Free events in Asheville, NC

Join the Asheville Drum Circle at Pritchard Park for a free Friday-night community gathering filled with rhythm, dancing, and good vibes. The drum circle starts as the sun sets and runs into the evening, and everyone is welcome, including people who want to listen or join in with their own drum. Bring a drum if you have one, or come enjoy the music and the lively atmosphere.

Settle in on Reynolds Green, also known as the Mini-Quad, for the finale of UNC Asheville’s Movies on the Green summer series. This outdoor screening is free and open to all, and blankets or lawn chairs are encouraged. Before the film, enjoy casual lawn games and music, and look for Hilltop Ice Cream with treats available for purchase. The feature is School of Rock (2003), in which an aspiring rocker impersonates a substitute teacher and turns a class of buttoned-up students into a band with the Battle of the Bands in their sights. Guests may bring their own food, however alcohol is not allowed. Nearby lots P27, P13, and P28 offer free parking. Accessibility accommodations, including ASL interpreting, captioning, Braille, or electronic text, are available upon request by contacting Stephanie Bullick at sbullick@unca.edu or (828) 251-6292.

At Sand Hill Community Garden, volunteers help grow organic produce for people in need, building on a past harvest that reached two tons. All tools, materials, and guidance are provided, and volunteers can take home produce. It is a warm, community-focused way to meet neighbors, learn new gardening skills, and support local food efforts. Bring energy and be ready to spend time in the soil.

Family members, partners, and caregivers of people living with mental health conditions can gather in a peer-led, supportive setting in downtown Asheville. Participants exchange experiences, learn together, and develop strategies for coping and for supporting loved ones. The group meets every Saturday, welcomes everyone, and is free to attend.

Yoga in the Park returns with a free outdoor class presented in partnership with the Reuter Family YMCA. YMCA instructors lead an all-levels practice featuring a mix of styles to promote calm, focus, and renewed energy. Attendees are encouraged to bring a yoga mat, spend time outdoors, and share the experience with friends. Registration is open for this complimentary session.

Enjoy live jazz at Hotel Eve as Mr Jimmy leads a continuing session that spotlights a different special guest musician each time. There is no cover charge. Enter through the gate between Virtue and Dane Wells Gallery.

NAMI Connections is a peer-facilitated gathering for adults navigating mental health challenges. The group meets on the second and fourth Mondays to provide a welcoming, safe place to share experiences, receive support, and connect with others who understand. Attendance is free.

Settle in for a billiards night with no cover charge. Enjoy free access to the pool tables throughout the evening, and take part in an in-house tournament if you want to compete. Player signups are available on site before the matches begin, and the tournament starts once registration is complete.

A no-cost series of financial wellness workshops from OnTrack Financial Education & Counseling takes place at the Asheville Drop-In Center. The program explores key money skills, including visioning and goal setting, building healthy financial foundations, understanding credit with guidance for building or improving it, and practical strategies for managing and resolving personal debt. For questions, contact Jessica Hartley, RCC Coordinator, at jhartley@sunriseinasheville.org.

A preschool story time with Mr. Keith features books, songs, and rhymes for children ages 3 to 5. Hosted at the Enka-Candler Branch Library, the session encourages curiosity and a sense of wonder.

Harvest produce at Sand Hill Community Garden so the community can enjoy the bounty. The activity lasts about an hour and focuses on gathering what is ready in the garden. Enjoy time among the plants while contributing to a community harvest.

Spend a morning pitching in at a summer garden workday devoted to community building and care for the Herring Peace Garden. Help with seasonal tasks that keep the space thriving and beautiful, then take home freshly harvested produce. People of all ages are welcome. Children must attend with a grownup unless arrangements are made ahead of time with Farmers Nicole or Lark. All tools are supplied, and no prior gardening experience is needed.

Whale Wednesday features a complimentary craft activity, a newly featured draft beer, and a different vendor. The offerings change each week, bringing a new project, brew, and vendor to check out.

Catch free live music at the Pritchard Park Arts & Culture Series with Pickin' in the Park. The event runs in the heart of Downtown Asheville from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM.

Terra hosts Terraoke, a free karaoke takeover at The Odd where attendees can take the mic and sing.

Credit Awareness Day offers a simple way to understand your credit. Visit OnTrack WNC to receive a complimentary FICO credit report, valued at $55, with scores from Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. A short session with a certified financial counselor is included to go over your results and plan practical next steps. No appointment is necessary, and accessing your report here will not affect your credit. Día para Conocer y Mejorar tu Crédito brinda una forma clara de conocer tu situación crediticia. Visita OnTrack WNC para obtener sin costo un informe FICO, con un valor de 55 dólares, que incluye las puntuaciones de Experian, Equifax y TransUnion. También se ofrece una sesión breve con un asesor financiero certificado para revisar los resultados y definir los siguientes pasos. No se necesita cita y esta consulta no afecta tu crédito.

Summer welcomes the return of the Biltmore Park Farmers Market, filling Town Square Boulevard with a lively mix of vendors and visitors. Browse peak-season produce, eggs from local farms, locally raised meats, handpicked flowers, local honey, freshly baked breads and sweets, unique food products, and handcrafted body care from makers based in Asheville and nearby communities. Each week features a carefully chosen group of purveyors, bringing the flavors and finds of the season to your table. Whether you are stocking up for the week or lingering outdoors for a relaxed afternoon, this market offers a welcoming spot to connect with others and enjoy the spirit of local life.

Every Thursday, this farmers market brings together vendors to share their offerings. It is easy to spot near the traffic light opposite Ingles.

This event features line dancing with no cover charge.