AKC Dog Agility Trial this Weekend in Asheville

January 16-19   American Kennel Club (AKC) Dog Agility Trial   The Blue Ridge Agility Club of Western North Carolina is hosting an American Kennel Club Dog (AKC) dog agility trial. Spectators are welcomed to attend and admission is free. Over 300 purebred dogs, from throughout the southeast, will compete at various levels of difficulty.

The event is held at the WNC Agricultural Center in the Ashevile NC suburb of Fletcher.

Fin links for Asheville lodging, attractions and restaurants on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

Asheville Holiday and Christmas Parade this Weekend

November 23    Asheville Holiday Parade The 67th Annual Asheville Holiday Parade, presented by Bojangles, rolls through downtown Asheville beginning at 11 AM. The parade starts on Biltmore Avenue near South Charlotte Street, makes a left on Patton Avenue, and ends at French Broad Avenue.

This year's theme, "A Star is born" is the largest to date with 101 entries and the "Stars" from The Asheville Ballet, Star 104.3, Mix 96.5, Asheville Lyric Opera, and actors from “The Best Christmas Pageant” at Asheville Community Theatre.

Giant balloons will soar above the parade to add to the day’s excitement, along with eight marching bands, a variety of dance and holiday cheer groups, dueling pianos, a skip rope team,  llamas, horses and unicycles to entertain the crowd. All the fun and exciting participants and entries lead up to the big finish, the arrival of Santa Claus, sponsored by The Grove Arcade.

Caromia performs This Weekend at Homegrown in Pritchard Park

August 15   Homegrown in Pritchard Park - Caromia   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.

7th Annual Laugh Your Asheville OFF

August 13-17    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.

Get a schedule of the comedy line-up HERE.

Diana Wortham Theatre Intersections

July 23, 6:30 PM in the Forum at the Diana Wortham Theatre, 2 South Pack Square in downtaon Asheville NC  Intersections Book Discussion Group.  The discussion focuses on The Orphan Master's Son by Adam Johnson - Winner of The Pulitzer Prize, and:

• NATIONAL BOOK CRITICS CIRCLE AWARD FINALIST 
• LONGLISTED FOR THE AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION’S ANDREW CARNEGIE MEDAL 
• WINNER OF THE CALIFORNIA BOOK AWARD FOR FICTION 
• NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER




“The single best work of fiction published in 2012 . . . The book’s cunning, flair and pathos are testaments to the still-formidable power of the written word.”—The Wall Street Journal



In this epic, critically acclaimed tour de force, Adam Johnson provides a riveting portrait of a world rife with hunger, corruption, and casual cruelty but also camaraderie, stolen moments of beauty, and love.

NOTE: This novel can be graphic and is not for the faint of heart.

Pre-registration is recommended by calling Rae Geoffrey at 828-210-9837 or by emailing rae@dwtheatre.com.

Asheville 4th of July Events: Fireworks in Pack Square

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

Stories on Asheville's Front Porch Kickoffs the 2013 Season

June 29, 10:30 - 11:30 AM   Stories on Asheville's Front Porch    Chinese Lion Dance- stories from Diane Wolkstein in retrospect - Hans Christian Anderson and Haitian Stories. The Tellers are Gwenda Ledbetter, Sherry Lovett, Nancy Reeder, and VixiJill Glenn.

This event is FREE! Rain or Shine and held in Pack Place Rhino Courtyard -  enter under the Diana Wortham marquee on Biltmore Avenue. Event Sponsors: Charlotte Street Computers, Clark Communications, Asheville Storytelling Circle, and Pack Place.

5th Annual Cajun Cook-off / Art and Oddities Silent Auction.

January 19,  4  PM. at Tressa's Downtown Jazz and Blues on Broadway in downtown Asheville sample some of the finest Cajun cuisine at the 5th Annual Cajun Cook-off / Art & Oddities Silent Auction. This fundraiser helps support the Asheville Mardi Gras Parade and Ball which are free to all and will occur on Bacchus Sunday, February 10th, 2013.

Everyone is welcome to try their hand at creating Asheville's best Cajun dish. The crowd's favorite will take home the coveted cook-off trophy and the bragging rights for next year's contest . Following the cook-off the Art & Oddities Silent Auction begins with bidding on spectacular, bazaar, collectible and crafty items created by local legends and folk artists. This event always boasts the talents of local artists, chefs and lovers of Louisiana cuisine.

For a $10 entry fee (or free with your Asheville Mardi Gras membership), you will enjoy delicious Cajun creations, dance to New Orleans style music and marvel at the costuming extravaganza that comes with the spirit of the Mardi Gras Season.

Biltmore Music and Wine Weekend

September 21-23   Music and Wine Weekend at Biltmore    Celebrate NC Wine month with festive, delicious, and fun events at Biltmore's Antler Village and Winery. Enjoy live music, grape stomps, and barrel tastings. This special event is included in your estate admission.

Live music this weekend at the Bandstand includes Skylark on Friday from 4:30 - 9:15 PM and on Saturday Mark Guest Trio 12:00 PM–4:45 PM, Gypsy Swingers 5:00 PM.–9:45 PM. Sunday from 1:15 - 6:15 PM Red Hot Sugar Babies performs.

Learn more about Biltmore and Biltmore events on the Asheville NC visitor Guide.

The Ice Age comes to Asheville this Weekend

September 22 - January 6    After the Dinosaurs: The Age of Mammals and Ice Exhibit at the NC Arboretum   A traveling museum exhibit that tells the story of the Ice Age. Its exciting interactive displays and giant robotic creatures make the drama of the ancient titans that dominated the age accessible to all. Focused on the flora and fauna of North America, the exhibit provokes visitors to wonder what life was like in the Ice Age.

The North Carolina Arboretum  offers magnificent gardens and miles of woodland trails, ontinual special events and touring shows. Just as experience of nature is intimate, visitors to The North Carolina Arboretum connect with plants in personal ways that are as diverse and rich as the land itself. Whether you enjoy strolling through gardens, exploring exhibits, enriching your mind or hiking and biking, the Arboretum offers activities for all age. The NC Arboretum is located at 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way in Asheville NC.

Find more Asheville NC events and Attractions on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

Blue Ridge Stamp and Postcard Show

July 7-8 at The Biltmore Square Mall - Blue Ridge Stamp and Postcard Show. A Trade Show for stamps and postcards including supplies for collectors. Buy - Sell - Trade or just enjoy looking. Free event.

Shindig on the Green Kicks off with a 5K Fundraiser

June 30   5K Run for Shindig on the Green   A special fundraising benefit for Shindig on the Green, the race kicks off the first Shindig evening of 2012. Hosted by the Folk Heritage Committee, the Run will help fund the celebrated heritage event, now in its 46th year.

The two overall race winners will be recognized at this year's first Shindig. The overall male and female winners of the 5K will each receive a beautiful mug with the Folk Heritage Committee logo crafted by Mangum Pottery in Weaverville, N.C.

There will be additional awards for the winners of the Fun Walk/Run and age divisions of the 5K race. Parking is limited to 280 spaces at the Park and carpooling is recommended.  There will be no food vendors but post-race snacks and water will be available. Online registration for this race closed June 9, 2012. T-Shirts will be available only for pre-registered 5K participants.

Asheville Design Center Hosts Kickin' it old School Fundraiser

June 21, 6-9 PM   The Asheville Affiliates and Asheville Design Center invite you to "Kickin' it Old School"  at Celine and Company's On Broadway. This event is the largest fundraiser to date for the Asheville Design Center and is hosted by the Asheville Affiliates and sponsored by Charlotte Street Computers.

The Asheville Design Center is a nonprofit agency dedicated to engaging citizens in creative design that promotes healthy, thriving and equitable communities. Proceeds from the event will go towards ADC’s Klondyke Playground project. With the help of volunteer designers this summer, ADC volunteers will design and build a new playground for the over 200 children who live there.  Located at the end of Montford Avenue, the Klondyke Apartments currently lacks a safe place for children to play.  Working with Klondyke residents through all phases of the process, ADC’s volunteer professionals will design and build a new space that encourages a sense of ownership, respect and pride for the neighborhood.

At “Kickin’ it Old School!” there will be an amazing array of entertainment, food and drinks guaranteed to last all night. Come dressed in your favorite 80’s and 90’s fashions and dance the night away to the old school sounds of DJ Marley Carroll. Food from Mark Rosenstein’s kitchen ready GO program includes an all you can eat Tot’s bar with sauces from Crooked Condiments. Catawba Brewing will provide the kegs, with wine from Skyland Distributing. There will also be a raffle.

Tickets are only $25 if you RSVP in advance via the Asheville Affiliates Facebook event page or $30 at the door, if tickets remain. “On Broadway” is located downtown at 49 Broadway Street.

Summer Solsrice Celebration at The Compleat Naturalist

June 21, 6:30-8:00PM - The Compleat Naturalist celebrates the first full day of summer. There will be FREE drinks and refreshments and a variety of entertaining activities that will bring out the naturalist in all of us. Meet the new Program Specialist, Sharon Mammoser . Attendees will have the chance to win prizes (beautiful prints and DVD of Sharon's fantastic photography), plus items from The Compleat Naturalist. Click here for more information about the prints and DVD. Bring your friends and family (all ages welcome) for a night that won't be ordinary... but it will be fun! Activities start at 6:30 pm. 

Email and RSVP at info@compleatnaturalist.com or call 828-274-5430.

Kenilworth Art Studio Tour this Memorial Day Weekend in Asheville

May 26 -27   Kenilworth Art Studio Tour   Twenty-two artists invite you into eleven neighborhood studios & galleries. Browse and/or purchase original artwork. Kenilworth Artists Association is a community of artists in one of Asheville's oldest neighborhoods, with a lovely mix of grand homes, modest bungalows and mature gardens.

Kenilworth Artist Michael Robinson

Over forty aspiring and professional artists live in the five square mile neighborhood just minutes from downtown. Each year, many of these artists open their doors to the public for a festive tour that attracts shoppers and art lovers alike. 10 AM - 5 PM both days.

Get a link for this Asheville event and other local information on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

Memorial Day Weekend Event: AKC Dog Agility Trials

May 25-27  AKC Dog Agility Trials The Blue Ridge Agility Club of Western North Carolina is hosting an American Kennel Club Dog (AKC) dog agility trial. Spectators are welcomed to attend and admission is free. Over 300 purebred dogs, from throughout the southeast, will compete at various levels of difficulty.

The Trials are held at the WNC Agricultural Center, 1301 Fanning Bridge Road in Fletcher, NC ( a suburb of Asheville). Get a link and more local information on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

Asheville's WNC Chef's Challenge

May 22 WNC Chefs Challenge Knife & Fork vs. Never Blue Tapas Bar and Grill Food and sport combine for the ultimate food fight. The Challenge brings together 14 leading chefs from the region and one secret ingredient in weekly battles each Tuesday from March 20 - May 22.

Diners enjoy six plated culinary creations (three from each team) that incorporate the secret ingredient and score each dish. The votes from the audience and a panel of professional chefs, journalists, and culinary experts are tallied. A winner is announced at the end of the night and continues to the next round of competition.

Get a link for the Chef's Challenge and other Asheville events on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide

Boca vs 12 Bones Smokehouse in this week's WNC Chet's Challenge

May 8   WNC Chefs Challenge   Boca vs. 12 Bones Smokehouse   Food and sport combine for the ultimate food fight. The Challenge brings together 14 leading chefs from the region and one secret ingredient in weekly battles each Tuesday from March 20 - May 22.  Diners enjoy six plated culinary creations (three from each team) that incorporate the secret ingredient and score each dish. The votes from the audience and a panel of professional chefs, journalists, and culinary experts are tallied. A winner is announced at the end of the night and continues to the next round of competition.

Get a link for the WNC Chef's Challenge and other Asheville events and attractions on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide

Supercross Superfunk Cinco de Mayo with The Fritz! at Altamont BRewing CO.

May 5, 9:30 PM - Altamont Brewing Co.  1042 Haywood Road, Asheville NC.   Supercross Superfunk Cinco de Mayo with The Fritz! Free Event. Watch the last Supercross race of the season and get down with the sounds of Asheville funk band The Fritz.