Don't Miss Biltmore Blooms through May 24

Now - May 24, 2018     Biltmore Blooms  at Asheville's Bilmore (Estate) -    Biltmore's gardens, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, are alive with color as spring arrives. Enjoy special events and the beauty of tulips, azaleas, and countless other flowers during Biltmore Blooms. 

Guests will be able to step down into the Winter Garden to enjoy a display of exotic orchids intimately, just as George and Edith Vanderbilt's guests might have. Some of the plants will be the same species that were planned for the Biltmore Conservatory in 1894. 

Outdoors, enjoy a beautiful progression of blooms from tulips to pansies, azaleas, and much more..

Ooh La La Curiosity Market this Saturday in Asheville

July 1, 2017    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 complete local information on our Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

 

Pritchard Park Singer/Songwriter Series this Thursday in Asheville

June 29, 2017   Pritchard Park Singer/Songwriter Series   Ben Phan performs. The Pritchard Park Singer/Songwriter Series highlights local musical talent over 10 weeks, June - August  while activating a hub of downtown: Pritchard Park. All performances are free and open to the public, and all ages are welcome. The Singer/Songwriter Series is presented by Echo Mountain Recording and organized by Asheville Downtown Association.

Downtown After Five this Weekend in Asheville

May 19, 2017    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). Food and beer vendors will be available.

Learn more about Asheville concerts and entertainment
on our Asheville NC Visitor Guide.  

Asheville Brewing Company Celebrates National Comedy Month

In honor of National Comedy Month (April), Asheville Brewing is showing a series of classic comedies combined with special, small batch beer releases to provide the perfect drinking accompaniment for each movie.

In conjunction with the special showing of the cult classic, Napoleon Dynamite, AB will release a special beer, Tater Tart Saison. The movie will take place at our Merrimon Avenue movie theater on Thursday, April 27, at 7 PM. The beer will be released on draft the same day at 5 PM at the downtown and north locations.

Tater Tart Saison is brewed with a Belgian yeast blend and a gentle malt bill of Pilsner, Vienna, and flaked wheat. It’s hopped with Centennial, Lemondrop, and Citra and then dry-hopped with Nelson Suavin giving it a complex yet delicate aroma.

“This beer has a nice balance between tart, a touch of belgian character and delicious hoppiness,” says Asheville Brewing head brewer Pete Langheinrich. “There’s just enough pucker.  ABV: 5.4;  IBUs: 23; SRM: 3.  Pairs well with tots, quesadillas, and llamas.

When you have a combination movie theater and brewery, celebrating National Humor Month, which takes place in April, with classic and cult comedy movies paired with fresh interesting beers is a natural opportunity for fun.

Asheville Brewing Co. is located at  675 Merrimon Avenue in Asheville, NC.

Asheville Amadeus Continues through the Weekend

March 10 - 19, 2017 - Asheville Amadeus Festival 2017.    This annual celebration hosted by The Asheville Symphony Orchestra is performed at a variety of Asheville venues over ten days. Featured events include:

March 15 - 16, 8 PM at Diana Wortham Theatre:    The Other Mozart. You’ve heard of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, but what about Nannerl Mozart? This is your chance to hear the true and untold story of Maria Anna Mozart, nicknamed Nannerl, the sister of Amadeus. She was a prodigy, keyboard virtuoso, and composer in her own right. Sylvia Milo, the production’s creator and performer, brings Nannerl to life in a fascinating and irresistably intelligent performance featuring a stunning 18-foot gown.

March 15 - April 2 at NC Stage Company: Souvenir: A Fantasia on the Life of Florence Foster Jenkins. Florence Foster Jenkins, an eccentric socialite, lives under the delusion that she is an enchanting coloratura soprano when she is actually incapable of holding pitch. After teaming up with a pianist, she begins to hold recitals that spark a unlikely following of cultish fans around New York in the 1930s and 40s. Based on a true story, this beautiful comedy pierces the heart of the hopeful artist that lives in all of us.


March 2 and March 16 at Santé Wine Bar and Tap Room:  Austrian Wine Flight Night. Santé Wine Bar & Tap Room will host consultant Chris Curtis of The Country Vintner to showcase his Austrian wines in its March Flight Night, with a theme of “Mozart Soard in Wine and Song.” Enjoy wine tasting from different regions of Austria, homeland of the great composer. Bring your friends for a fun evening of wine and conversation.


March 17, 8 PM at Diana Wortham Theatre:   Jerusalem Quartet. Founded more than two decades ago, the award-winning Jerusalem Quartet is sure to delight with a program of works by three composers, including Mozart, who were instrumental in the development of the string quartet. BBC Magazine has said of the Jerusalem Quartet, “their playing has everything you could possibly wish for.”

March 17, 7:30 PM at  Central United Methodist Church:  Mozart March Madness. This concert is a dual celebration of the Asheville Choral Society’s 40th season and the Asheville Amadeus festival. With more than 100 voices, the chorus presents Vivaldi’s exuberant Lauda Jerusalem, selections from Mozart’s Great Mass in C Minor, exciting gospel and American folk favorites, and a newly commissioned work from composer Matt Wetmore. Come share with the powerful voices of the Asheville Choral Society as we celebrate 40 years of incredible music!


March 18, 2 PM at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium:  Midori and the Asheville Symphony Youth Orchestra. Verdi Overture to Nabucco;  Bach Concerto for Two Violins, BWV1043* (*Will feature ASYO musicians playing alongside Midori as soloists);  Mussorgsky Pictures at an Exhibition Bruch;  Violin Concerto No. 1, Op. 26.   The concert will also include the music of Mozart and many other surprises, and don’t miss the MILK and COOKIES reception following the concert.

March 19, 3 PM at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium: Asheville Amadeus Finale Concert. Daniel Meyer, conductor Midori, violin Asheville Symphony Chamber Chorus.  Stravinsky Concerto in E-flat;   “Dumbarton Oaks” Mozart Symphony No. 35, K. 385;   “Haffner” Fauré Pavane Mendelssohn Violin Concerto, Op. 64

 Get details for additional concerts and events Here

Asheville Hosts Annual Fringe Art Festival

January 26 - 29, 2017   Fringe Art Festival   This event is an annual performing arts, multiple venue festival that provides artists with opportunities to explore the edges of their work, to collaborate across genres and to bring new and innovative performances to culturally adventurous audiences. Founded in 2002, AFAF has been keeping Asheville interesting for over a decade.

 

Don't Miss Asheville Restaurant Week

January 17 - 26, 2017   Asheville Restaurant Week  Enjoy the tastiest cuisine in Asheville NC throughout the week at participating restaurants which will offer a prix fixe menu ranging from $15–$30 per person.

This is a great opportunity to try as many  as your schedule allows. A commitment to using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, has earned Asheville the designation as one of the top ten food and wine destinations in the United States.

Check the website for a list of participating restaurants, lunch or dinner reservations and details. YUM!

The Black Bird Restaurant

The Red Stag Grille

Bull and Beggar Restaurant

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  

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. 

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.

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.

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.