19th Century Carolina Christmas at Asheville's Smith-McDowell House

November 19 - January 3, 2016     19th Century Carolina Christmas at the Smith-McDowell House   Asheville's oldest surviving dwelling is now a National Register property and a window into how life was lived here in the 19th century. Celebrate Christmas the old-fashioned way. 

The Smith-McDowell House Museum's timeline of authentically decorated period rooms showcases the evolution of Christmas celebrations and decorations. This yearly exhibit, began in 1981, is a tradition for many regional families and tour groups. The mansion and local history museum will again be authentically decorated with fresh trees, garlands, ornaments and toys of the Victorian Period.

The Nutcracker Ballet Performed at Asheville's Diana Wortham Theatre

December 17 - 18, 2015      The Nutcracker Ballet    A magically festive, full-length Nutcracker, featuring professional classical dancers and the Ballet Conservatory’s celebrated pre-professional company. A full production with impressive sets and costumes performed at the Diana Wortham Theatre.

Performances offered at 4:30 PM and 7:30 PM. Adults $30 Orchestra, $22 Balcony Seniors (65+) $25 Orchestra, $20 Balcony Student $20 Orchestra & Balcony Child (12 & under) $15 Orchestra and Balcony.

The Diana Wortham Theatre is located at 2 South Pack Square in downtown Asheville NC.

 

Asheville Christmas Light Show Offers Spectacular Sights and Sounds

November 27 - December 30, 2015    Shadrack's Christmas Wonderland    is held at The Western North Carolina Agricultural Center just outside Asheville NC.  Take a drive through the 2 mile lights and music extravaganza, open nightly from 6 - 9 PM. 

This award-winning maze maze filled with hundreds of thousands of LED lights performs in perfect synchronization with the Christmas tunes playing through your car radio. 

New this year, a large, fun display showing Santa Clause and friends enjoying a vacation in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. 

photos courtesy of Shadrack's Christmas Wonderland

 The Christmas light show display is open every day from 6-10 PM.  Admission is $20 per car, more for vans, limos and school buses. Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays are the most popular nights to visit the light show, frequently with long lines. Why not consider a visit Monday through Thursday to avoid wait times?

Fall Studio Stroll in Asheville's River Arts District this Weekend

November 14 - 15, 2015    River Arts District Studio Stroll   The first, largest, and most walkable tour of working artists' studios in the region, the River Arts District Studio Stroll takes place in 19 historic buildings along the French Broad River. 

There will be artists' demonstrations and hands-on activities throughout the weekend. An Information Booth will be located at the 5-points intersection of Depot St. across from the Clingman Café.

Asheville Art Museum Piano Concert

Photo courtesy of Asheville Art Museum

November 8, 2015 at 3:00 PM at The Asheville Art Musium, 2 South Pack Square in downtown Asheville NC - Pianoforte with Nathan Shirley.   Tickets are on sale now for the Museum's last Pianoforte concert of the year. Hear original compositions by pianist Nathan Shirley, see the art that inspired them and relax surrounded by a monumental wall drawing by artist Sol LeWitt.

Pianoforte concerts fill up quickly so click here to purchase your ticket online or call 828-253-3227. $8+ tax for members;  $7 for children; $16+ tax for non-members; $15 for children (this price includes Museum admission - come early to enjoy all the Museum galleries)

Candlelight Christmas Evenings at Biltmore Begin This Week

November 6, 2015 - January 2, 2016    Candlelight Christmas Evenings at Biltmore   Explore Biltmore House during holiday evenings when candles and fireplaces fill the grand home with a warm glow, accenting delicate ornaments and priceless treasures with metallic shine and sparkle while holiday music warms the heart. 

Your evening admission includes:  a Reserved evening visit of Biltmore House, Daytime access to Biltmore Gardens and Antler Hill Village and Winery on the same day or next day as your evening visit and free parking. 

GET DISCOUNT ON TICKETS HERE

 

West Asheville Celebrates Halloween on Vermont Avenue

photo courtesy exploreAsheville,com

October 31, 2015 - Halloween Celebration Vermont Avenue.   On Halloween night neighbors block off Vermont Ave. to car traffic to promote a fun and safe Halloween. This is for the kids, families, and people who want the magic of Halloween to happen in the form of a lively street party. And no need to watch out for cars. 

This is a free event held form 5:30 - 9 PM.  

The Banjo Master at Diana Wortham Theatre in Asheville

November 6, 2015 at  8:00 PM at The Diana Wortham Theatre, 2 S Pack Square in downtown Asheville NC - Alison BrownThe Song of the Banjo.  

photo courtesy Diana Wortham Theatre

Don't wait to get your tickets to hear this banjo afficianada and her band perform live, playing favorite classics along with selections from their brand new album, The Song of the Banjo. 

Following the October 9th CD release, Alison Brown and her band are back at DWT for a night of reimagined bluegrass, jazz, and other genre-crossing tunes. While the album includes an impressive list of originals, Brown and her collaborators also put together covers of some popular tunes including Cyndi Lauper's "Time After Time" and Chuck Mangione's "Feel So Good," using Brown's plucking skills to add new depth to the hits. 

With this new Compass Records project, the 2015 IBMA Distinguished Achievement Award and 2001 Grammy Award-winning musician/composer/producer/entrepreneur makes her mark once again as one of today's finest progressive banjo players.

Purchase your Tickets Now Online

Asheville hosts Southeastern Animal Fiber Fair this Weekend

October 30, 31, November 1, 2015     Southeastern Animal Fiber Fair  This annual Fair is hosted by the  Western North Carolina Agricultural Center, in the McGough Arena,  The event includes 100’s of animals, crafters, workshops and demonstrations.  See spinning, knitting, weaving, felting and much more. 
 Join a workshop class to improve your skills or just enjoy browsing and shopping the beautiful and unique apparel and wearable art at SAFF.  

The Fair is open Friday and Saturday from 9:00AM-6:00PM, Sunday from 9:00AM-4:00PM.  Admission is $3 per person, Youth under 13 years are free.

 

photo courtesy of SAFF

Asheville Halloween Events: Haunted Grove House Inferno

October 30 - 31, 2015   Haunted Grove House Inferno at the Grove House Entertainment Complex.  Come experience the #1 Halloween Dance Party in WNC along with $1400 in costume contests both nights. 

Special midnight Inferno Show on Friday night.  Be terrified by monsters lurking around every corner of all three venues - The Boiler Room, Club Eleven and Scandals Nightclub. 

Enjoy 6 DJs, 4 bars and 3 dance floors with gates open from 9 PM until 3 AM. Admission is $20 Friday night, $30 Saturday night.

photo courtesy Grove House Entertainment Complex

North Carolina Chrysanthemum Society Annual Show this Weekend in Asheville NC

October 17 - 18, 2015   North Carolina Chrysanthemum Society Annual Show    A popular annual judged show presents hundreds of chrysanthemum blooming in vibrant and varied colors. The exhibits will be judged by Accredited National Chrysanthemum judges and strict NCS standards  highlight the exceptional variety in size, shape and color of these popular fall flowers. 

The Show is held at the North Carolina Arboretum, 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way in Asheville, North Carolina.

WNC Nature Center Annual Hey Day Fall Family Festival

October 10, 2015    Hey Day Fall Family Festival at the WNC Nature Center   Enjoy the 37th annual Hey Day Festival featuring live music and dance performances, special animal encounters, educational programs, arts and crafts for the kids, and delicious food from local vendors. Hey Day is the Nature Center's biggest event of the year. 

The 2015 festival will feature games, arts and crafts, educational animal programs, live music, local food vendors, and of course, a wide variety of exciting wildlife. There will also be a kick-off to the Friends' fall raffle, with the opportunity to win great items.

photo courtesy of Friends of the WNC Nature Center

Stage Schedule:
11am - Noon  Idea Factory Inc. Dance Studio
Noon-12:45pm  WNC Nature Center Wildlife Ambassadors
1 - 1:45pm  Garnet Ridge Ramblers
2 - 2:30pm  Mountain Thunder Cloggers
3 - 3:45pm  Professor Whizzpop
Animal enrichment programs will also occur during the day.

Food and refreshments will be available from Captain Dave's Pirate Dawgs, Ruth & Ranshaw, Pizza Hut and Party Blvd.  Bottled water for our Hey Day guests has been donated by Earth Fare.

Asheville's RiverMusic Series Final Concert for 2015

October 9, 2015    RiverMusic Concert Series    This is a Series of five Friday nights of live concerts by the French Broad River in the River Arts District. This concert is the final in the 2015 series and fourth season.


5:30 PM - Opening act: Lyric
6:30 PM - The Lee Boys
8:00 PM - Headliners Fred Wesley and The New JB’s

Gates open at 5 PM and the first performance starts at 5:30 PM. Head for the river and enjoy a top-notch mix of acts at the RiverLink Sculpture and Performance Plaza in the River Arts District of Asheville NC.  The Series is hosted by RiverLink, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the environmental and economic development of the French Broad River. 

WNC Agricultural Center Hosts 33rd Annual Asheville Quilt Show

enter to win the 2015 Opportunity Quilt

October 2 - 4, 2015  33rd Annual Asheville Quilt Show  This year's show,  'A Harvest of Quilts' is held at the WNC Ag Center, Fri-Sat 9-5, Sun 10-4:30. Admission $ 6.00. Parking is FREE. 

This is a  judged quilt show with over $10,000 in prize money, more than 20 vendors,  demonstrations, a Silent Auction, gift shop, quilts for sale and an "Opportunity Quilt". Multi-day Passes are available as well as, group discounts. 

This event is sponsored by the Asheville Quilt Guild (ashevillequiltguild.org) and Moda (modafabrics.com). 

 

Asheville Downtown Gallery Art Walk This Weekend

October  2, 2015       Asheville Downtown Gallery Art Walk    The Downtown Asheville Art District (DAAD) invites you to visit the more than twenty galleries that contribute to Asheville's reputation as a vibrant arts community and "The Paris of the South." 

photo courtesy of Downtown Asheville Art District

Within a half-mile radius of Pack Square and the city's center, you'll find unparalleled diversity from fine studio crafts, to glass, photography, folk art and contemporary painting, metalwork, textiles, jewelry and more by local, regional, national and international artists.  

A complete  Downtown Gallery Guide and map is available at any participating downtown gallery, the Chamber of Commerce, or Pack Place.  Find Asheville Lodging and local information on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

Carolina Craft Day at the NC Arboretum in Asheville

September 26, 2015   Carolina Craft Day at the NC Arboretum   A day to celebrate Southern Appalachian traditions as they come alive at The North Carolina Arboretum. The event, now in its seventh year, features craft demonstrations and juried art and craft vendors and plant sales at the Arboretum's Education Center.

Participating Artists: 

• Lauren Adams  - Clay 
• Jen Aly  - Jewelry 
• Leah Baker  -  Paper Lamps 
• Anja Bartels  - Porcelain 
• Amy Brandenberg  - Jewelry 
• Kathy Goodson  - Silk 
• Richard Hall  - Wood 
• Steve Joslyn  - Fine Metalwork 
• Mary Carol Koester  - Books 
• Joanthan Marchal  - Wood 
• Sue McBean  - Fiber Painting 
• Linda Miller  - Papercutting 
• Chris Rhoades  - Encaustic 
• Heather Spontak  - Pottery

Biltmore Park Town Square Hosts Concerts in the Park

September 26, 2015   Concerts in the Park   Biltmore Park Town Square offers FREE live concerts from June through October. The concerts are performed at Cecil Park, the green space near Hickory Tavern and Brixx Wood Fired Pizza. Bring a blanket and enjoy the best performers in the area from 60s Oldies to contemporary jazz.  7 PM - 9 PM.  Tuxedo Junction performs this concert.

Biltmore Park Town Square, a vibrant town center in Asheville NC, is a fresh re-imagining of the Main Streets of the past, made to meet today’s standards of smart growth, green living and reduced driving. Biltmore Park combines residential living with the convenience of shopping, restaurants, health clubs, businesses and special events all withing a planned community.

Final Ooh La La Curiosity Market for the Season this Saturday in Asheville NC

September 19, 2015    Ooh La La Curiosity Market   An outdoor market in Pritchard Park  featuring works by local painters, leather smiths, jewelry makers, potters ,up-cycled crafters, and other curious delights, all beneath the colored canopies of large market umbrellas. 

In addition to the artists, the market will also feature live local music with up three musical acts performing each Saturday and will include everything from a solo saxophonist to folk, blues, acoustic, and jazz acts. 

Asheville Events: Brewgrass Festival this Weekend

September 19, 2015    Brewgrass Festival    Brewgrass Festival   50 American breweries gather to showcase a diverse assortment of national and regional craft beers. The live entertainment this year includes a great lineup of national and regional bluegrass musicians that includes Jeff Austin Band, Truth & Salvage Co., Big Daddy Love, and Packway Handle Band.

The Brewgrass Festival began in 1996 and is Western North Carolina’s original craft beer festival. Today, North Carolina  boasts over 100 breweries and brewpubs, and Asheville NC has become a  beer-lovers destination selected as  “Beer City USA” four years in a row.

Brewgrass  has always showcased some of the most in-demand and exciting brewers in the region. The event also features a variety of area food vendors and plenty of water. 

The beer festival is held from 1 - 7 PM at Asheville's Memorial Stadium. Get advance tickets online  HERE.

Asheville's Folk Art Center Hosts Annual Heritage Weekend

September 19 - 20, 2015   Heritage Weekend is a two-day celebration of traditional crafts and music. The 35th free festival is sponsored by the Southern Highland Craft Guild and features traditional music, dancing and heritage craft demonstrations. 

A highlight of the weekend is the 33nd Annual World Gee Haw Whimmy Diddle Competition.

Downtown Asheville NC Events: Downtown After Five - Last Concert of the Season

September 18, 2015   Downtown After Five   Free live music entertainment in downtown Asheville.  The celebration is every third Friday, May through September, with the goal of encouraging locals and visitors to enjoy downtown Asheville NC and support local businesses and entertainers.  The event is located on North Lexington Avenue (between Hiawassee and the I-240 overpass). Food and beer vendors will be available.

This final concert features Corey Harris, an American blues and reggae musician, currently residing in Virginia. Along with Keb' Mo' and Alvin Youngblood Hart, he raised the flag of acoustic guitar blues in the mid-1990s. He was featured on the 2003 PBS television mini-series, The Blues, in an episode directed by Martin Scorsese, and was named a MacArthur Fellow in 2007.

Eliada's Corn Maze Opens this Week in Asheville NC

September 16 - October 31, 2015   Eliada's Annual Corn Maze   The maze will open September 5th and remain open each Thursday,  Friday, Saturday and Sunday through October 27th. The maze will open from 4-8 on Thursdays and  Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10 AM to 8 PM. 

New attraction for 2015 - Eliada's  Jumping Pillow. A giant jumping pillow for children and adults will become a permanent fixture in the field. $3 per person per turn (15 minutes per turn), $5 per person for a day pass (must get back in line after each 15 minute turn). 
 
Eliada’s annual corn maze is a 12 acre maze (WNC's largest) with 2 unique trails cut out of a field of corn. Accompanying maps with check points help guide you through 4 miles of maze trails. Also cut into the corn field are two Storybook Trails for children. These trails take you on a fun adventure as you read the stories of Spookley the Square Pumpkin and Ciderella and the Little Glass Sipper! Spookley and Ciderella merchandise are also for sale for children and families to continue to enjoy the stories and characters at home.  Additional activities are also offered. 

photo courtesy Eliada, helping children succeed

West Asheville Garden Stroll this Weekend

September 12, 2015    Annual West Asheville Garden Stroll   This event showcases 15 gardens with this year's Stroll theme,  "Garden to Table". Gardens on view will display a variety of gardening styles producing vegetables, fruits, eggs, honey, and flowers for the table.  

11 AM to 4 PM, beginning at Hall Fletcher Elementary School , 60 Ridgelawn Avenue, at 10:30 with a short presentation by longtime residents about the role of gardening in the community's history.

RiverMusic Concert Series This Weekend Features Nora Jane Struthers, Sweet Leda, Megan Jean & The KFB

September 11, 2015     RiverMusic Concert Series   This concert features Nora Jane Struthers, Sweet Leda, Megan Jean & The KFB.  The RiverMusic Concerts are a Series of five Friday nights of live concerts by the French Broad River at the RiverLink Sculpture and Performance Plaza in the River Arts District of Asheville.

RiverLink has teamed up with Heira Productions to assemble a top-notch mix of quality national acts and local favorites for this FREE event.

North Carolina Mountain State Fair begins this Week in Asheville

September 11-20, 2015    North Carolina Mountain State Fair  Held at the WNC Agricultural Center, this is the third largest fair in North Carolina, and it celebrates the heritage of the Blue Ridge Mountains, including agriculture, music, crafts, art, food, entertainment, display of livestock, competitions, and midway amusement rides.

The WNC Agricultural Center is located at 1301 Fanning Bridge Road in Fletcher NC, a suburb of Asheville  halfway to Hendersonville.  

Labor Day Weekend Events in Asheville: Omni Grove Park Inn Labor Day Weekend Celebration

September 4 - 7, 2015       Labor Day Weekend at The Omni Grove Park Inn  Celebrate the holiday and the last of summer with a dive-in movie at the outdoor pool, daily live music throughout the resort, history tours to learn more about this remarkable mountain inn and a variety of family friendly activities all with minutes of downtown Asheville NC. 

The Inn is minutes from downtown Asheville

Throughout the weekend, register to win a special Labor day Weekend gift basket and you do not need to be present to win. 

Omni Grove Park Inn offer extensive Spa Services

The Omni Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa - Renowned spa, scenic golf course,  sports complex with pool, tennis, racquetball, training. Onsite restaurants, lounge, bars. A large variety of rooms and suites, varying stages of updates with some original Inn antiques. A landmark Inn in the WNC mountain area.

 Get current best rates and availability

Labor Day Weekend Events: Canton Labor Day Festival

September 5 - 6, 2015   Canton Labor Day Festival  (just west of Asheville)  Now in its 109th year this Festival is the oldest in the South.  A celebration of all things made in the mountains the Festival offers a handcrafted expo where you can meet artisans and buy a piece of their passions. 

Visit the Stroll the tailgate Farmers' Tailgate Market at Sorrells Street Park, while enjoying the live bluegrass melodies of the WNC Bluegrass Jamboree. Meet the heroic farmers and food producers of WNC that put the "A" in Appalachian grown. There will be tastings and planting demonstrations throughout the day. 

Soak in an afternoon reminiscent of Labor Days past, complete with 5 bluegrass bands, clogging performances, and dance performances at Turner Stage.  

Find more Labor Day Weekend events on the NC Event Calendar.

 

Ooh La La Curiosity Market in Asheville's Pritchard Park

August 29, 2015    Ooh La La Curiosity Market   Come enjoy this popular outdoor market in Asheville's Pritchard Park featuring works by local painters, leather smiths, jewelry makers, potters ,up-cycled crafters, and other curious delights, all beneath the colored canopies of large market umbrellas.

 In addition to the artists, the market will also feature live local music with up three musical acts performing each Saturday and will include everything from a solo saxophonist to folk, blues, acoustic, and jazz acts. 

And don't forget - Ooh La La Curiosity Market is also a fundraiser for the East Asheville Animal Shelter, a no-kill facility.

 

 

Shindig on the Green this Saturday at Pack Square

August 29, 2015   Shindig on the Green   Held outdoors at Pack Square Park in the heart of downtown Asheville, this FREE event  was voted the #1 Local Outdoor Concert in the Mountain Xpress "Best of WNC" survey for four years. 

Bring your instruments, your lawn chair or blanket, family and friends and join the fun eight summer Saturdays. Performances include Long-standing house band The Stoney Creek Boys Bluegrass and Old-Time String Bands, Big Circle Mountain Dancers, Clog Dancers, Smooth Dancers, Ballad Singers and Storytellers. If you love old time Mountain music and Bluegrass this is the place to be.

Busker Showcase Performs at Homegrown in Pritchard Park

August 27, 2015   Homegrown in Pritchard Park  This performance features Busker Showcase.  Free performances by local singer/songwriters each Thursday between Memorial Day and Labor Day at Pritchard Park in downtown Asheville NC. Held from 6 PM - 8 PM and sponsored by 98.1 The River radio station.

This Week's Biltmore Concert Series Features The Four Tops and The Temptations

August 28, 2015    The Biltmore Concert Series:  The Four Tops and The Temptations    Enjoy performances by award-winning artists at Biltmore with stunning views of Biltmore House and the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering a perfect place to see a show under the stars.

The Biltmore Concert Series is held on the grounds of the Biltmore Estate in Asheville NC.

photo courtesy of Biltmore

Adventure Center of Asheville Offers Labor Day Special

Save 50% This Labor Day 

Bring The Family For An End-Of-Summer Adventure and Save Big

School is in session and there are only a couple more weeks of summer. As your schedule starts to fill up there are only a couple days where you’ll have time to get out there and enjoy it. Why not surprise your family and come enjoy all that the Adventure Center of Ashevile has to offer this Labor Day (MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7th).

 Take flight on a zipline canopy tour just minutes from downtown Asheville, yet surprisingly set amongst 150+ year old majestic white and red oaks. Asheville Zipline Canopy Adventures offers the best of many worlds. It is convenient and exciting, it is urban with views of downtown Asheville, and it is set on a 124 acre resort and designated tree preserve perched in and amongst some of the oldest and largest oak trees in Asheville.

Or explore the Asheville Treetops Adventure Park. This is a new Asheville Attraction comprised of 60 unique climbing, flying, walking, jumping, swinging, and rappelling challenges anchored to over 30 towering trees and poles tucked into a wooded park just minutes from downtown Asheville. Asheville Treetops Adventure Park has five different adventure trails that allow Park Guests the choice to challenge only the obstacles they feel comfortable with.

While you explore the park you will move at your own pace and tackle challenges as an individual, instead of in a group. Think of it as ski slopes in the trees and a true "Jungle Gym" for all ages, strengths, and adventure levels. Whatever adventure suits your family, this labor day is your opportunity for amazing savings on an unforgettable family adventure. 

Get links for more Asheville Attractions on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide. 

Goldie and the Screamers Perform this week at Homegrown in Pritchard Park

August 20, 2015    Homegrown in Pritchard Park  This performance features Goldie and the Screamers.  Free performances by local singer/songwriters each Thursday between Memorial Day and Labor Day at Pritchard Park in downtown Asheville. Held from 6 PM - 8 PM and sponsored by 98.1 The River radio station.

Downtown After Five this Weekend

August 21, 2015   Downtown After Five   Free live music entertainment in downtown Asheville NC.  The celebration is every third Friday, May through September, with the goal of encouraging locals and visitors to enjoy downtown Asheville and support local businesses and entertainers.  

The event is located on North Lexington Avenue (between Hiawassee and the I-240 overpass). Food and beer vendors will be available.

DID YOU KNOW???  This is a GREEN event - Downtown After Five features a solar-powered stage, complimentary bike corral, compostable food and beverage containers, and staffed recycling and compost bins. The number of bags of non-recyclable trash has been reduced to just a few. What can you do at YOUR event???

The Popular Asheville Wine and Food Festival 2015 This Weekend

August 20 - 22, 2015    Asheville Wine and Food Festival for 2015  Held at the US Cellular Civic Center in downtown Asheville, the festival begins with "Elixir", a craft cocktail experience and mixology competition. 

"Sweet" is a decadent evening of desserts, champagne, wine, spirits and shopping. 

The Grand Tasting offers a delicious celebration and sampling of a wide variety of Asheville's food and beverages. The finals of the WNC Chef's Challenge is the conclusion of this popular competition. 

At this festival you will see why Asheville NC is rated among the best food and wine experiences in the country. 

The Asheville Wine and Food Festival helps fund the Asheville Independent Restaurant Association.

Asheville's Ooh La La Curiosity Market Open Again this Weekend

August 15, 2015   Ooh La La Curiosity Market   An outdoor market in Pritchard Park, downtown Asheville NC,  featuring works by local painters, leather smiths, jewelry makers, potters ,up-cycled crafters, and other curious delights, all beneath the colored canopies of large market umbrellas. 

In addition to the artists, the market will also feature live local music with up three musical acts performing each Saturday and will include everything from a solo saxophonist to folk, blues, acoustic, and jazz acts.

Laugh Your Asheville Off this Weekend

August 12-16, 2014   7th Annual Laugh Your Asheville OFF   One of the largest and most respected stand-up comedy events in the country. The event attracts top comedy producers and representatives that will be in attendance to scout the hottest new comedic talent.

August 12, 8 PM  - FAMOUS SHOWCASE #1 WITH BILLY WAYNE DAVIS at Highland Brewing Company.  Cost: $20.00.  The 9th Annual Laugh Your Asheville Off Comedy Festival kicks off at Highland Brewing Co. with national headliner Billy Wayne Davis.  LINEUP - Tim Messenger, Ed Hill, Dina Hashem, Joe Giarratano, Greg Stevens, Tamer Kattan, Alyssa Cowan, Eric DaSilva, Alvin Irby, Billy Wayne Davis. 

August 13,  8 PM -  FAMOUS SHOWCASE #2 at Diana Wortham Theater.  Cost: $20.00.   Laugh Your Asheville Off presents the Famous Comic Showcase #2 which features 12 comics. LINEUP - Ryan Schutt,  Nick Aragon,  Mark Chalifoux,  Lace Larrabee Michael Magid,  Tom Peters,  Jason Dudey,  Jourdain Fisher Matt Fernandez,  Laura Crawford,  Pete Bladel,  Kenny DeForest.

August 14,  8 PM - FAMOUS SHOWCASE #3 at Diana Wortham Theater.  Cost: $20.00.  Laugh Your Asheville Off presents the Famous Comic Showcase #3 which features 12 comics. LINEUP Greg Wilson,  Lenny Schmidt,  Samantha Ruddy,  Spencer Dobson Chris Milner,  Liz Russo,  Jason Webb,  Sagar Bhatt Dan Weeks,  Ben Rosenfeld,  Drew Morgan,  Brett James.

August 15,  7:00 PM - FAMOUS SHOWCASE #4 at Diana Wortham Theater.  Cost: $20.00.  Laugh Your Asheville Off presents the Famous Comic Showcase #4 which features 9 comics. LINEUP - Art Sturtevant,  Dash Kwiatkowski,  James P. Connolly Craig Todaro,  Josh Johnson,  Jeff Young Emma Arnold,  John Saponaro,  Gordon Baker-Bone.

August 15,   9:30 PM  - FAMOUS SHOWCASE #5 at Diana Wortham Theater.  Cost: $20.00.  Laugh Your Asheville Off presents the Famous Comic Showcase #5 which features 9 comics and headliner Chris Roach. LINEUP -  Zach Peterson,  Bryan McKenna,  Thai Rivera Jay Mandya, | Ali Clayton,  Mo Alexander Marty Archibald,  Kendra Cunningham,  Chris Roach.

Asheville Concerts: Shindig on the Green this Saturday Night

August 15, 2015  Shindig on the Green   Held outdoors at Pack Square Park in the heart of downtown Asheville, this FREE event  was voted the #1 Local Outdoor Concert in the Mountain Xpress "Best of WNC" survey for four years. Bring your instruments, your lawn chair or blanket, family and friends and join the fun eight summer Saturdays. 

Performances include Long-standing house band The Stoney Creek Boys Bluegrass and Old-Time String Bands, Big Circle Mountain Dancers, Clog Dancers, Smooth Dancers, Ballad Singers and Storytellers. If you love old time Mountain music and Bluegrass this is the place to be!

Natalie Cole and Peabo Bryson Perform at Biltmore Concert Series

August 7, 2015   The Biltmore Concert Series:  Natalie Cole and Peabo Bryson    Enjoy performances by award-winning artists at Biltmore with stunning views of Biltmore House and the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering a perfect place to see a show under the stars.

Asheville Downtown Association Calls for Volunteers

Volunteer for Race to the Taps: South Slope 

The Asheville Downtown Association needs at least 2 more course marshals and 5 more volunteers for the water stops.

The Asheville Downtown Association is partnering with Asheville Radio Group on the South Slope series of Race to the Taps on August 8, 2015. They are looking for volunteers to help out with the event.  Association members an earn points toward the perks for the end of year volunteer party.

Make note that the volunteer meeting is mandatory for course marshals and water stop volunteers on August 5 at 5:30 PM at Twin Leaf Brewery.

 Details about the different volunteer jobs: On-site registration and Packet Pick up helps participants pick up their bibs and shirts. Food Crew consists of slicing banannas and bagels as well as handing out water to the runners. Course Marshals direct runners to the correct path of the course and stop traffic as runners pass. Water Stop Volunteers hand out water to participants and manage the water stop set up and clean up.

SIGN UP HERE

Last Swanannoa Gathering of the season this Week

August 2 - 8, 2015   Swanannoa Gathering - Mando & Banjo Week and Fiddle Week   Mando & Banjo Week features classes in two of the instruments that are at the core of several of the most popular folk genres, including bluegrass, old-time, Irish and Scottish, as well as some of the more adventurous blendings of traditional and jazz flavors known variously as ‘newgrass’ or ‘new acoustic’ music. 

Mando & Banjo Week has been paired with Fiddle Week, offering classes in similar styles, to encourage students from both programs to jam with each other, and with guitar classes in both programs to provide rhythm players, the possibilities for impromptu bands and jam sessions.  

Molly Rose Performs at Asheville's Homegrown in Pritchard Park

August 6, 2015    Homegrown in Pritchard Park  This performance features Molly Rose and Abby the Spoon Lady.  Free performances by local singer/songwriters each Thursday between Memorial Day and Labor Day at Pritchard Park in downtown Asheville NC. Held from 6 PM - 8 PM. 

HomeGrown in Pritchard is presented by 98.1 the River and Musician’s Workshop and is part of the Pritchard Park Cultural Arts Program from the Asheville Downtown Association. 

Asheville Brewing Company Announces New Release and Harry Potter Fest

Asheville Brewing Co., 1050 Hendersonville Road, now has Bavarian Rhapsody ~ On Tap.  Bavarian Rhapsody is a refreshing take on a traditional German Berliner weisse. IBU: 10 ABV: 4% Malts: Pale, Wheat Hops: Liberty.

Don't miss this week's movies, July 30 - August 6:

• Pitch Perfect 2 
• MadMax 3D 
• Spy 
• ALL 8 Harry Potter Films (Wednesday and Thursday)

And from the kitchen:
Offering Special Harry Potter menu items, through Thursday (July 30th), at the 675 Merrimon Ave. location.

• Molly's Beef Stew 
• Huffle Puff Pastries 
• Harry's Fried Tomatoes 
• Chinese Fireball Pizza 
• Magical Meatball Sandwich 
• Butter Beer 

will be available during the Harry Potter Fest.

NEW Asheville Arts Festival this Weekend

August 1 - 2, 2015     First Annual LEAF Downtown AVL   Celebrate community, creativity, diversity, and family in the heart of downtown Asheville in Pack Square Park. Enjoy two days filled with music, art, workshops, great food and drinks and a variety of family activities all with an emphasis on local talent. 

Event hours are 8/1, Noon - 10 PM and 8/2 10 AM - 6 PM. The 5K LEAF Art Dash begins at 9 AM and travels through downtown and surrounding areas while roaming artists perform on the sidelines. 

LEAF Community Arts (LEAF), a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization is comprised of LEAF Festival, LEAF Schools & Streets and LEAF International. In 2013,  the name Lake Eden Arts Festival was archived, honoring the history and recognizing LEAF arts education programs extend beyond the LEAF Festival.

LEAF connects cultures and creates community through music and arts. Since 2004, LEAF has served more than 42,000 youth in the Asheville Area and 10 international countries. In 2015, LEAF launched two inaugural programs – LEAF Downtown AVL and LEAF Local Events in order to further expand its mission to connect cultures and create community in the greater Asheville area.

Find more Asheville weekend events and festivals on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

Weekend Asheville Craft Shows: Annual Village Art and Craft Fair

August 1 - 2, 2015   Annual Village Art and Craft Fair   Held on the grounds of All Souls Cathedral in Biltmore Village this year's Fair, the 42nd,  will include 120 juried exhibitors, making it one of the highest quality outdoor show of the year.  

View and shop for all types of fine art and crafts including ceramics, furniture, glass, jewelry and more. Hours are Saturday 10 AM - 7 PM and Sunday 12 PM - 5 PM. Hosted by New Morning Gallery and Bellagio. 

Learn more about Asheville craft shows, art and craft shops and art galleries and museums on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide. 

 

The Get Right Band Performs in Pritchard Park this Week

July 30, 2015   Homegrown in Pritchard Park    This concert features The Get Right Band.  Free performances by local singer/songwriters each Thursday between Memorial Day and Labor Day at Pritchard Park in downtown Asheville NC. Held from 6 PM - 8 PM and sponsored by 98.1 The River radio station.

Guitar Week and Contemporary Folk Week Begins Today at The Swanannoa Gathering

July 26 - August 1, 2015    Swanannoa Gathering - Guitar Week and Contemporary Folk Week  One of the finest programs of its kind anywhere, staffed by some of the world’s best players and instructors.  New instructors this year include Clive Carroll, Dakota Dave Hull, Bill Cooley, Allen Shadd, Jonathan Brown and Josh Goforth. 

Classes are offered in a wide variety of styles ranging from Celtic and bossa nova to jazz and blues.  Contemporary Folk Week celebrates23 years with a Gathering of another group of great artist/instructors offering a wide variety of classes designed to put music back where it belongs – in the hands of the mountain music lovers.

The last week of the Swanannoa Gathering, Banjo Week, Begins on August 2.

The Gathering is held at Warren Wilson College,  7011 Warren Wilson Rd in Swannanoa NC, located between Asheville and Black Mountain NC. Warren Wilson is the country’s only liberal arts college with a national student body and integrated work and service programs.

 

Homebrew Workshop in Asheville

July 28, 2015 from 6 - 7 PM at Hops and Vines, 797 Haywood Rd, Ste 100 in Asheville NC: Free homebrew workshop "Recipe Formulation"   Come learn how to put together your own homebrew recipes, and get a better understanding of the hundreds ingredients available in the homebrew market and how to use them to make your perfect beer.

The workshop will be presented by owner Alex Buerckholtz and it's FREE.

Tickets Now Available for The 9th Annual Laugh Your Asheville Off Comedy Festival

Buy your tickets NOW for The 9th Annual Laugh Your Asheville Off Comedy Festival held this year August 12 - 15, 2015. Over 50 comedians will do their best to make you laugh your Asheville off during this popular four day festival.  GET TICKETS HERE.

Performances will kickoff at The Highlands Brewing Company on Thursday and continue at the Diana Wortham Theatre for the remainder of the Festival. Laugh Your Asheville Off was recently praised in an article by Paste Magazine naming the festival as one of the top 5 must-see comedy festivals this summer.

The Compleat Naturalist Hosts FREE Program About Bats

Friday, July 24, 6:30 - 8:30 PM at The Compleat Naturalist, 2 Brook Street, Historic Biltmore Village in Asheville NC:  Bats! An Evening with Tanya Poole, NC Wildlife Resources Commission.

photo courtesy of Compleat Naturalist

This event is FREE and open to the public. Tanya Poole of the NC Wildlife Resources Commission will present an informal program on bats. If you want to learn more about them, and also find out about the current status of white-nosed syndrome, the fungal disease that has diminished many bat populations to alarmingly low levels, then this is a program you shouldn't miss. Also find out what you can do to help ensure their survival in your own neighborhood.

Light refreshments and beverages will be provided. The presentation will begin promptly at 7:00 PM, and will last about 30 minutes, followed by questions.

Please RSVP by email (info@compleatnaturalist.com) or phone (828-274-5430), or you may sign up through the Meetup Group at http://www.meetup.com/Compleat-Naturalist-Meetup-Group.

Biltmore on Schedule to Open New On Site Hotel this Year

By the end of 2015 Biltmore will open its new Village Hotel offering visitors another convenient way to enjoy the Estate's many activities and adventures.

Nestled in Antler Hill Village just steps from the Winery, Village Hotel occupies a central-to-everything location near quilt-like farm fields that stretch along the banks of the French Broad River. Stay here to be close to shopping, dining, exhibits, and an exciting range of outdoor activities.

Village Rooms will offer a charming window seat, one king bed or two double beds, 400 thread count linens, walk-in shower, refrigerator, Keurig coffee maker, 42-inch plasma television, hair dryer, iron and ironing board, and an in-room safe.

Village Suites will have 700 square feet of space featuring one king bed, conversational seating, sofa bed, 400 thread count linens, walk-in shower and bath tub, refrigerator, Keurig coffee maker, 42-inch plasma television, hair dryer, iron and ironing board, and an in-room safe.

Hotel amenities include:

• Fitness center
• Outdoor pool (open seasonally)
• Access to The Spa at Inn on Biltmore Estate
• Computer and printer access
• Complimentary wireless internet access
• Complimentary self-parking
• Complimentary estate shuttle service

Bookings are being accepted now with an anticipated Hotel opening near the end of 2015.

SAVE ON BILTMORE TICKETS NOW! 

Purchase your tickets online and save $10 plus youth are FREE through Labor day. 

CLICK HERE to buy Biltmore tickets online

In summertime, Biltmore is truly a place for the entire family to gather.  There are so many activities to enjoy together - paddle boarding, biking, Segway tours,horseback riding,  live music, and more.

Get Tickets Now for Asheville's Feasting for FEAST

 GET TICKETS HERE

Feasting for FEAST 2015 

The Asheville Scene presents the 5th Annual Feasting for FEAST on Thursday, September 10, 2015 from 6:00 - 9:00pm at The Renaissance Hotel in Downtown Asheville NC. 

Tickets for this all inclusive event are $35 in advance ($40 on the day of), and include local food, Biltmore Wine and a FEAST beer brewed specifically for the event. “It’s a great way to try out a lot of our top chefs in one place, while supporting a good cause,” emphasizes FEAST Executive Director Kate Justen. 

This years participating restaurants: All Souls Pizza, Blue Dream Curry, Chai Pani, Cucina 24, Cúrate/Nightbell, French Broad Chocolate Lounge, Gan Shan Station, King Daddy’s, Laughing Seed, Renaissance Asheville, Rhubarb, Sunny Point Cafe, West End Bakery, Westville Pub and Wholefoods.  Silent Auction and Raffle Baskets with items from: The Biltmore Estate, The Grove Park Inn, Asheville Adventures, ALOFT Hotel, LaZoom, REI, Diamond Brand and more… Special Thanks to Our Amazing Sponsors: The Asheville Scene Mission Children’s Hospital Navitat Canopy Adventures Goldenwood Financial The Leitner Family The Schmidlin Family Town and Mountain Realty Asheville Pediatric Dentistry Lizzaralde Insurance Agency Green Home Cleaning Optix Eyecare Travis Calhoun Great Beginnings Dentistry.

Shindig on the Green this Saturday in Asheville

July 18, 2015  Shindig on the Green   Held outdoors at Pack Square Park in the heart of downtown Asheville NC, this FREE event  was voted the #1 Local Outdoor Concert in the Mountain Xpress "Best of WNC" survey for four years. Bring your instruments, your lawn chair or blanket, family and friends and join the fun eight summer Saturdays. 

Performances include Long-standing house band The Stoney Creek Boys Bluegrass and Old-Time String Bands, Big Circle Mountain Dancers, Clog Dancers, Smooth Dancers, Ballad Singers and Storytellers. If you love old time Mountain music and Bluegrass this is the place to be

Asheville's Ooh La La Curiosity Market a Favorite Outdoor Art and Crafts Market

July 18, 2015    Ooh La La Curiosity Market     An outdoor market in Pritchard Park  featuring works by local painters, leather smiths, jewelry makers, potters ,up-cycled crafters, and other curious delights, all beneath the colored canopies of large market umbrellas. 

In addition to the artists, the market will also feature live local music with up to three musical acts performing each Saturday and will include everything from a solo saxophonist to folk, blues, acoustic, and jazz acts. 

 Learn more about Asheville NC craft shows on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

Downtown After Five Live Concert in Asheville NC this Friday

July 17, 2015    Downtown After Five   Free live music entertainment in downtown Asheville NC.  The celebration is every third Friday, May through September, with the goal of encouraging locals and visitors to enjoy downtown Asheville and support local businesses and entertainers.  

The event is located on North Lexington Avenue (between Hiawassee and the I-240 overpass). Food and beer vendors will be available.

Asheville Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands this Weekend

July 16 - 19, 2015   Semi-annual Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands   Over 200 exhibitors, craft demonstrations, and live regional music and entertainment bring Asheville's Civic (US Cellular) Center alive with fine traditional and contemporary crafts. 

Both levels of the Center offer artisans exhibiting and selling works of clay, fiber, glass, leather, metal, mixed media, natural materials, paper, wood and jewelry.  The Fair  showcases the work of members of the Southern Highland Craft Guild with members living in the mountain counties of nine states from Maryland to Alabama. 

This is one of the premier Asheville art and crafts event of the year.

 

Homegrown in Pritchard Park features Jeff Thompson

July 16, 2015     Homegrown in Pritchard Park  This performance features Jeff Thompson.  Free performances by local singer/songwriters each Thursday between Memorial Day and Labor Day at Pritchard Park in downtown Asheville NC. Held from 6 PM - 8 PM and sponsored by 98.1 The River radio station.

Shindig on the Green In Downtown Asheville

July 11, 2015   Shindig on the Green    Held outdoors at Pack Square Park in the heart of downtown Asheville NC, this FREE event  was voted the #1 Local Outdoor Concert in the Mountain Xpress "Best of WNC" survey for four years. 

Bring your instruments, your lawn chair or blanket, family and friends and join the fun eight summer Saturdays. Performances include Long-standing house band The Stoney Creek Boys Bluegrass and Old-Time String Bands, Big Circle Mountain Dancers, Clog Dancers, Smooth Dancers, Ballad Singers and Storytellers. If you love old time Mountain music and Bluegrass this is the place to be.

Asheville NC FREE Concerts: Homegrown in Pritchard Park

July 2, 2015   Homegrown in Pritchard Park   This performance features Jeff Santiago.  Free performances by local singer/songwriters each Thursday between Memorial Day and Labor Day at Pritchard Park in downtown Asheville. 

Held from 6 PM - 8 PM and sponsored by 98.1 The River radio station.

FInd links for more local entertainment on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.