Community Calendar

Celebrate 20 years of Asheville on Bikes with community members and vendors at this free event!
The 2026 Summer Cycle, sponsored by Mosaic Community Lifestyle Realty and JAG Construction, rolls forward on Saturday, August 22nd. There will be rides, a pop-up bike park, food trucks, and other festivities.

Summer Cycle
August 22, 2026
2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
at New Belgium Brewing

Summer Cycle Event Schedule
2:00 pm – 7 pm: Pop-Up Bike Park
3:30 pm – 4 pm: Summer Cycle Check-In
4 pm: Summer Cycle Begins
5 pm – 7 pm: Post-Ride Festivities

Venture Shakespeare is proud to present William Shakespeare’s romantic comedy, Much Ado About Nothing, for a special two-night-only engagement on August 21 and 22, 2026. Staged entirely outdoors on the scenic front lawn of Kenilworth Presbyterian Church, this immersive, family-friendly production brings high-caliber theatrical artistry directly to the community.
Produced by Founding Artistic Director Kirstin Leigh Daniel (who also steps into the role of the sharp-witted Beatrice), this unique production blends the timeless structures of Elizabethan silhouettes with the organic romance of a modern Appalachian mountain wedding brought to life by Resident Costume Designer Tyler Ogburn. Audiences will watch the legendary "war of wits" unfold directly underneath the sprawling canopy of Kenilworth’s historic, beautiful old trees.
Adding tremendous prestige to the Asheville Theatre Scene, the production stars acclaimed international actor Andrew French of the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) as the cynical bachelor Benedick. French’s extensive classical background brings a masterclass in Shakespearean acting to Western North Carolina, striking an electric comedic dynamic alongside Daniel’s formidable Beatrice.
“We are thrilled to mount a production that feels both grande in its classical scope and incredibly intimate," says Daniel. “Staging Much Ado directly examines the struggles that women still face on a daily basis and gives us the folly, joy, and romance we all so desperately need right now.”
The performances serve as the crown jewel of Venture Shakespeare's annual Summer Program. This quick-witted, fast-paced adaptation is designed to be accessible, raucous, and deeply moving for theater veterans and first-time audiences alike. The cast includes Venture Veterans; Lochlan Angle, Lucius Robinson, Lori Evans, and Casey Morris. This year adds Resident Movement Specialist Monika Gross to the stage, Alongside new faces to Asheville, Clementine Wurzbach, Natalie Ahn, and David Bertoldi. Rounding out the ensemble includes Local Theatre Educator and Director of Cardboard Sea Todd Weakley, Ann Forster and Pastor Allen Smith of KPC. The Weekend will feature local vendors, live music from homegrown Sarah Tucker, and festive family friendly pre-show games and activities.
Event Details:
What: Venture Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing
When: Friday, August 21 and Saturday, August 22, 2026. Pre-show festivities and local vendors open at 6:00 PM; the performance begins at 7:00 PM.
Where: The Front Lawn of Kenilworth Presbyterian Church, 123 Kenilworth Rd, Asheville, NC.
Admission: FREE to the public (donations gratefully accepted to support the company and its apprenticeship programs).
What to Bring: Attendees are highly encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs, and picnic blankets. Please leave doggies at home.
For more information, cast biographies, or to support Venture Shakespeare’s mission, please visit ventureshakespeare.org or follow @ventureshakespeare on social media.
This performance is generously sponsored by Bradley Paint Co. and The Matt and Molly Team of Keller Williams.
About Venture Shakespeare:
Venture Shakespeare is an ensemble-driven theater company based in Asheville, NC, with an Emphasis on artistic rigor, personal growth and fostering wholehearted living. Venture believes that in order to train the next generation of classical artists and audiences we must remove the financial barriers to high-quality live art, Venture Shakespeare creates accessible, vibrant theater spaces for all.

The Wood Brothers
Saturday, August 22
Show: 8 pm | Doors: 7 pm
The Orange Peel
Ages 18+

CarolinaDaze Music & Arts Festival is coming to the campus of Appalachian State University on Saturday, August 22, featuring a lineup of amazing performers that includes acclaimed indie rock artist Snail Mail and Boone’s very own barrett.

The event is bringing together campus and community for an unforgettable concert experience celebrating Western North Carolina. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and the show starts at 7:00 p.m.

A portion of the concert proceeds will go to Hurricane Helene relief. Tickets are on sale now at CarolinaDaze.com.

Powered by Common Cause North Carolina, CarolinaDaze is a music, arts, and civic engagement experience led by young North Carolinians working for better “daze” ahead.

Our performers will be joined on stage by the real superstars: everyday North Carolinians working to build a better North Carolina and an inclusive, multiracial democracy for all. In addition to enjoying phenomenal music performances, attendees will get useful, nonpartisan resources about this year’s election, plus ways to get involved with year-round civic engagement to make a real difference for their community.

As part of our 10th anniversary celebrations, you are invited to a special fundraising event for the Center for Spiritual Wisdom with David LaMotte at Brevard College, where music and meaning will come together in an intimate setting. David is an acclaimed songwriter, speaker and author.

As a musician, David has performed at more than 3500 concerts and released thirteen full-length CDs, primarily of original music. He has toured in all 50 states and on five continents. The Boston Globe says his music “pushes the envelope with challenging lyrics and unusual tunings, but he also pays homage to folk tradition,” while BBC Radio lauds his “charm, stories, humour, insightful songs, sweet voice and dazzling guitar ability.”

Santiago y Los Gatos is an Asheville, NC-based indie and roots rock band led by songwriter Jeff Santiago. Known for compelling songwriting, memorable melodies, and engaging live performances, the band has shared stages with The Wallflowers, Franz Ferdinand, Sixpence None the Richer, Ozomatli, and Scott Weiland, and has appeared at festivals including Artisphere, Fall for Greenville, and AVL Fest. Blending indie rock, Americana and singer-songwriter traditions, Santiago y Los Gatos deliver authentic songs and dynamic performances that connect with audiences wherever they play.
https://santiagoylosgatos.com

Support
Fashion Bath (https://fashionbath.bandcamp.com)

Like the river flowing through their hometown of Greenville, South Carolina, Reedy River String Band carves a lively channel through progressive newgrass, just downstream from the headwaters of traditional bluegrass. Sterling Waite (multi-instrumentalist), Rush Morgan (guitar), and Mark Dye (upright bass) just completed their third European tour and have played festivals such as the Earl Scruggs Music Festival & the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion. Check out their full-length album, Woodland Drifters.

Pour a drink and duck for cover — domestic bliss is about to get messy.

Meet Felix: impeccably pressed, emotionally distressed, and suddenly single. Meet Oscar: charmingly rumpled, habitually late, and blissfully allergic to coasters. When Felix moves in with his old pal Oscar after a marital meltdown, neatness meets nonsense, and the sparks fly.

Ashtrays overflow, tempers flare, and laughter fills the living room in Neil Simon’s effervescent comedy of friendship, forgiveness, and the fine art of driving each other crazy.

The Odd Couple is a classic cocktail of chaos and charm. Proof that opposites attract… so long as they don’t share a kitchen.

Event Times: 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM

This program titled, "Songs to the Moon" is a sunset outdoor spectacular featuring Soprano; Amanda Horton. Selections will include; Haydn: "Overture to Il Mondo Della Luna," Mozart: “Deh vieni, non tardar” from Marriage of Figaro, Holmès: “La Nuit et L’Amour” from Ludus pro Patria and Dvořák: “Song to the Moon” from Rusalka.

-LIMITED SEATING (FIRST COME FIRST SERVE) + STANDING ROOM

ROCK ACADEMY
Rock Academy is a Year-Round Rock Band Performance Program that take our bands out of the classrooms and into Asheville’s music scene. Students learn to perform a wide variety of musical styles and songs of various genres including blues, classic rock, hard rock, punk, surf, americana and more. Our music students grow into skilled musicians and take their band “on the road” to play in front of live audiences at some of the top venues in the area.

The Asheville Rock Academy’s talented students have played some high-profile gigs, including the Main stage at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. Academy bands have also played with Cliff Williams of AC/DC and American Idol’s Caleb Johnson. Join us for this year’s “Mix Tape 2025” show!

Known for decades as one of the greatest electric blues-rock guitarists of his generation, Tinsley Ellis is now also recognized as one of the best contemporary acoustic blues guitarists, songwriters, and performers in the world.

Calling all radio enthusiasts — join us for our 2026 annual Hamfest!

Whether you're into ham radio, GMRS, CB, or just love a good swap meet, there's something for everyone!

Sweepstakes on the hour beginning at 9am
Boneyard/Swap meet
Indoor & Outdoor Vendors
Kids Programs/ STEM Activities
VE Testing – Free (Donations welcome!)
Food & Drinks with Local Food Trucks onsite!
Handicapped parking available

Musical Mad Scientist Keller Williams brings his Appalachian Psychedelic Bluegrass project, Keller & the Keels, takes the stage with special guest Tanasi on August 29.

In the course of their 33 year history, Jupiter Coyote has played over five thousand shows, traveled everywhere and done just about everything a touring band can do. The innovative group has independently sold close to a million CDs, tens of thousands of downloads, and who knows how many bootlegs they cut loose to fans for free. JC is brand name, and a pioneering cornerstone in the jam band scene. They have been called the new twist in southern rock and they deliver it with a relaxed, worldly view. Their sound has been labeled “Mountain Rock” — a mixture of Southern Appalachian boogie, bluegrass-infused, funk-rock.

Pour a drink and duck for cover — domestic bliss is about to get messy.

Meet Felix: impeccably pressed, emotionally distressed, and suddenly single. Meet Oscar: charmingly rumpled, habitually late, and blissfully allergic to coasters. When Felix moves in with his old pal Oscar after a marital meltdown, neatness meets nonsense, and the sparks fly.

Ashtrays overflow, tempers flare, and laughter fills the living room in Neil Simon’s effervescent comedy of friendship, forgiveness, and the fine art of driving each other crazy.

The Odd Couple is a classic cocktail of chaos and charm. Proof that opposites attract… so long as they don’t share a kitchen.

Event Times: 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM