This Weekend in Asheville

Pritchard Park Drum Circle

Downtown After 5

Friday, May 15, 5 - 9 p.m.
Pack Square Park

Downtown After 5 returns with a Latin Dance Night filled with high-energy rhythms, live music, and dancing in the heart of downtown. Enjoy performances from La Sonora Carolina and flamenco guitarist Ulisse Rotoli, plus local food, drinks, and handmade goods from area vendors and makers. Free to attend!

MAYDAY AVL 5

Saturday - Sunday, May 16-17, various times
Sly Grog

Catch two nights of nonstop live music with 20 bands spanning indie rock, punk, metal, Americana, electronic, and performance art across two stages. With one wristband covering the full weekend, this genre-jumping lineup delivers everything from early ’90s college radio sounds to sludge metal and psych rock.

Rim Hike : Pinnacle of Blue Ridge

Saturday, May 16, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Swannanoa Valley Museum & History Center

Take on a challenging all-day loop hike featuring some amazing views. Expect steep climbs and descents, rocky summit scrambles, and stretches of off-trail hiking before returning via the historic Mt. Mitchell Toll Road. Sturdy shoes, plenty of water, and a sense of adventure are strongly recommended for this guided tour.

Mountain Mothers: A Special Guided Tour at Vance Birthplace

Saturday, May 16, 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Vance Birthplace

Explore the realities of motherhood in 19th-century Western North Carolina during this guided tour focused on family life, childbirth, and maternal health in Southern Appalachia. Through the stories of women connected to the Vance household, the program examines both the joys and hardships of raising children in a time shaped by war, slavery, and limited medical care. Recommended for mature audiences.

Starfall: A Fantasy Ball

Saturday, May 16, 7 - 11 p.m.
Hi-Wire Brewing

Enter a fantasy world of twinkling stars, sparkling cocktails, and fae-inspired elegance at this immersive ball inspired by A Court of Thorns and Roses. The evening features themed drinks, dancing, tarot readings, poetry, fantasy portraits, and other magical experiences designed to blur the line between reality and myth. Fantasy attire encouraged.

May Spring Migration Birding at the Farm

Sunday, May 17, 8 - 11:30 a.m.
Hickory Nut Gap

Head to the farm for a spring birding walk through pasture edges and forest habitat with wildlife biologist Clifton Avery. Search for colorful seasonal species in peak breeding season while learning how regenerative farming and planned grazing help support bird populations across the landscape. The morning includes a biscuit brunch and a fresh perspective on the connection between agriculture and wildlife.

J Chong Dim Sum Brunch at Zelda Dearest

Sunday, May 17, 12 - 2 p.m.
Zelda Dearest

Settle in for an elegant dim sum brunch with Chef J Chong featuring a four-course Cantonese menu paired with classic brunch favorites like mimosas and Bloody Marys. Blending tradition with contemporary style, this intimate gathering invites guests to savor refined flavors, thoughtful hospitality, and a relaxed afternoon centered around exceptional food.

Recurring Events

Spring at Biltmore

Friday - Sunday, May 15-17, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
North Carolina Arboretum

Spring color is coming alive across Biltmore, with daffodils and tulips greeting visitors and fresh green foliage emerging along the estate’s winding roads and gardens. From blooming pear espaliers and vibrant pattern beds to flowering shrubs like forsythia and viburnum, each corner reveals new bursts of color.

Spring Into The Arb!

Friday - Sunday, May 15-17, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
North Carolina Arboretum

Spring is a time of renewal and emergence, and The North Carolina Arboretum is excited to welcome this season with plant shows, nature programs, education, music, and art.

Live Music, Comedy, Dance and Theatre

The Orange Peel

Friday, May 15:

• No Child… at NC Stage Company, 2 p.m.
• Asheville Drum Circle at Pritchard Park, 6 p.m.
• Sit a Spell |Traditional Music Jam at Ginger's Revenge, 6 p.m.
• The Horse You Rode In On at French Broad River Brewery, 6 p.m.
• Pan Harmonia: Joy at Black Mountain Presbyterian, 7 p.m.
• Dance Your Decade Dance Party at Orange Peel, 7 p.m.
• Downtown After 5 After Party: Carolina Tumbleweed Band & Braelyn at Fitz and the Wolfe, 7 p.m.
• Juice at Sierra Nevada Brewing, 7 p.m.
• "Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune" at Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 7:30 p.m.
• The Asheville Ballet Presents Cinderella at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, 7:30 p.m.
• Nashville Emerging Artist Showcase at White Horse Black Mountain, 7:30 p.m.
• Becoming ’Merican: The Game Show at Story Parlor, 7:30 p.m.
• Big Dog Comedy at Green Man Brewery, 8 p.m.
• Solar Circuit w/ Domocile at Third Room, 8 p.m.
• Live Music - Ty and the Crew at The Radical, 8 p.m.
• Cristina Vane at Grey Eagle, 8 p.m.
• The Art of House: Alex Falk, Jericho & Kri at Nightshade, 9 p.m.

Saturday, May 16:

• Jazz Brunch at French Broad River Brewery, 11:30 a.m.
• SOOZA at Sierra Nevada Brewing, 2 p.m.
• Asheville Symphony Masterworks 7: Unbroken at First Baptist Church, 2 p.m.
• All Crawfish Go to Heaven at One World Brewing West, 4 p.m.
• Barn Dance with Zydeco Ya Ya + Cider Release at Hickory Nut Gap, 5 p.m.
• DJ Night with DJ Neon Samurai at The Radical, 6 p.m.
• Caitlin Krisco Duo at French Broad Brewing, 6 p.m.
• Miller & Reeves: Live Music at Bear's Back Alley Bar, 7 p.m.
• Prime Country Band in the Showroom at Fitz and the Wolfe, 7 p.m.
• Gluten-Free Comedy at Ginger's Revenge, 7 p.m.
• The Black Angels: Passover 2026 Tour at Forestry Camp, 7 p.m.
• Setting at AyurPrana Listening Room, 7 p.m.
• No Child… at NC Stage Company, 7:30 p.m.
• "Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune" at Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 7:30 p.m.
• Bright Alice featuring Lillie Syracuse, Chris Rosser & Jas Merritt at White Horse Black Mountain, 7:30 p.m.
• The Asheville Ballet Presents Cinderella at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, 7:30 p.m.
• Graciela Serena at Vintage Kava, 8 p.m.
• Shlump w/ Shanghai Doom at Third Room, 9 p.m.
• Take the Edge Off, Late Night Comedy at Eda Rhyne Distilling, 9:45 p.m.

Sunday, May 17: 

• Quantic Beats: Movement & Rhythm with DJ Reality at Urban Orchard, 10 a.m.
• Sunday Sounds at the Funkatorium, 1 p.m.
• No Child… at NC Stage Company, 2 p.m.
• Back to the 80s B-I-N-G-O at White Horse Black Mountain, 2 p.m.
• Suns of Stars at One World Brewing West, 2 p.m.
• Free Show: Meschiya Lake at Grey Eagle, 2 p.m.
• Raphael Graves Band at Sierra Nevada Brewing, 2 p.m.
• "Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune" at Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 2 p.m.
• Jazz Jam Sundays at Ginger's Revenge, 2:30 p.m.
• Reggae Sunday with Chalwa Roots at French Broad River Brewery, 3 p.m.
• Pan Harmonia: Joy at First Presbyterian Church, 3 p.m.
• Stars in Motion: BMCA Spring Dance Recital 2026 at Charles D. Owen High School, 4 p.m.
• The MGBs Live at The Mule at Devil's Foot Beverage, 4 p.m.
• Adult Spelling Bee at Leveller Brewing, 6 p.m.
• Comedy: Probably Cancelled - LaZoom Sunday Service at LaZoom Room, 6 p.m.
• RAD Comedy featuring Zain Zaidi at RAD Brewing, 7 p.m.
• Asheville Jazz Orchestra - Big Band Night at White Horse Black Mountain, 7:30 p.m.
• Gianmarco Soresi at Orange Peel, 8 p.m.
• An Evening With The Furious Bongos ft. Ryan Brown at Third Room, 8 p.m.

Tailgate & Specialty Pop-Up Markets

Grove Arcade

Shop local at the Asheville area's numerous farmers, tailgate, and craft markets. Here's a look at some of the places you can shop this weekend:

• BMBC Garden Sale at Black Mountain Town Square, Fri. 1 - 6 p.m. & Sat. 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
• EMG-Spring Fling Plant Sale at 59 Woodfin Pl., Sat. 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
• Asheville City Market at 52 North Market St., Sat. 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
• Swannanoa Market at The Hub, Sat. 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
• Spring Arts Festival & Maker's Market at ArtSpace, Sat. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• PokeMTN TCG Card Show at Weaverville Community Center, Sun. 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• WNC Farmers Market at 570 Brevard Road, open 7 days a week, year-round, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.    

Visit an art studio or art exhibition 

New Morning Gallery

Asheville is home to hundreds of artists, galleries and studios making creative expression a way of life here in the mountains. Here is a look at some of the current art exhibitions in the city:

• Women of the Pacific Northwest at Asheville Art Museum, through May 17
• "Pure Flora" Botanical Art Exhibition | Art in Bloom 20th Anniversary Prelude at Black Mountain Center for the Arts, through May 22
• 14th Annual Face Jug Show at American Folk Art & Framing, through May 27
• Tamie Beldue: Light Shadows at blue spiral 1, through Jun. 24
• Christine Kosiba and Peggy Root: Into the Wild at blue spiral 1, through Jun. 24
• Off Script at Blue Spiral 1, through Jun. 24
• In A New Light: American Impressionism 1870–1940 at Asheville Art Museum, through Jun. 28
• Electric Garden: An All-Ages Interactive Art Installation at Third Room, through Sept. 20
• Luminere at Biltmore, through Oct. 18
• Artist Open Studio at Artbeat Gallery & Lounge, through Dec. 31

Packages and Deals

Save some money this weekend with these special offers from area attractions and accommodations.

• 20% off all Food items from 5-6pm every Sunday at Jargon
• 5% off Sound Bath Session at Namaste in Nature
• Tourism Special Savings at Tanger Outlets Asheville