Swannanoa Solstice this weekend in Asheville NC

Diana Wortham Theatre in downtown Asheville NC 

Guitars, mandolins, Appalachian dulcimer, Celtic harp, Highland bagpipes, bouzouki, piano, world percussion, and percussive dance — These are the sounds of warm merrymaking and quiet contemplation at the 14th annual A Swannanoa Solstice, coming up Sunday, December 18 at 2 PM and 7 PM. Bring family and friends and usher in the season with songs from around the globe, both sacred and secular, with internationally renowned recording artists and multi-instrumentalists Al Petteway, Amy White, Robin Bullock, and special guests: David Holt, Grammy Award-winning musician, storyteller, historian, and television host; Phil Jamison and Ellie Grace, nationally acclaimed flatfoot dancers; E.J. Jones, Highland bagpiper, and The Piper Jones Band; and Host Doug Orr, president emeritus of Warren Wilson College and founder of The Swannanoa Gathering. Wassail, cookies, and live music will be provided in the lobby of the theatre to set just the right tone for the seasonal performances to come. Some tickets remain for this intimate concert of Appalachian, Celtic, Scots-Irish, and world-influenced music along with poetry and storytelling – get yours today.

 

Diana Wortham Theatre in downtown Asheville NC

Two South Pack Square in downtown Asheville, NC

FOODIE ALERT: Taste of Asheville Offers The Best of Over 40 Asheville Restaurants

November 17, 2016   Taste of Asheville   An evening of food, wine and beer tasting with 40+ AIR (Asheville Independent Restaurants) restaurants, wine sponsors and local brewers.  

This event usually "sells out" so get your tickets in advance. Enjoy the best of Asheville's food and beverage scene with tastings and samplings of old favorites and new creations. This is a fundraiser for AIR and it's programs, including the "Chef's of Tomorrow" Scholarship at AB Tech and GO! Kitchen Ready.

PARTICIPANTS INCLUDE: The Blackbird, Vinnie's Neighborhood Italian, Old Europe Coffee & Pastries, Sovereign Remedies, Mojo Kitchen & Lounge, City Bakery, Urban Orchard Cider Company, Medea's Real Food Cafe, Bhramari Brewhouse, Desserts by Heirloom Hospitality Group: Curate/Nightbell, The Chocolate Fetish, Sante Wine Bar & Tap Room, High Five Coffee Bar, Twisted Laurel, ISIS Restaurant & Music Hall, The Corner Kitchen, Chestnut, Marco's Pizzeria, Buffalo Nickel, The Lobster Trap, Isa's Bistro, Blue Dream Curry House, Pack's Tavern, French Broad Chocolate Lounge, Sunny Point Cafe, The Southern Kitchen & Bar, Mela Indian Restaurant, Ultimate Ice Cream, Strada Italiano, Lexington Avenue Brewery, Wicked Weed Brewing, Asheville Brewing Company & Catawba Brewing Company  

Halloween Events: Visit The Haunted Farm...if you dare

October 28 - 31, 2016   The Haunted Farm   If you dare... come visit this spooktacular farm sitting on a mysterious, blood-soaked stretch of land where the deranged Missy Mae Lively eternally pines for her lost groom. Just 15 minutes from Asheville NC.

The Haunted Farm is  billed as the scariest Halloween attraction in Western North Carolina. The Farm is  frightful fun with three main parts: The Woods, The Farm and The Haunted Hayride. New for 2016 - There are more gruesome scenes, horrifying sights, special effects, incredible details and startling scares then ever before. 

Don't miss the chance to defend against the Zombie Army with your paintball weapon.  Admission - $20 (cash only); $3 parking

Race to the Taps 7 Miler in Asheville NC this Saturday

September 24, 2016    Race to the Taps 7 Miler   This series hits downtown's south slope neighborhood and features Twin Leaf and Catawba Brewing. The Asheville Downtown Association is the nonprofit partner for this race.  



Race to the Taps is produced by Asheville Radio Group and Kick It Event Management. These runs certainly aren’t pub crawls.  Each race is a chip-timed, 4-miler highlighting the neighborhood surrounding the host brewery with varying degrees of difficulty appropriate for seasoned runners or the casual runner/walker. 



The reward is refreshing with some great craft beer and prizes. 

Brewgrass Festival this Weekend in Asheville NC

September 17, 2016    Brewgrass Festival   American breweries gather to showcase more than 120 different beers. Live entertainment includes a great lineup of national and regional bluegrass musicians  featuring The Travelin' McCourys with special guest Peter Rowan, Jon Stickley Trio, and Bobby Miller and the Virginia Daredevils. 

The festival will be held on Saturday,  featuring over 55 breweries sampling a diverse assortment of local, regional, and national craft beers. The event also features a variety of area food vendors and plenty of water. 

Brewgrass is held from 1 - 6 PM at Asheville's Memorial Stadium. 

Learn more about Asheville events and festivals on our Asheville NC Visitors Guide. 

Asheville's Annual Goombay Festival this Weekend

Date:      September 9 - 11, 2016   Annual Goombay Festival   “Goombay Festival represents an opportunity to highlight the African American experience and the YMI’s role in crafting that experience. It continues to promote the historical legacy of the “Founding Fathers” to promote the entrepreneurial spirit of African Americans in Asheville, NC.” — Stephanie Swepson-Twitty, Board Chair of the YMI. Enjoy 3 days of music arts and community.

 

Ooh La La Curiosity Market This Labor Day Weekend

September 3, 2016    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 Downtown Gallery Association Art Walk this Labor Day Weekend

September 2, 2016   Asheville Downtown Gallery Association Art Walk   Enjoy the fine art and craft of the Asheville Downtown Gallery Association and see on  of the reasons Asheville has been voted #1 small

Asheville Gallery of Art open during the Art Walk

city in the country by the readers of American Style Magazine 2 years running. 

20+ downtown venues participate with a complete 

A Downtown Gallery Guide and a map are available at any participating downtown gallery, the Chamber of Commerce, or Pack Place.

Asheville Beer News: Thursday Tasting at Brusin' Ales

September 1, 2016, 3 - 7 PM at Brusin' Ales, 66 Broadway Street in Asheville NC: Troegs Brewing Co. Tasting.   Troegs is one of America's most beloved breweries and Brusin' Ales will be hosting their NC sales rep, Corey, for the tasting. This go around,  a few of their seasonal releases as well as the classics will be tasted.

Hop Knife:  "Hop Knife Harvest Ale recognizes the time-honored tradition of hand-harvesting at the peak of maturity. At the end of fermentation, the beer flows through our HopCyclone releasing a bounty of preserved citrus rind, crushed jungle and tropical aromas." American IPA.

Troegenator:  "Thick and chewy with intense notes of caramel, chocolate and dried stone fruit, 'Nator (as he is called) serves as a tribute to this liquid bread style." Dopplebock.

Jovial:   "Originally brewed for Chris' wedding, it was decided Jovial was just too good a union of dark stone fruit character and evocative notes of toffee, chocolate and molasses to make only once." Dubbel.

LaGrave: "Our Triple Golden Ale carves out flavors of ripe pear, straw and black pepper with a dry, champagne powder finish."   Belgian-Style Tripe.

JavaHead Stout:   "This creamy oatmeal stout is infused with locally roasted, cold steeped coffee through our HopBack vessel releasing subtle hints of cocoa, roasted nuts and dark mocha." Oatmeal Stou.

Don't forget the webstore for pick-up
or shipping an amazing selection of beer

 

Diana Wortham Mainstage Series Tickets Go Onsale Today

August 25, 2016 - Tickets for all Mainstage Series performances go on sale. Watch a preview video and get more information  HERE.

The Season opener is on September 24, 2016 and features Kathy Mattea - The Acoustic Living Room

Diana Wortham Theatre is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization, whose mission is to present entertaining, enlightening, and enriching programs to both neighbors and visitors 
in Asheville, Buncombe County and Western North Carolina.

Concerts in the Park Features Terry Lynn Queen Bee and The Stingers

August 27, 2016   Concerts in the Park   Biltmore Park Town Square offers FREE live concerts from June through October. Brings a blanket and enjoy the best performers in the area from 60s Oldies to contemporary jazz.  7 PM - 9 PM.  

Terry Lynn Queen Bee and The Stingers perform this concert.

Shindig on the Green this Saturday in Asheville NC

August 27, 2016    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.

Find more things to do in Asheville NC on our Visitor Guide. 

Asheville WIne and Food Festival This Weekend

August 19 - 20, 2016    Asheville Wine and Food Festival   The festival begins with "Sweet" on the 19th, a decadent evening of desserts, sparkling wines, and beer at The Historic Grove Arcade. 

The Grand Tasting  is held at the US Cellular Center. Experience a remarkable variety of local and international wineries, local Beer City and area breweries, restaurateurs and chefs, farmers, and artisan food producers. Meet farmers, chefs, cookbook authors, and artisan beverage makers, as well as regional crafters. 

Culinary events will take place throughout the day including Blind Wine & Beer Tasting and Winery Competitions. 

At this festival you will see why Asheville 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.

Downtown After Five this Weekend in Asheville NC

August 19, 2016    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 and support local businesses and entertainers.  

Headlining this month:  the Asheville All-Stars. Bringing together some of Asheville’s best musicians, the All-Stars show has quickly become a favorite of the summer. Audiences will be treated to a mix of original songs and fun covers. This year's line up includes: Peggy Ratusz, Suzanna Baum, CaroMia Tiller, Whitney Moore, Andrew Scotchie, Josh Phillips, Matt Williams, Josh Blake, Juan Holladay, Zack Page, Ryan Reardon, Chuck Lichtenberger, Simon Thomas George, River Gruegarian, Patrick Thomas, Derrick Lee Johnson, Je Widenhouse, Jonathan Scales.

Lots of local beers will be on tap along with  plenty of local taste treats from food vendors: D.O.G.S., Gypsy Queen Cuisine, Kernel Mike's Kettle Corn and Snow Cones, Moe's Original BBQ, Rosetta's Kitchen, Simply Nuts, Taste & See Food Truck and Ultimate Ice Cream Company

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

Asheville NC Hosts 89th Annual Mountain Dance and Folk Festival

August 4 - 6, 2016    89th Annual Mountain Dance and Folk Festival   This is the nation’s longest running folk festival. The 89th annual edition of this three-day event showcases the best of the region’s old-time and bluegrass musicians, mountain dance groups, cloggers, and ballad singers. 

Enjoy a different show every night, beginning at 7:00 PM nightly at the Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Place in downtown Asheville NC.

Final Week of The Swanannoa Gathering

July 31 - August 6, 2016   Swanannoa Gathering - Mando and Banjo Week and Fiddle Week  One of the finest programs of its kind anywhere, staffed by some of the world’s best players and instructors.  

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 as ‘new acoustic’ music.

photo courtesy of Swanannoa Gathering

Mando & Banjo Week has been paired with our 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 are rich, indeed.

There will be concerts throughout the week featuring our world-class staff, and the optional Student Showcase at week’s end will be an opportunity for students to show what they have learned.

 

LEAF Downtown Returns to Asheville NC this Weekend

July 30 - 31, 2016     Annual LEAF Downtown AVL   Celebrate community, creativity, diversity, and family in the heart of downtown Asheville NC 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. 

photo courtesy of LEAF

LEAF Downtown AVL celebrates music, art and culture presenting a powerful “Soultown” theme bringing the very best soul, funk, R&B and world music talent to one and ALL – for FREE! Get ready for a fully immersive experience, welcoming families and all walks of life to gather as one community in rhis beautiful mountain city. LEAF Downtown AVL will feature a wealth of community partner programming including the return of the Voices of Asheville tent, dozens of family activities, three stages featuring local, regional and national talent, 80+ local culinary and craft arts vendors curated in part by Asheville Grown, roaming performers galore, a one-of-a-kind VIP experience and the second annual LEAF Art Dash 5K.

 

Ooh La La Curiosity Market this Saturday in Asheville NC

July 16, 2016  - 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.

Get more Asheville NC weekend events on our Asheville Visitor Guide.

 

Asheville Concerts: Downtown After Five this Friday Night

July 15, 2016   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 and support local businesses and entertainers.  

Opener: Sweet Claudette
These vintage country Asheville ladies will captivate audiences with their 4, 5, and 6-part harmonies. Those harmonies combined with brilliant songwriting and outstanding musicianship set Sweet Claudette apart from the crowd

Headliner: Anderson East
Classic soul mixed with youthful enthusiasm, Anderson’s authentic southern R&B charms audiences across the country. Anderson tours this spring with Grammy winner, Chris Stapleton.

Plenty of local, regional and national beers, as well as wine, water and soda, will be available for purchase. Also, local food vendors will have everything from BBQ to ice cream, boiled peanuts to tacos.

To purchase alcohol, attendees must first purchase a $2 wristband. Proceeds from wristband sales go to an area nonprofit. July's partner is Homeward Bound, a nonprofit that works to end homelessness in Western North Carolina by moving people into housing of their own and providing the support they need to stay housed for good.

The event is located on North Lexington Avenue (between Hiawassee and the I-240 overpass).

Learn more about Asheville NC on our Visitors Guide 

Asheville 4th of July Fireworks and Celebration

July 4, 2016    Ingles 4th of July Celebration in Pack Square  Enjoy live music from some of Asheville NC's most popular bands along with a variety of family activities. The event begins at 2 PM with the Ultimate Air Dogs and live music at 4 PM and concludes with an amazing fireworks display from 9:30 PM to 10 PM. 

photo courtesy of www.asheville.com

Live Concert Tonight in Downtown Asheville

June 17, 2016    Downtown After Five   Free live music entertainment in downtown Asheville. Headlining this month is Corey Harris. 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 Art in the Park This Weekend

June 11, 2016    Art in the Park     Artisans working in Glass, Ceramics, Wood, Jewelry, and metal show and sell in a public market setting in the center of Asheville NC in Pack Square Park. The event takes place on three consecutive Saturdays each June and October.


Nationally known artists exhibit at this event and the best part is - they are local.


10% of the proceeds will be donated to the Asheville Area Arts Council's "Asheville Art in the Park Art and Community Grant

RiverMusic Concert Series Opens for the Season

June 10, 2016      RiverMusic Concert Series     This is a Series of five Friday nights of live concerts by the French Broad River in the River Arts District of Asheville, NC. This month's performers are: 5:30: Randall Bramblett Band;  6:45: Jerry Joseph and The Jackmormons;  8:15: Bloodkin.


RiverLink’s popular RiverMusic Series in Asheville NC begins its fifth big year in 2016. As always, there will be live music from local and national acts, local beer and foodtrucks, free parking and admission, and the sun setting over the beautiful French Broad River.

Asheville Beer Week - Celebrate NC Craft Beer

Highland Rooftop Grand Opening Kickoff Party

May 27 - June 4, 2016   Asheville Beer Week   This Annual event offers eight full days of celebrating all things beer in Asheville NC.  There is  a reason Asheville NC has become known as on the the premier craft beer destinations in the country - come to Asheville for Beer Week and discover for yourself.  The week of events will include tastings, dinners, beer education, keynote speakers, and other beer-related fun (and nonsense). 

Beer Dinner at Gaining Ground Farm

Get  a list of events and venues on the website beginning with Highland Brewing Company's Rooftop Grand Opening and ABW Kick Off PARTY!


Asheville Beer Week includes Asheville’s Beer City Festival on Saturday afternoon where dozens of breweries (and plenty of live music) are slated to appear on Roger McGuire Green. 


 

May 27 - 29, 2016        Annual Mountain Sports Festival   Experience Springtime in Asheville NC at the 2016 Mountain Sports Festival.

photo courtesy www.explioreasheville.com

Bring your family and friends to Carrier Park and other venues for the outdoor music and sports event of the year. This year promises to build on previous years and bring a wide variety of events in the mountains, throughout town, and on the river with an array of musical talent performing on the Main Stage each day.


The Pisgah Brewing Company craft beer and local food vendors will be available.

The Largest One-day WNC Arts Street Festival this Weekend in Asheville

May 21, 2016     Montford Music and Arts Festival    This is the largest one-day, free music and arts festival in Western NC - so large it's held on two streets: Montford and Soco. 

photos courtesy of Monford Music and Arts Festival

Enjoy more than 100 vendors of art, crafts, plants and food along with two stages of non-stop entertainment with 20 performing music groups and a children’s area. The Festival is known for its many quality craft persons and artists who return every year to offer their wares. The special Juried Artists section exemplifies the degree of excellence you will find at the festival.

Located near the Asheville NC Visitors Center in Historic Montford with shady tree-lined streets and unique architecture, from turn of the century “Victorian” to Arts and Craft designs.  On street parking and a bike corral will be available. The event will be held rain or shine and admission is free.

Asheville Downtown After Five live concert this Friday

May 20, 2016     Downtown After Five   Free live music entertainment in downtown Asheville. Headlining this month is CHA WA.

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) in Downtown Asheville NC. Food and beer vendors will be available.

North Carolina Arboretum Hosts the Carolinas Dahlia Society and the North Carolina Chrysanthemum Society Annual Tuber Sale

May 14, 2016   Carolinas Dahlia Society and North Carolina Chrysanthemum Society   at the North Carolina Arboretum   A wide variety of dahlia tubers and chrysanthemum rooted cuttings featuring cultivated varieties are available. Learning from Dahlia and Mum Society experts, visitors can uncover the secrets of how to produce plants with show quality blooms. 10 AM - 2 PM.

photo courtesy of North Carolina Arboretum

The North Carolina Aboretum is located at 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way in Asheville NC 

Last Comic Standing Winner Performs in Asheville this Weekend

May 6,  7 PM and 9:30 PM at Funny Business at The Millroom, 66 Asheland Avenue in Asheville NC - Jon Reep performs two special shows. Get tickets HERE.

Jon was the fifth season winner on NBC's "Last Comic Standing" and also appearred on Comedy Central's "Premium Blend" and the half-hour special "Comedy Central Presents: Jon Reep". He has also performed on a variety of television show and specials.

His show is supersonic energy filled with non-stop characters, super clever writing and of course the one talent that separates Jon from all other comedians in the world: "He's the best redneck dancer since Elvis".

Asheville Cocktail Week Tickets NOW Available

May 4 - 8, 2016 Asheville Cocktail Week returns. Get your tickets NOW for this popular event.

Launched in 2009, ASHEVILLE FEST celebrates several signature events.  Asheville Cocktail Week brings a dozen events over an expanded week, including Cocktail Theater, Spirit Dinners, Cinco de Mayo Afterparty, Guided Cocktail Tours, a "Derby Party", and a Best Bloody Mary Contest during which 15 Asheville Bars will serve a weeks worth of their very best to claim the title of Best Bloody Mary in Asheville Fest as voted by consumers.

The Southeastern Distilling Expo is the largest gathering of Southeastern Distilleries in one location. This is an industry expo invite for owners, managers and bartenders.

ELIXIR, in its fourth year, promises to bring yet another exciting evening of collaboration between the distilleries and local bar talent. Open to the public, this event provides a fun environment for the customers to get in front of bartenders making sample drinks in a structured competition environment, supporting their current bar tenders and discovering new favorites.

SWEET offers a decadent evening of desserts on Friday, again at the Historic Grove Arcade and the GRAND TASTING on Saturday is a smorgasbord of food, wine, beer, and spirits, culinary demonstrations, and a chance to meet authors, farmers, chefs, winemakers, brewers, and much, much more. If you are interested in the the Grand Tasting VIP event, know that an entire floor has been set aside that afternoon just for you! Come sample the best food scene in the south.

Get complete details for the  
Asheville Wine and Food Festival HERE

Find Asheville NC lodging, attractions and visitor information on our Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

 

First Asheville Art Walk of the 2016 Season this Weekend

April 1, 2016   Asheville Downtown Gallery Association Art Walk   Enjoy the fine art and craft of the Asheville Downtown Gallery Association. 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.  

20+ downtown venues participate with a complete Downtown Gallery Guide and a map available at any participating downtown gallery, the Asheville Visitors' Center or Pack Place. The Walks take place each first Friday from 5-8PM, April through December. 

Rhythmic Circus Performs at Asheville's Diana Wortham Theatre

March 31 and April 1, 2016, 8:00 PM at Diana Wortham Theatre, 2 South Park Square in downtown Asheville NC -  Rhythmic Circus. One of the biggest shows at the theatre this season: amazing percussive dance with a big brass band. Fun for all ages.

From a percussive chair routine (think STOMP) to the stripped down “Dream Song,” Rhythmic Circus's awarding-winning show Feet Don’t Fail Me Now! is a genre-hopping hour-and-a-half of rock, blues, soul and funk.

The rapid-fire tap, the funky styling and original lyrics of a six-piece band with a big, brassy sound, and a vocal percussionist all come together in this show that will have you tapping your feet and dancing in your seat. Don't miss it!

Adding to the fun is the annual Y.E.S. (Youth Education Scholarship) Fund Raffle during both evenings of the Rhythmic Circus performances. Win art, jewelry, travel packages, and more while supporting children through DWT's Y.E.S. Fund. 6:30 p.m. through intermission each evening. $5 per ticket, 5 tickets for $20. Bring your cash and win.

photo courtesy Diana Wortham Theatre

Funny Business at the Millroom Announces FOUR Big Shows for Spring

Funny Business at the Millroom,  66 Asheland Avenue in Asheville NC is ready to welcome spring with big shows and big laughs.  Get tickets NOW, before they sell out.

April 15, 2016 - CLUB FAVORITE GRANT LYON (LAUGHING SKULL FEST WINNER).

TICKETS

May 5, 2016 - *SPECIAL SHOW* JON REEP (LAST COMIC STANDING WINNER)

TICKETS

May 21, 2016 -  SHANE MAUSS: THE GOOD TRIP

TICKETS

June 25, 2016 -  SICK OF STUPID COMEDY TOUR CLIFF CASH, TOM SIMMONS, STEWART HUFF

TICKETS

Asheville Central Business District Meeting

March 23, 2016 from 4 PM - 7 PM in Lord Auditorium in Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood St - The City of Asheville will hold a drop-in meeting about development issues in downtown Asheville NC.  City Council is interested in making changes to development rules for the Central Business District. These rules were last written in 2010, after the adoption of the Downtown Master Plan in 2009.

The recent surge in downtown development has caused some reconsideration of how projects are reviewed. At the meeting, three main topics will be discussed:

• Levels of review
• The process for Level III projects
• The hotel development process 

Council has indicated that they would like to review more projects in the Central Business District. Currently projects have to be larger than 175,000 square feet or 145 feet tall before they are heard by City Council. Below this level, Level II projects (above 20,000 square feet and under 145 feet tall) are heard by the Planning and Zoning Commission for final approval.

The second issue is about Level III projects in the Central Business District. Currently, there is an area called the Traditional Downtown Core. Large projects within this boundary are reviewed as Conditional Zonings, outside of this area, large projects are reviewed as Conditional Use Permits. The difference between these two processes are technical, but have an impact on both how City Council receives information about the project, and how the project is reviewed.

The third issue centers on hotel development. City Council and some citizens have expressed concerns about hotels in downtown. Hotels could be reviewed under a Conditional Use Permit or Conditional Zoning as a category. One possibility is that hotels over a certain size or number of rooms could be considered either Conditional Use or Conditional Zoning. No thresholds have been determined yet.

Staff will give a short presentation at 4:15 PM and then again at 5:45 PM, which will give attendees background and an understanding of the issues under consideration. After each staff presentation, participants can visit any or all of the stations for each of these topics.

For more information contact The Asheville Downtown Association.

7th Annual Easter on the Green in Asheville

March 26, 2016    Easter on the Green    Enjoy the 7th annual Easter on the Green Saturday,  from 2-5 PM in Pack Square Park presented by Ingles Markets. There will be Easter fun for children of all ages including age-specific Easter egg hunts, Kids Karaoke, free arts and crafts provided by Asheville Macaroni Kid and the LEAF Easel Rider, giant inflatable slides and obstacle courses, a mini-bounce for toddlers and much more. 

photo courtesy Citizen-Times

Get info and egg hunt schedule online. Children will have a chance to meet the Easter Bunny and Icon Media Asheville will be on hand all day to take pictures of kids with the Easter Bunny which parents can download for free or purchase a print.

Upcoming Events at The Diana Wortham Theatre

March 18, 2016 - Color Me Goodwill. A fast-paced, head-turning show fusing fashion, food and art for a mission. Cocktail reception at 6 PM prior to the 7 PM show.

March 20, 2016 - An Evening with Travis Tritt presented by NS Productions, Inc.   Enjoy a special evening with the CMA and Grammy award-winning country artist.

March 25, 2016 - Dervish    One of the most popular returning Celtic artists, Dervish has established itself as a forerunner in the traditional music world for more than two decades.

The Diana Wortham Theatre offers a variety of professional and award-winning performances year around. The Theatre is located at 2 South Pack Square in downtown Asheville NC.

Asheville Wine and Food Presents Special Dinner Series

March 22 beginning at 6:00 PM at Chestnut Restaurant, 48 Biltmore Avenue in Asheville NC:  Four-course Beer Dinner featuring Highland Brewing Company. Greet Spring with Chef Joe Mitchell's locally focused menu, featuring Hickory Nut Gap meats and the latest beer and ale creations from Highland Brewing Company: New Highland IPA, Kinsman Mocha Stout infused with Cinnamon, Chipotle, Vanilla and Cacao Nibs, Saw Whet Saison and their staple Gaelic Ale.


Reception begins at 6:00 PM with a four-course dinner to follow. $70.00 ($73.44 w/service fee) Price is Per Person: Dinner, Beer, Tax and Gratuity Included. GET TICKETS HERE. 

Biltmore Special Exhibit - Fashionable Romance: Wedding Gowns in Film

Now through July 4, 2016     Biltmore Special Exhibit - Fashionable Romance: Wedding Gowns in Film    Biltmore will share mementos from Vanderbilt and Cecil family weddings and special occasions in a new exhibit at The Biltmore Legacy in Antler Hill Village.

Cornelia Vanderbilt Cecil, photo courtesy Biltmore

Displayed throughout Biltmore House, the award-winning costumes span 300 years of wedding fashion from films set in the years 1645 to 1935. The exhibition features 19 classic films, including the iconic Jane Austen romances of “Sense and Sensibility,” “Emma,” and “Pride and Prejudice.”

For each costume display, Biltmore’s renowned floral design team will create elaborate arrangements complementing each film’s era.

Admission: Admission to “Fashionable Romance: Wedding Gowns in Film” is included in the general admission ticket price.

Altan Performs Celtic Music at The Diana Wortham Theatre

March 10, 2016 at The Diana Wortham Theatre, 2 South Pack Square in downtown Asheville NC: Our Celtic Connection this week features Altan. 

The group is back in Asheville with a new project that explores the ancient musical bond between our beloved region and Ireland. The Widening Gyre reveals the similarities between the traditional Irish music that Altan is known for, namely Donegal fiddling and Gaelic singing traditions, and American and bluegrass roots music, especially that of the Appalachian bluegrass fiddle.

Don't miss this evening of hard-hitting reels and jigs, touching old Irish songs, and some of the band's original hits as they continue to break new ground in traditional music.

Altan performance begins at 8 PM - BUY TICKETS HERE 

Biltmore Estate Marathons this Weekend

March 12 - 13, 2016  Asheville full and Half Marathon on Biltmore Estate   The 2016 Asheville Marathon takes place on the scenic grounds of the Biltmore Estate. It will cover both the east (paved) and west (dirt roads) sides of the Estate. 

photo courtesy www.chirunning.com

The course will be USATF certified and bib chip timing will be used for the event. Runners will explore 26.2 miles of America’s largest backyard,  winding through a hardwood forest, meadows, gardens and extraordinary views of the Biltmore House and estate. 

Asheville Hosts Southern Conference Basketball Tournament

March 3 - 7, 2016 - The City of Asheville NC is once again the host for the Southern Conference Men’s and Women’s Basketball, and Wrestling Tournaments. This year, all of the men’s and women’s games will be played at the U.S. Cellular Center, while Kimmel Arena at UNC Asheville will host the Conference Wrestling Championship.

Asheville welcomed the Southern Conference Basketball Championships back to the area in 2012 for the first time since 1995, when the city’s run as tournament host ended after 12 years. The League extended its hosting agreement with Asheville through 2021, which will also be the Southern Conference’s 100-year celebration.

Visit the tournament web site for all the events surrounding the 2016 Southern Conference Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships, schedules, special events and ticket sales.

Movies on Merrimon This Week

February 19-25, 2016 at Asheville Brewing Company, 675 Merrimon Avenue in Asheville NC:

The Good Dinosaur - Friday at 4 PM; Saturday-Monday 1PM and 4PM;  Tuesday-Thursday: 4 PM

Spectre - Friday-Thursday at 7 PM

Beyond Thunderdome - Friday-Thursday 10:15 PM

Don't miss the 15th Annual Oscar Part on February 28, 2016. Doors open at 6 PM with Red Carpet at 7 PM and the Ceremony beginning at 8:30 PM. Awards will be given out for Best Dressed plus Trivia and Prizes. Tickets will be available February 28th beginning at 10 AM (limit one per guest). FREE event.