Community Calendar

Sip and stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens in the glow of the golden hour, all while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists! Arbor Evenings runs Wednesdays and Thursdays through September 18, 2025 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be sold from the bar on the lawn between 4:00-8:00 PM.

Schedule:
5:30-6:45 PM Dave Desmelik (Has released 16 albums, yet still finds new themes in daily life around him that he knows how to describe in his lyrics in a fascinating way. A "Craftsmanship is Mastery."
7:15-8:30 PM Asheville Beer Choir (casual "sip and sing" ensemble)
4:00-8:30 PM Mehfil (Indian style food truck)

Jackie Kelsh is an optimistically sardonic storyteller who will have you laughing hysterically one moment and drinking to forget the chaos of life the next.

Join us the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month for an Old Time music jam right in our taproom!

Join us every 2nd & 4th Thursday of the month for an Irish music session! Hosted by Cailen Campbell.

Playing John Prine/Americana

Get ready to laugh the night away at “Pageant: The Drag Show”, an evening of faux drag pageantry where the audience chooses the winner! The shenanigans start at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 31st at Highland Brewing Event Center. Celine and Company will cater a mouth-watering dinner as the comedy and chaos unfold, and proceeds from the evening will benefit SeekHealing. Tickets start at $25 and are available at www.AshevilleDragBrunch.com. Ages 21+ only.

Beyond Tales with the Asheville Storytelling Circle
Thursday, July 31st at 7:00
Weaverville Community Center

Step into a night where stories shapeshift, puppets whisper secrets, and chants might open a portal (or at least your heart).
You're invited to a fantastically unpredictable evening with the Asheville Storytelling Circle, where tales unfold through Theater, Poetry, Mantra Chanting, Puppetry, classic Storytelling, and the delightfully weird world of Story-Theater.
All ages welcome. FREE show with donations appreciated. Come curious — leave a little more enchanted.

Slice Comedy Standup Picture Show

Set in the 1590s, brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom are desperate to write a hit play but are stuck in the shadow of that Renaissance rock star, “The Bard.” When a local soothsayer foretells that the future of theatre involves singing, dancing, and acting simultaneously, Nick and Nigel set out to write the world’s first musical. But amidst the scandalous excitement of the opening night, the Bottom Brothers realize that reaching the top means being true to “thine own self” and all that jazz.

The mountains are calling—and they’re glittering! The Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the 66th Annual NC Mineral and Gem Festival, happening July 31 through August 3, 2025, in Spruce Pine, North Carolina—the Mineral City of the World.
This beloved event draws world-class gem, mineral, and jewelry dealers from across the country for four unforgettable days of shopping, exploring, and celebrating the natural treasures of our region. From sparkling gemstones and handcrafted jewelry to unique mineral specimens and rare geological finds, the festival has something for every collector, adventurer, and admirer of Earth’s wonders.
But that’s not all… Ready to dig in? This year’s festival also features the crowd-favorite Mine Tours—a rare chance to venture into a real, working mine in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Grab a pick, get your hands dirty, and discover your own gems—and yes, you keep what you find! These tours sell out fast and require a separate ticket and advance reservation, so don’t wait to reserve your spot.
Come a little early and add to your list of exciting events! Join the race from the top of a local quartz mine to our beloved downtown Spruce Pine in the Top to Toe 5K happening Saturday, July 26th. It’s a fun morning in a favorite downhill run/walk event. (Visit WeRunEvents to sign up) And of course, you want to visit the Grassy Creek Outdoor Gem and Mineral Show beginning July 27th and running through August 3rd in Spruce Pine where you’ll find dozens of vendors showcasing their raw minerals, beads and more!
“This festival is more than an event—it’s a celebration of our heritage, our resilience, and our comeback as a community,” said Patti Jensen, Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce. “We invite everyone to experience the beauty of the mountains, the thrill of the find, and the spirit of Spruce Pine as we shine even brighter this year.”
Whether you’re a rockhound, a shopper, an adventurer—or just love a great mountain getaway—the NC Mineral and Gem Festival is the place to be this summer. Come for the crystals, stay for the charm, and support a community that’s rebuilding and rising.
________________________________________
Festival Info:
📍 Three Peaks Center, 67 Hotel Place, Spruce Pine, NC
📅 July 31 – August 3, 2025
💎 Gem, Jewelry & Mineral Dealers from across the U.S.
⛏️ Real Mine Tours (separate ticket & reservation required)
Tickets, vendor lists, and mine tour reservations available at:
👉 www.ncgemfest.com
________________________________________