JORTS! A Comedy Show in Shorts
2026-05-03 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | The River Arts District Brewing Company, 13 Mystery Street, Asheville, 28801
Modelface Comedy presents JORTS! a stand up comedy showcase featuring hot comedy and even hotter knees!
Put on your best jorts or cut up some jeans and make a new pair because tonight we are rolling knees out!
All the comedians will be rocking their best pair and we want to see y’all in yours.
Daisy duke to John Cena, all jort styles welcome
Prizes for all audience members rocking a pair!!
ages 18+
doors at 6:30pm, show at 7pm
Tickets $15

Cass McCombs + Band: Interior Live Oak Live
2026-05-03 20:00 - 23:30 | The Grey Eagle Music Hall and Pub, 185 Clingman Ave, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
ALL AGES
STANDING ROOM ONLY
CASS McCOMBS
Over the past twenty plus years, Cass McCombs has journeyed a singular path as an uncompromising song-carver, guitarist and singer.
Along with the finest squadron of collaborators and bandmates, his music travels gracefully over seemingly contradictory terrain, from infectious guitar riffage to intensely personal lyricism.
In August 2025, Cass released his newest album “Interior Live Oak” to rave reviews including 5 stars from the Guardian, an 8.1 from Pitchfork who said “16 songs and not a throwaway among them…,” a 9/10 from Uncut Magazine, and a rave from Mojo magazine who said “…this is the kind of record it’s impossible to be casual about.”
Interior Live Oak is his most personal album to date, and, more than any previous record, shows his vast range as a lyricist and musician. It draws from everything Cass has created over two decades of experimentation to cut through with a direct and clarifying light.
Cass McCombs will embark on his “Interior Live Oak Live” tour over 2026. He lives in New York City.
LAEL NEALE
Lael Neale’s minimalist drone pop draws inspiration from the Transcendentalists, the alienation of modern life, and a rich array of musical influences—ranging from Dionne Warwick and John Lennon to primitive American gospel and Spacemen 3. Her expansive new record, Altogether Stranger, was written and recorded in the early morning quiet of Los Angeles. Clocking in at just 32 minutes, the 9-song LP covers an unexpected breadth of musical and lyrical terrain—from garage rock nursery rhymes and creation myths to Motorik dance dirges and solitary Omnichord meditations. A brilliant lyricist, Neale has a unique ability to uncover the extraordinary within the mundane, tackling themes of polarity that recur throughout her work—country vs. city, humanity vs. technology, isolation vs. society. This album is her third collaboration with producer Guy Blakeslee who helps expand the tonal palette while staying true to Neale’s commitment to the raw immediacy and hand-made intimacy of home recording.

Metalsmithing 101: The Basics 3-Part Series May 4/11/18
2026-05-04 09:00 - 2026-05-18 14:30 | Ignite Jewelry Studios, 84 W Walnut St Unit A, Asheville, 28801
Want to learn to make jewelry? This beginner friendly metalsmithing course teaches the basic skills involved in making your own jewelry. Learn to use a variety of tools and equipment common in a jewelry studio.
This 3 Day Series will teach many techniques including sawing, filing, polishing, soldering, textures, and more!
Included is 4 Open Studio sessions (Wed/Thurs 11-4) valid for 2 months from class start.
Class Times 9am-2:30 pm
Materials Fee: $55 -due at class
Class Times: Mondays 9am-2:30pm May 4/11/18
By the end of the series each students will have at least 2-3 finished jewelry pieces and likely many more!

COLD WAX ALCHEMY WORKSHOP WITH GINA LOUTHIAN-STANLEY - DAY 3
2026-05-04 10:00 - 15:00 | Lucy Clark Gallery & Studio, 51 West Main Street, Brevard, NC, 28712, United States
Discover the beautiful layers, textures, and marks that only oil and cold wax can achieve finding inspiration within your own marks, compositions and intuition during this three-day workshop with artist Gina Louthian-Stanley. We will explore various techniques such as working methods, substrates, drying times, opaque and transparent color, pigments and powders, blending, color schemes, glazing, solvent reduction, transfer and printmaking techniques, creating textures, adding collage and more. Plenty of demos and individual discussions.
All skill levels would benefit from this class, especially beginners. (Advanced techniques are an option for those who have taken a prior class.)

Butterfly Garden Stakes
2026-05-04 13:00 - 16:30 | Arrowhead Gallery and Studios, 77 Catawba Ave.,, Old Fort, 28762
Create some flutters in your garden!
Students will use pre-cut glass to create their own butterfly; learn how to clean, foil, flux, and solder their creation together.
Copper embellishments and findings can be added to make your butterfly unique. Suitable for outdoor or indoor use.
All materials supplied, including stakes or hardware to hang your piece.

Asheville Symphony Masterworks 7: Unbroken
2026-05-04 14:00 - 16:00 | First Baptist Church of Asheville, 5 Oak Street, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
Two performances: 2pm and 8pm
Darko Butorac, conductor
Adam Golka, piano
The Asheville Symphony’s season finale opens with RAINN, a newly commissioned work by Karena Ingram, whose music is celebrated for its vivid textures. Mozart’s twenty-third piano concerto follows, balancing sophistication with elegance. Finally, Shostakovich’s striking Tenth emerges from darkness into light; searing drama gives way to triumphant resolution as Shostakovich makes a powerful declaration of personal and artistic resilience.
Ingram: RAINN
Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 23
Shostakovich: Symphony No. 10

Free Art Class for Kids!
2026-05-04 14:00 - 2026-12-13 16:00 | Arrowhead Gallery and Studios, 77 Catawba Ave.,, Old Fort, 28762
The Free Art Class for kids happens on the first Sunday of every month from 2 pm to 4 pm. The classes use different media and are taught by volunteer artists who want to share their love of Art with others!
All supplies will be provided.
Join us for an afternoon of fun and learning!
MUST REGISTER ONLINE BEFORE CLASS

Built To Spill w/ The Hypos
2026-05-04 20:00 - 23:30 | The Grey Eagle Music Hall and Pub, 185 Clingman Ave, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
ALL AGES
STANDING ROOM ONLY
BUILT TO SPILL
Built to Spill was formed in 1993 by Doug Martsch and over the years they have toured extensively and made several albums with a rotating cast of musicians, currently featuring Teresa Esguerra (Prism Bitch) on drums, and Melanie Radford (Blood Lemon) on bass.
THE HYPOS
The Hypos are an Asheville, NC/ Memphis, TN band built around the collaboration of veteran songwriters Greg Cartwright (Reigning Sound, Oblivians) and Scott McMicken (Dr Dog, Ever-Expanding). Their eponymous debut album is a playful blend of sounds and styles that is wonderfully hard to categorize but easy to enjoy. Joined by Evan Martin on drums, Kevin Williams on bass and Krista Wroten on violin, the Hypos world is a lush landscape of bouncing rhythms and Earthy acoustics. Scott’s unmistakable voice, brimming with curiosity and wonder, makes the perfect traveling companion to Greg’s road worn croon as they investigate all the sonic possibilities on their 10 song LP. Also, they like Frogs. A lot. What else do you need to know? Oh yeah, this fine album was lovingly mixed by Matt Ross-Spang.

SPIRITED IMPROV GROUP PLAYSHOP SERIES
2026-05-05 12:00 - 14:00 | Homewood, 19 Zillicoa St., Asheville, NC, 28801
ABOUT SPIRITED IMPROV
Spirited Improv is a unique fusion of expressive arts, spiritual practice, and group play that helps you release fear, trust the unknown, and show up as your truest self.
Spirited Improv is a soul-centered community experience that uses improvisational play as the container for spiritual growth, personal transformation, and authentic connection.
Rather than focusing on comedy or performance, we use improv as a living practice, one that invites presence, trust, curiosity, and responsiveness in the moment.
Facilitated by Jessica Chilton, who brings over 20 years of improvisational performing arts experience and 16 years as an expressive arts therapist, weaving creativity, spirituality, and presence into a safe, transformative group experience.
WHAT PAST PARTICIPANTS ARE SAYING
“Spirited Improv is authentic, vulnerable and connective. It meets my need to deeply feel, be seen and see others. On my first night I experienced such a profound healing experience after sharing what was on my heart. It was like a sound, healing touch, full moon energy bath that opened my heart. ” ~ Kate
“Spirited Improv is a fun and little bit edgy way of interacting with the mystery of the moment. You decide how much you want to interact or observe from the audience so you never have to do anything you don’t want to do. It is an opportunity to let go of control and explore the spontaneity of life and creativity in a supportive, safe environment..” ~ Kenyon
“I got to play, move my body, laugh, take joy in watching my friends come alive, give and receive big hugs, and feel the presence of the ancestors who always join me. There’s something so sacred about being present with others while we play, witness and embody what is.” ~ Sue
WHO IS THIS FOR
People drawn to spirituality, personal growth, and inner exploration
Those seeking genuine connection, community, and a sense of belonging
Creatives and non-creatives alike – no improv or performance experience needed
Individuals who value compassion, openness, and radical acceptance
People who want to grow in joyful, embodied ways rather than through heavy or rigid processes
Those who want to make a positive impact by starting with inner transformation
If you’re open, curious, and willing to show up as you are—you belong here.

DANCE WITH THE DEAD + MAGIC SWORD: The Face Off Tour 2026
2026-05-05 20:00 - 23:30 | The Grey Eagle Music Hall and Pub, 185 Clingman Ave, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
ALL AGES
STANDING ROOM ONLY
DANCE WITH THE DEAD
Drawing inspiration from the dystopian and chilling worlds of cult classic horror and science-fiction films, duo Justin Pointer and Tony Kim have spent over a decade crafting a signature fusion of dark electronic music and metal-fueled synth anthems. Hailing from Irvine, California (USA), DANCE WITH THE DEAD continue to push the boundaries of retro-futuristic soundscapes and cinematic storytelling.
The project first emerged on Halloween night in 2013 with their debut release, setting the tone for a career defined by innovation and an ever-evolving sonic identity. Their early work—spanning atmospheric orchestral-leaning pieces and aggressive synth metal—solidified their presence with fan-favorite releases such as Into the Abyss (EP), Near Dark, and crossover hits like “Andromeda” and “Invader.” Their influence within the synthwave world earned them a featured appearance in the acclaimed documentary The Rise of the Synths, narrated by filmmaker John Carpenter.
DANCE WITH THE DEAD’s distinctive sound merges analog synth textures with the raw grit of early heavy metal guitars—a combination shaped by influences such as Hans Zimmer, Justice, Daft Punk, The Misfits, White Zombie, Ozzy Osbourne, Alice Cooper, Kavinsky, Metallica, and John Carpenter. Their catalog has featured notable collaborations as well, including guest contributions from John Carpenter and Cody Carpenter (Driven to Madness), as well as Nick Hipa and professional skateboarder Elliot Sloan (Loved to Death).
MAGIC SWORD
Magic Sword is an ageless tale of good and evil told through an ever expanding graphic novel with each volume accompanied by an original, synth-heavy soundtrack as well as immersive live performances. With the three mediums intertwined from conception, together they create an epic experience for those bold enough to bear witness and come away with a deeper understanding of the ultimate hero’s journey. Armed with a musical and visual aesthetic that has its roots unabashedly buried deep in the golden era of ‘70s and ‘80s fantasy and sci-fi, Magic Sword’s followers are called to another plane of existence where the struggle between light and shadow becomes all too real. The multiverse has aligned to bring the people of the land together for the birth of their album Endless, followed by a tour of the realm searching for the greater good.
MEGAN MCDUFFEE
Megan McDuffee is a Seattle-based award-winning music producer, composer, and recording artist. She grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area of California, and always had something musical going on, from taking private lessons to 11 years of participating in world-traveling choirs. Megan graduated from the University of California Santa Cruz with a Bachelor of Arts in Film Scoring and a minor in Electronic Music. With a desire to further her education, she went on to the Berklee College of Music, earning a Master’s Certificate in Orchestration for Film and TV. By day Megan scores video games, TV shows, and movie trailers, and by night she produces dark, moody, edgy electronica and rock that rides the line between dreams and nightmares.

Simply Charmed - Drop-In
2026-05-06 11:00 - 2026-05-28 15:00 | Ignite Jewelry Studios, 84 W Walnut St Unit A, Asheville, 28801
**Show up at Ignite Jewelry Studios anytime between 11pm and 3pm to make your charms! This is the perfect way to spend a part of your day while visiting our downtown Asheville metalsmithing studio and gallery. Come stamp and hammer a charm to your liking! Choose from more than 60 styles of metal stamps and a variety of jewelers hammers to complete your charm. You will start with a rectangular brass base, (or upgrade to sterling silver in a variety of shapes and styles) then choose your silver accent piece, and finally a gemstone of choice. After a quick demo by the instructor you can spend the next 45 minutes to complete your masterpiece. Our magnetic tumbler will polish your piece to perfection and you have an option of some finishing patinas as well. Upgrade to earrings, make additional pendants for friends etc. $45 Base Price includes a brass charm, gemstone drop, jump ring, and base metal chain. (Some silver upgrades available for additional cost and additional pieces may be purchased to make gifts, extras, etc!) This is family friendly, kid friendly ages 6 and up (but the littles will need help with the hammering), and a great rainy day or indoor activity in downtown Asheville!

Asheville Improv Festival - Opening Night!
2026-05-06 18:30 - 20:30 | Diana Wortham Theatre, 2 S. Pack Square, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
Asheville Improv Festival | Night 1 | Wednesday 6:30PM
Doors: 5:30pm | Show: 6:30pm
Join us for opening night of the 2026 Asheville Improv Festival! Kicking off the Fest we’ve got a killer lineup of local and regional acts, performing at the wonderful Tina McGuire Theatre, located within the Wortham Center for the Arts in downtown Asheville!
The lineup:
Whimsical Groundhogs
Saturday Manitee
Gal Pals
Intermission
Tater Tits
5 Horsemen of Existentialism
Bernese Mountain Hogs

Jonathan Scales Fourchestra
2026-05-06 20:00 - 23:30 | The Grey Eagle Music Hall and Pub, 185 Clingman Ave, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
ALL AGES
SEATED SHOW
LIMITED NUMBER OF PREMIUM SEATING TICKETS AVAILABLE
JONATHAN SCALES FOURCHESTRA
You’ve heard this before, but the whimsically named Jonathan Scales Fourchestra is really tough to describe. Veering from in-your-face, jaw dropping chops and passion, to those quiet moments when the background noise disappears and you hold your breath to take in a soundscape of solitude, the power trio of electric bass (E’Lon JD), drums (Maison Guidry), and steel pans (Jonathan Scales) combines elements of jazz, classical, and progressive rock, peppered with Latin rhythms and soulful outbursts of funk. From club and festival stages across North America and Europe, and tours of Africa, Southeast and Central Asia as a Cultural Ambassador for the US Department of State, to their NPR Tiny Desk Concert featuring Béla Fleck, the Fourchestra’s live shows make even the most jaded listeners forget where they are… even if just for a precious moment.
This may seem an odd thing to say, but on the verge of releasing their eighth studio recording, Jonathan Scales Fourchestra is only now truly embracing their identity as a group. For many years, Jonathan’s live band was a fluid lineup of top-notch musicians, and even included an “all-star” version with bassist MonoNeon (Prince, Nas), drummer Sput Searight (Snarky Puppy, Snoop Dogg) and percussionist Weedie Braimah (Trombone Shorty, Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah), as well as a number of other marquee players. Now, however, the Fourchestra is a decidedly indivisible band, and Jonathan is writing for the trio, not just the pans.

Asheville Improv Festival - Thursday 5PM Show
2026-05-07 17:00 - 18:30 | Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, 18 Biltmore Ave., Asheville, 28801
Asheville Improv Festival | Night 2 | Thursday 5PM
Doors: 4:30pm | Show: 5:00pm
Kicking off night 2 of the Fest at the wonderful Tina McGuire Theatre, located within the Wortham Center for the Arts in downtown Asheville, is a lineup featuring a local team, a team from the Raleigh/Durham area, a half local/half Denver team, and a team from DC literally called Half & Half.
The lineup below is in order of performance.
The lineup:
Aftermath (Asheville/Denver)
Half & Half (Washington, DC)
Mostly Millennials (Asheville)
Losing is OK (Asheville)
Play Cousinz (Raleigh/Durham)

Mosaic Art Walk & Benefit 2026
2026-05-07 17:00 - 20:00 | Downtown Asheville, participating galleries - details at MosaicArtWalk.com, Asheville, 28801
Mark your calendars for one of Asheville’s most anticipated spring evenings of art, community and connection. Mosaic Community Lifestyle Realty’s Art Walk & Benefit returns on Thursday, May 7, 2026, from 5 to 8 p.m., bringing together downtown Asheville’s vibrant creative scene in support of local nonprofits.
This free public event will unfold across 11 downtown Asheville galleries and creative spaces, inviting attendees to stroll from stop to stop to experience inspiring artwork and connect with organizations doing meaningful work in Western North Carolina. Each location will be paired with a different nonprofit partner and hosted by Mosaic agents, for a night that celebrates both creativity and impact – all against the eclectic backdrop and electric energy of downtown Asheville. Enter to win 11 local vacation raffle packages, curated by Mosaic brokers, with proceeds benefiting our 11 nonprofit partners. Find event details at MosaicArtWalk.com.

Antidote Comedy featuring Nathan Owens
2026-05-07 19:30 - 21:00 | antidote, 151 Coxe Avenue, Asheville, NC, 27106, United States
Every Thursday Modelface Comedy brings the best local and touring comedians to Asheville! This week we have Southern favorite Nathn Owens on the rooftop at Antidote!
Chemist Spirts welcomes top comedians for a night of laughs. Enjoy a stunning AVL sunset from the rooftop bar at Antidote while giggling and sipping a classic cocktail.
Nathan Owens is a stand up comedian from Atlanta and has traveled throughout the United States, Ireland, and the UK spreading his own brand of awkward funny. Proud to be born in West Virginia and raised in Georgia Nathan brings his own stories and unique observations to the stage. You can checkout his debut album Name Brand Human and watch the special on youtube now plus his latest drop Possum Daddy on youtube and wherever you listen to comedy! Nathan has opened for Dustin Nickerson, Brian Bates, Aaron Weber, Matt Braunger, Katherine Blandford, and many more!
ages 21+
doors at 7pm, show at 7:30pm
Tickets $15 advance, $18 day of

Tryon Little Theater's "Steel Magnolias"
2026-05-07 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-05-08 19:30 - 21:30 | Tryon Little Theater Workshop, 516 S. Trade St., Tryon, 28782
Theater production

Slice Standup Comedy Contest
2026-05-07 19:30 - 21:30 | PULP Under The Orange Peel, 103 Hilliard Avenue, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
The Slice of Life Comedy Asheville Spring Standup Contest 🌼
Thursday May 7, 7:30p-9:30p, doors at 6:30p
The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement, Pulp Lounge
103 Hilliard Ave, Downtown Asheville
Tickets: $18 (available at door or The Orange Peel website)
These shows sellout!
Hosted by Hilliary Begley from NETFLIX & AMAZON PRIME
Cocktails available while you laugh the night away to some of the area’s best Stand Up Comics in a ridiculously fun adult environment!!
Free snacks while availability lasts! You may bring your own food in (no outside drinks)!
How it Works:
Audience votes thru written ballots throughout the night. Comics on the show will do 3-5m of standup comedy. This show’s 3 top comics will be paid & brought back to compete in our spring pageant finale, date TBA.
Go to SliceofLifeComedy.com for more contest information. Contact Michele with any questions, or to sign up to perform at sliceoflifecomedy@gmail.com

Ryan Montbleau (solo)
2026-05-07 20:00 - 22:00 | The Grey Eagle Music Hall and Pub, 185 Clingman Ave, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
ALL AGES
SEATED SHOW
LIMITED NUMBER OF PREMIUM SEATING TICKETS AVAILABLE
RYAN MONTBLEAU
A relentless road warrior and masterful wordsmith, Ryan Montbleau has spent the better part of thirty years cultivating a devoted audience on the strength of his ecstatic live shows and exhilarating sonic versatility. He’s collaborated with artists as diverse as Trombone Shorty, Galactic, Steel Pulse, Tall Heights, Martin Sexton, Anders Osborne, and George Porter, Jr; shared bills with the likes of Tedeschi Trucks Band, Ani DiFranco, Todd Snider, The Wood Brothers, Rodrigo y Gabriela, and Mavis Staples; and racked up more than 150 million streams on Spotify alone. NPR’s Mountain Stage compared his “eloquent, soulful songwriting” to Bill Withers and James Taylor, while Relix celebrated his “poetic Americana,” and The Boston Herald raved that “he’s made a career of confident, danceable positivity.”
Montbleau’s freewheeling new album finds him exploring the full spectrum of his influences like never before, touching on folk, rock, funk, soul, hip-hop, and reggae, all with a preternatural ease that belies the intensely focused craftsmanship behind it. The songs are sprawling and unpredictable, grappling with a modern world perpetually teetering on the edge of chaos, but the performances are relentlessly optimistic, insisting on hope and joy in the face of it all. The result is Montbleau’s most vulnerable and cathartic work yet, an album that acknowledges the inevitability of doubt and pain while at the same time celebrating our limitless capacity for growth and love.

Asheville Improv Festival - Thursday 9PM Show
2026-05-07 21:00 - 22:30 | Diana Wortham Theatre, 2 S. Pack Square, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
Asheville Improv Festival | Night 2 | Thursday 9PM
Doors: 8pm | Show: 9pm
Make sure to grab a seat for an incredibly varied lineup of improv styles starting with a narrative genre performance by Team Spider Monkey, followed by an 8-person Mango! Mango! set utilizing the Living Room form. Then, it’s 2026 Asheville Improv Festival Headliners Charleston’s Greg Tavares and Andy Adkins performing a narrative duo set that is sure to mesmerize! Following them will be fellow headlining ensemble, all the way from Chicago, Logan Square Improv to own the stage right before your very eyes! This show will be at the gorgeous Diana Wortham mainstage at the Wortham Center for the Arts in downtown Asheville!
The lineup:
– Team Spider Monkey
– Mango! Mango!
– Greg Tavares with Andy Adkins (AIF Headliner)
– LSI Players (AIF Headliner)

Art Garden Gallery Grand Re-Opening
2026-05-08 11:00 - 21:00 | Art Garden, 98 N. Lexington Ave, Asheville, 28801
May 7-10 — Join 40+ artists in celebrating the grand re-opening of Art Garden with four days of workshops, music, performances, readings, art browsing and plant shopping. After a challenging year and half spent rebuilding from Helene, Art Garden re-opens its gallery doors to a fresh start in downtown Asheville (98 N. Lexington Ave.). To view the full schedule, visit artgardenavl.com
Art Garden
Grand Re-Opening Weekend, May 7-10 at 98 N Lexington Ave
Open Gallery Hours 11 a.m.- 5 p.m., with evening events til 9 p.m. on May 7, 8, and 9.
Daytime activities during gallery hours include: Pop-up art demos, live painting, live music, roaming performers, workshops, art auction, plant sale, and more. Enjoy over 40 local artists’ displays, throughout the weekend.
Evening Events: (tickets required for evening events; see website to purchase)
Thursday, May 7th
Gallery Preview Party, 6-9 pm
ReRoot: an art exhibit featuring Art Garden Artists, celebrating resilience and rebirth
Live Music by Jenna Jaffe
Friday, May 8th
Art Garden Gallery Gala, 6-9 pm
Silent Auction supporting Art Garden’s rebuild, and its Artists
Live Art: Ashton Hill, Annie Kyla Bennett, Dillon Endico, and more
Live Music by Zack Lutman, and more
Catering by New Stock Pantry
Saturday, May 9th
Art Garden Theatre Opening Night, 7-9 pm
FaerieTale Theatre Presents: Same Same but Different
Live Music by Derian Blane
Sunday, May 10th:
Mother’s Day Plant Sale, 11-5 pm
Mark Making with Natural Materials, with Mel Sozer, 10-11 am
Inkmaking with Plant Pigments, with Annie Kyla Bennett, 3-5 pm
Please note: More workshops and performances are still in the works. Please check our website for the most up-to-date event listing.

PATIO SHOW: Wheelwright
2026-05-08 17:30 - 19:00 | The Grey Eagle Music Hall and Pub, 185 Clingman Ave, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
Wheelwright makes music for late nights and early mornings, for dive bars bonfires and house parties, the highs and the lows. a Southwestern inspired blend of country folk and grunge that reflects his life growing up in the desert city of Phoenix, Arizona. None of his songs are idealistic. No light without darkness, no laughter without atleast some suffering, no thoughtfulness without some recklessness. With a Devil-May-Care spirit, and a message of hope, frustration, and love; Wheelwright’s music contrasts between worlds of wandering existentialism, the strife of modern relationships, and shreds of hope that can be found in the darkest and most broken places of ourselves. Songs of acceptance, hard luck, and love without all the kumbaya bullshit, but rather the idea that we are all beautiful and flawed, stuck here together whether we like it or not. His songs are self-admitting and allow listeners to meet him where they truthfully are. It’s brash and it’s honest. In his words, “Everybody has things about themselves that they don’t like, they have things that they would change about themselves, but they also have spirits, and hopes, and dreams and light inside of themselves despite the darkness that seems to have over us as we march into the uncertainty of what’s next.”

Yoga Nidra & Reiki in the Salt Cave
2026-05-08 18:00 - 19:00 | Asheville Salt Cave, 16 North Liberty St, Asheville, 28801
Experience a restorative Yoga Nidra (Yogic Sleep – similar to guided meditation and hypnosis) and Reiki session in the salt cave with Reiki Master Teacher and Yoga Nidra Facilitator, Kate Wargo. This guided practice leads you into the deeply healing space between waking and sleeping for profound relaxation and renewal.

Asheville Improv Festival - Friday 7PM Show
2026-05-08 19:00 - 20:30 | North Carolina Stage Company, 15 Stage Lane, Asheville, 28801
Asheville Improv Festival | Night 3 | Friday 7 PM
Doors: 6:00 PM | Show: 7:00 PM
What an amazing show the 7pm block is gonna be! Starting it off is the one-and-only performance of the 2026 Asheville Improv Festival Ensemble, curated by the Festival committee from dozens of applicants from around the country and coached by the a member of headliners, Logan Square Improv, the amazing Rudy Mendoza! Follow that up with a great set from LA’s Pillow Talk and then a completely improvised musical by local improv company, Misfit Improv! And if THAT wasn’t enough, AIF 2026 Headliner Logan Square Improv will end the show with a bang!
The lineup below is in order of performance.
The lineup:
– AIF 2026 Festival Ensemble
– Pillow Talk (Los Angeles)
– Misfit Music Improv (Local Improv Company)
– LSI Players (AIF Headliner)

Asheville Choral Society Concert
2026-05-08 19:00 - 21:00 | Central United Methodist Church, 27 Church Street, Asheville, 28801
This spring, the Asheville Choral Society invites you to a concert that reflects the many voices, stories, and traditions that shape who we are.
Out Of Many, One, presented May 8 and 9 at Central United Methodist Church, is inspired by the idea behind E Pluribus Unum—“out of many, one.” Through a wide-ranging program of choral music, we explore the richness and complexity of the American experience: moments of beauty and resilience, alongside the challenges that continue to shape our shared story.
Performed by our 120-voice strong chorus—known for its professional-level sound—this program weaves together musical traditions from across cultures and generations. From deeply rooted folk melodies and spirituals to contemporary works that speak to identity, belonging, and hope, Out Of Many, One is both a celebration and an invitation to reflect.
We are also pleased to feature Tempus, our select vocal ensemble, whose chamber performances bring an added sense of intimacy and clarity to the program.
At its heart, this concert is about listening – to one another, to history, and to the possibility of connection through music.

Don't Tell Comedy South Slope Asheville
2026-05-08 20:00 - 22:00 | The Funkatorium, 147 Coxe Ave, Asheville, 28801
Show Details
This show will be at an indoor location.
No Outside Drinks permitted.. Drinks will be available for purchase.
Small snacks available for purchase
Non-alcoholic drinks will be available.
Outside snacks allowed.
This show will have chairs provided.
♿︎ This show is wheelchair accessible.
21+ show.
About Don’t Tell Comedy
Secret Locations.
Shhh…it’s a surprise. As you can see, we only advertise the general area or neighborhood for each show. The precise location and other important show details will be sent to you at 8:00 AM the day of the show. If you don’t see it in your inbox you can find the info on show day right here.
Secret Comedians.
No spoilers! All comedians remain unknown until the moment they take the stage. But don’t fret, we carefully curate lineups of 4-7 different comics to create a hilarious and diverse show. The best part is—you never know who might show up!
You might discover your next favorite underground comedian or see a fan favorite. We specialize in introducing audiences to the best-emerging talent from cities around the world through a mix of the best local and nationally touring comedians.
Unique Live Experience.
Honestly, we’re over the whole debt-inducing two-drink minimum thing. We’re dedicated to providing you with a unique and fun live comedy experience—one which doesn’t require you to take out a second mortgage. We thrive on good vibes and welcome you to be a part of the DTC community.
Doors at 7:30pm, show at 8pm

Asheville Improv Festival - Friday 9PM Show
2026-05-08 21:00 - 22:30 | North Carolina Stage Company, 15 Stage Lane, Asheville, 28801
Asheville Improv Festival | Night 3 | 9 PM
Doors: 8:00 PM | Show: 9:00 PM
Start your evening with a little comedic rage; Middle Rage that is! Follow that up with some GirlProv from Norfolk, Virginia and a little Chicago old school a la Promise Ring. Cap it all off with another amazing set by AIF Headliner Greg Tavares and Andy Adkins and you’re ready to call it a night, an incredible one!
The lineup below is in order of performance.
The lineup:
– Middle Rage (Asheville)
– GirlProv (Norfolk, VA)
– Promise Ring (Chicago)
– Greg Tavares with Andy Adkins (AIF Headliner)

Jump Off Rock Half Marathon & 10k
2026-05-09 07:30 - 11:00 | Jump Off Rock, 4433 Laurel Park Hwy, Laurel Park, 28739
Experience the 6th Annual Jump Off Rock Half Marathon & 10K, presented by Hunter Subaru and UNC Health Pardee. This springtime race offers a scenic and fast course that winds through some of the most beautiful areas of Hendersonville!
The Half Marathon starts at the iconic Jump Off Rock in Laurel Park, with sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and colorful spring blooms. Runners then follow a gently downhill, USATF-certified course into the heart of downtown Hendersonville—known as one of the most picturesque half marathons in the Southeast.
The 10K begins at the Hendersonville Family YMCA and joins the half marathon route partway through. This course is mostly flat with a few gentle rollers, making it great for all abilities.
Both races finish on Main Street in Historic Downtown Hendersonville, where runners will be welcomed with lively finish line festivities and small-town charm.
Come see why this race is more than just a run—it’s a visual journey and a community celebration.
Both races are USATF Sanctioned AND Certified!

Thomas Wolfe's Buried Lives: Riverside Cemetery Tour
2026-05-09 10:00 - 12:00 | Riverside Cemetery, 53 Birch St, Asheville, 28801
Join us for a tour of Riverside Cemetery as we piece together fact and fiction by highlighting many of the folks that inspired various characters in Wolfe’s works, as well as other notable Ashevillians.
The tour will begin at the front gate of Riverside Cemetery, with parking available along Birch Street and near the gate. Plan for two-hour leisurely paced tour!
THIS EVENT HAS A CAPACITY LIMIT. Tickets – $10/person and must be purchased online: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/thomas-wolfes-buried-lives-a-riverside-cemetery-tour
