featuring traditional tunes, classical influences, and Highland piping. A deep dive into roots and rhythm for fans of acoustic and folk traditions.
Tuesday, August 11
6:30–8 PMWellness
Alignment & Form: Creating Muscular Balance: 6-Week Series
A six-week in-person or online yoga series focused on muscular balance, alignment, and nervous system regulation using Ayurvedic principles. Ideal for those seeking pain relief and holistic physical well-being through structured movement and breathwork.
Join DumbAshe Trivia for a fun, competitive night of pop culture and general knowledge questions at Hi-Wire River Arts District. Bring your team, a drink, and enjoy laughs and friendly rivalry in a casual, social setting.
Participate in a lunar circle at West Asheville Yoga Studio guided by Sierra Hollister. Explore consciousness and inner balance through drumming, meditation, and ritual. Open to all, with a sliding scale fee and pre-registration required.
Wednesday, August 12
12–2 PMCommunity
Special Meeting: Asheville Regional Housing Consortium (Virtual)
Attend a virtual meeting of the Asheville Regional Housing Consortium to discuss regional housing policy, planning, and community development. Open to stakeholders and interested residents.
In-person meeting of the Historic Resources Commission to review preservation efforts, zoning, and cultural heritage matters in Asheville. A public forum for civic engagement on local history and architecture.
Derian Blane performs an intimate acoustic set at Grey Eagle Music Hall, blending funk, soul, and rustic storytelling. A dynamic singer-songwriter known for original compositions on love, identity, and resilience.
6–8 PMFood & markets
Information Session: 2027 AgOptions Grant Program
Avery Community Center at Heritage Park
via ASAP ↗
Learn about the 2027 AgOptions Grant Program at Avery Community Center. This free session covers grant eligibility, application timelines, and support for farmers diversifying or expanding operations in Western North Carolina.
Join a shamanic journey circle at The Well in West Asheville. Experience guided drumming, journeying through spiritual worlds, and group ritual. Snacks and a closing ceremony included. Sliding scale fee applies.
A candlelit Yin yoga and gong bath session at Yoga Center of Black Mountain. Experience deep relaxation, nervous system reset, and emotional clarity through long-held poses and resonant sound vibrations.
Join a weekly trivia night at 12 Bones Smokehouse & Brewing. Teams of up to six compete for prizes in a fun, casual taproom setting. Bring your phone and a drink for a night of friendly competition.
New students move into campus housing at UNC Asheville and begin their academic journey. A welcoming event for incoming students to settle in, meet peers, and prepare for the start of the academic year.
Singer-songwriter Michael Dunham performs an acoustic set blending bluegrass, country, and jazz at the Grey Eagle Patio Stage. All ages welcome, but the event is not aimed at children.
A dramatic play about redemption and community set in a truck stop sandwich shop, featuring formerly incarcerated staff striving to rebuild their lives through the pursuit of the perfect sandwich.
Acclaimed singer-songwriter Pierce Pettis performs an intimate set of storytelling songs with masterful guitar work, drawing on decades of experience across multiple genres.
7:30–11 PMLive music
Old Farmers Ball: Hot Coffee Breakdown with Emily Rush calling
The Chancellor’s Welcome kicks off the academic year at UNC Asheville with remarks from the chancellor and an opportunity to connect with the campus community.
A family-friendly event with a pickleball tournament, kid-friendly pickling activities, and educational sessions on fermentation and food preservation.
A live music showcase featuring four local bands—White Oak Splits, Paint Rock, Assmystics, and Subject to Change—performing in a high-energy, standing-room-only setting.
White Oak Splits, Paint Rock, and Assmystics perform at The Grey Eagle Music Hall and Pub. This all-ages rock and experimental music show is not aimed at children.
Sebastien Bordeaux Trio returns to Weinhaus with a blend of honky tonk, blues, jazz, and Appalachian folk. The $10 cover is for an indoor music performance.
Saturday, August 15
10–11:30 AMWellness$15 for Members; $20 for non-members
The Art of Wellbeing: Therapeutic Art Making in the Museum
Join a guided therapeutic art-making session at the Asheville Art Museum led by a registered art therapist. This wellness-focused event is not for children.
10 AMLive musicFree
Summer Market Series: Locally Made Arts and Crafts
The Grey Eagle hosts a free summer market featuring locally made crafts and art. The event is open to all ages and includes family-friendly activities.
Dominic Fike performs at Asheville Yards, a mixed indoor and outdoor venue. The concert features music and food, with no indication of being family-oriented.
Nate Hall, Erik Sugg & Thee Old Night, and Jed Willis perform at Fleetwoods. This indoor music show features folk, blues, and Americana with no indication of being family-friendly.
An adult-only burlesque showcase featuring an all-BIPOC lineup at Grey Eagle Music Hall. Expect glamorous performances and a festive brunch atmosphere with a seated show format.
1–3 PMLive musicFree for Members or included with Mus...
A live piano performance by local artist Willie Sime at the Asheville Art Museum, blending jazz, classical, and minimalist influences in a relaxed, intimate setting.
2–3 PMArt & cultureFree for Museum Members or included w...
An interactive public tour at the Asheville Art Museum exploring the collection and current exhibitions, led by volunteer educators or staff with no reservations required.
A free concert in support of Jamie Ager, farmer and U.S. Congress candidate, featuring Doss Church & The Unholy Noise and The Lucky Buckeyes at Grey Eagle Music Hall.
An all-ages outdoor music performance on the Grey Eagle Patio Stage featuring Woody Wood and Abe Reid of The Blue Rags, blending rock, blues, and soul with Piedmont roots traditions.
A live music showcase hosted by Jay Brown at a venue in Asheville, featuring local artists performing and collaborating in an informal, community-driven setting.
A virtual meeting of the Historic Resources Commission, focused on city planning and preservation issues. Open to the public, but not intended for children or families.
10 AM–12 PMCommunity
Housing and Community Development Committee (Virtual)
An all-ages live music performance by bassist and singer-songwriter McKinney at the Grey Eagle Patio Stage. Enjoy a casual evening of original music in a laid-back outdoor setting.
A two-hour paint-and-sip event at Diatribe Brewing Co., led by an instructor. Participants create their own canvas artwork while enjoying craft beer in a casual, social setting.
A live blues jam at White Horse Black Mountain, welcoming musicians and fans of blues, soul, and community-driven music. Open to all skill levels and styles.
A provocative, satirical performance blending theater and dark humor. Explores themes of power, control, and desire through a surreal, adult-oriented lens.
Wednesday, August 19
9:30–10:30 AMWellnessFree for members (pre-registration re...
A guided slow art tour at the Asheville Art Museum, encouraging deep, reflective viewing of current exhibitions. Free for members and included with museum admission.
A hands-on workshop at the Asheville Tool Library teaching honey extraction from comb to jar. Participants take home their own jar of raw, local honey.
Golden Folk Sessions features six handpicked artists performing three-song sets in an intimate, seated environment. The lineup is revealed only at showtime, offering a unique listening experience for fans of original music.
The White Horse Jazz Showcase highlights regional vocalists and UNCA jazz faculty in a performance celebrating the Swinging Era. Hosted by Dr. Bill Bares, this event features live jazz in a community-focused setting.
A jazz showcase hosted by Dr. Bill Bares, featuring regional talent and special guests. This event celebrates jazz from the Swinging Era and is part of a recurring community series.
Join Asheville Phoenix Fire for a queer-friendly dance party with a pre-party lesson. The event celebrates inclusivity and features music and movement in a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere.
An in-person briefing on the City Council agenda, open to the public. Attendees can learn about upcoming decisions and participate in civic discussions.
A public meeting of the Design Review Committee to discuss architectural and planning proposals. Open to community members interested in local development and design standards.
5–9 PMLive musicFree for Members or included with Mus...
The Asheville Art Museum’s Third Thursday features DJ Phantom Pantone on the rooftop, live music, art making, and cocktails. This monthly event celebrates creativity and community in a vibrant setting.
6–7:30 PMArt & cultureFree for Members or included with Mus...
Poet Richard Chess and artist Tobi Kahn discuss their collaborative work, centered on the poetry collection The Loneliest Monk and its visual counterpart. A deep dialogue between literary and visual art.
6:30–8:30 PMArt & cultureFree
Opening Reception: The Shape of Repair: Patchwork in Wood Exhibition
Celebrate the opening of Laura Petrovich-Cheney’s exhibition The Shape of Repair: Patchwork in Wood with an artist reception and talk. The work explores memory and renewal through salvaged wood sculptures.
7:30 PMLive music$22.21
THE MOTH Presents: Asheville StorySLAM – “SCHOOLED”
The Moth StorySLAM invites storytellers to share true, five-minute personal stories on the theme of 'Schooled.' Attendees can listen or sign up to perform in this open-mic event.
A men’s gathering focused on connection, reflection, and renewal. Held at Sacred Fire Asheville, this event offers a space for personal growth and community bonding in a natural setting.
7:30–11 PMLive music
Old Farmers Ball: Playing with Fyre with Tom Macklin calling
Old Farmers Ball features live music by Tom Macklin and a free dance lesson followed by a dance session. A community-driven event celebrating traditional and folk dance in Swannanoa.
Rockypalooza returns to UNC Asheville’s Quad with food, live music, student performances, games, and interactive activities in a mixed indoor-outdoor campus festival.
The Asheville Film Festival presents a double feature of short films at the Asheville Masonic Temple, including 'Settlement' and 'Whole' in a late-night screening.
Saturday, August 22
9:30–10:45 AMWellnessFree for members (pre-registration re...
The Art of Presence: Meditation and Reflection in the Museum
Join a guided meditation and walking practice through the Asheville Art Museum’s galleries, designed to foster presence and reflection in a quiet, contemplative setting.
Families are invited to Winding Stair Farm for a free day of kids’ activities, live music, face-painting, and learning about pollinators in a festive outdoor setting.
Blue Country Line Dance hosts a brunch event at Grey Eagle Music Hall, combining country and hip-hop line dancing with brunch food and drinks in a lively indoor atmosphere.
SUBTERRANEA presents a music event featuring Pluto Events at DSSOLVR, with details to be announced.
10–11:30 PMOn stage$18
Crushing It! Beer and Comedy
The River Arts District Brewing Company (RAD Brewing Co.)
via AVLtoday ↗
A beer-themed comedy show at RAD Brewing Co.'s patio, where comedians drink a beer before performing, with a lively and messy vibe.
No dates needed
Always good in Asheville
Hand-picked by people who live here. These can’t go stale.
$13.95 adults / $9.95 kids 3-12
WNC Nature Center
East Asheville
A small, walkable zoo of Southern Appalachian wildlife — black bears, red wolves, otters, and the famous red pandas. The perfect half-day with kids; you'll see every animal without anyone melting down.
Compact hands-on science museum on Patton Avenue — fossils, gems, and interactive STEM exhibits sized for the under-10 crowd. Small enough that one rainy morning covers it all.
434 acres of cultivated gardens and easy trails off the Parkway, including a nationally known bonsai collection. The $25 fee is per car, not per person — pack the whole crew.
Ten quiet acres of Southern Appalachian native plants along Reed Creek next to UNC Asheville. Free, stroller-friendly paths, and the spring wildflower show is one of the best in town.
Riverside park on the French Broad with the paved greenway running through it. The west side (playground, courts) is still rebuilding after Helene, but the east-side lawns, picnic shelter, and greenway are open.
County park on a 300-acre lake in Arden — playground, disc golf, fishing, and paddleboat rentals for a few bucks an hour. Free to enter and rarely crowded on weekdays.
$17 buys unlimited play on about 40 pinball machines and 40 classic arcade games in the old Battery Park building. First-come, first-served and capped at 70 people, so go early on rainy weekends. Closed Tuesdays.
Downtown's main library with an entire floor for kids — puppet stage, story times, and room to sprawl. The easiest free hour downtown with small children.
The Southern Highland Craft Guild's flagship on the Parkway — free galleries of serious Appalachian craft, with live demonstrations most of the year. Worth it even if you think you don't care about quilts.
America's favorite drive runs right through town, free, with overlooks every few miles. Hop on at the Folk Art Center or Highway 191 and you're above the clouds in fifteen minutes.
12,000-acre state forest where short, family-doable walks reach Hooker, Triple, and High Falls. The biggest waterfall payoff per mile of hiking in the region — worth the drive.
Free trail to a 100-foot waterfall near Old Fort, rebuilt in 2024 with boardwalks, staircases, and overlooks. The lower falls are about 3 miles round trip — the closest big waterfall to Asheville.
The locals' default trail network — miles of gentle forest-road loops around Lake Powhatan, ten minutes from West Asheville. Where Asheville kids learn to mountain bike.
Modern, light-filled museum on Pack Square focused on 20th-century and Appalachian American art, with a rooftop terrace. Kids under 6 are free, and the hands-on ArtPLAYce room buys you a real look at the galleries.
Hundreds of working studios in old industrial buildings along the French Broad — walk in, watch artists work, buy straight from the source. Free to wander, and back in full swing after Helene.
Historic craft campus tucked behind the Grove Park Inn — free gallery, sculpture garden, working studios, and an antique car museum (April through December). One of the quietest free outings in town.
Asheville's independent bookstore since 1982 — sharp staff picks, a proper kids' section, and a cafe for the duration. The default rainy-afternoon anchor downtown.
The dessert institution on Pack Square: bean-to-bar truffles, sipping chocolate, and cake by the slice until late. Expect a line on weekends — it moves.
Asheville's original craft brewery, east of town, with a huge meadow, volleyball, disc golf, food trucks, and live music. The rare taproom where kids can actually burn off energy while you finish a pint.
Riverfront campus on Craven Street with a big patio and lawn above the French Broad, brewery tours, and food trucks. Pairs easily with the River Arts District just across the river.
Destination brewery 25 minutes south near the airport — taproom restaurant, tours, a big back porch, an outdoor amphitheater with weekend music, and trails through the woods. Built for families; plan a whole afternoon.
Black Mountain's town lake with a half-mile walking loop, playground, ducks, and mountain views. Twenty easy minutes from Asheville and exactly the right size for short legs.
A free 1.7-mile self-guided loop through downtown, marked by 30 sculptures and plaques telling Asheville's story. Start at Pack Square; kids treat it like a scavenger hunt.
Year-round state farmers market on Brevard Road — open daily with produce sheds, jams, mountain honey, and a greenhouse full of plants. Cheaper and less precious than the tailgate markets.
Audubon-managed wetland boardwalk on Beaver Lake in North Asheville, open dawn to dusk, 365 days a year. Free (donations welcome) and flat enough for toddlers — bring binoculars.
The rambling boardinghouse from Look Homeward, Angel, preserved downtown with guided tours on the half hour, Tuesday through Saturday. Five bucks for one of the best literary house tours in the South.
Working glassblowing studio and gallery on South Lexington, where you can watch the team gather, shape, and fire molten glass seven days a week. Kids are mesmerized; so are you.
Asheville's ice cream shop since 1978, now at five locations with serious vegan flavors alongside the dairy. The West Asheville shop on Haywood Road is the classic stop after a park morning.
Two floors of used books inside the historic Grove Arcade, served with champagne, wine, and coffee. Dog-friendly, date-friendly, and the most civilized rainy afternoon downtown.
America's largest home, plus acres of Olmsted-designed gardens, trails, and a winery tasting included with admission. Pricey, but it fills a full day — tickets run cheaper midweek.
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