This weekend in Asheville, NC

A 5K at Carrier Park in Asheville welcomes both walkers and runners in support of Western Carolina Rescue Ministries. This eighth annual fundraiser is timed by Finish Well Timing and raises both funding and awareness for the ministry’s work in the community. All proceeds directly benefit WCRM, advancing efforts to foster life transformation across its programs and to address homelessness and addiction throughout the region. Building on 46 years of service to people experiencing homelessness, the organization is focusing on expanding support to further this mission.

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.

Experience a restorative sound bath guided by Vivek, featuring more than 40 hand crafted Himalayan singing bowls. Layers of tone and overtone create a full body listening experience that can calm the mind, ease physical tension, and support emotional, mental, and spiritual balance. These grounded vibrations offer a gentle reset so the week can begin with clarity and calm. Yoga mats, pillows, and blankets are provided for added comfort.

This mixed media class with Joni Marie Lawler invites participants to create a self portrait that tells a personal story using flowers, leaves, and found objects. The experience emphasizes creativity as a way to reconnect with oneself, notice everyday beauty, and find a sense of comfort and peace. Materials provided include a 9 x 12 canvas, E6000 glue, finger gloves, artificial flowers, and a selection of printed face drawings. Participants can personalize their piece by bringing meaningful items such as favorite fabric scraps, jewelry, or nature inspired elements. Those who wish to feature their own likeness may bring a black and white headshot to use, or email a headshot to have a black and white face prepared. Expect a warm, reflective environment that encourages storytelling, resilience, and the quiet power of renewal as each portrait comes to life.

Build confidence on the Reformer in a class suited to beginners and those with some experience. Expect a comfortable, moderate tempo with progressions that let you adjust the level of challenge. Instructors provide thoughtful modifications for all abilities and can accommodate injuries or movement limitations so you can move safely and feel supported.

Celebrate the return to school with an afternoon of shopping, games, giveaways, music, and activities for all ages at Tanger Outlets, Asheville. Get set for the classroom with back-to-school savings from brands like Nike Factory Store, Vineyard Vines, J.Crew Factory, Under Armour, The Children's Place, and Old Navy Outlet. A lively way to refresh wardrobes and enjoy time together.

Meet adoptable cats at PetSmart during a dedicated adoption event. Each feline has been spayed or neutered, is up to date on age-appropriate vaccinations, microchipped, tested for FELV/FIV, dewormed, and started on monthly flea prevention. Before attending, browse the available cats to read foster-written bios, view photos, check adoption fees, and, if a particular kitty seems like the right match, submit an adoption application in advance to be among the first considered.

This relaxing art session invites kids to combine the soothing benefits of coloring with the comfort of spending time among cats. Children 13 and under can use provided coloring books and markers, then choose to take their finished artwork home or display it on the shop altar dedicated to Bastet. Tickets are $15 for one child with one accompanying adult, and proceeds help fund the care of the resident panthers. To keep the atmosphere peaceful for everyone, families are asked to follow all cat lounge rules. A separate adults-only session is also offered.

Professional artist and yoga teacher Amy Kalyn Sims leads a summer collage workshop centered on joy, creative self expression, and mindfulness. Participants reflect on what brings them joy, then awaken creativity through gentle movement, mantra, music, and meditation before diving into mindful collage as a practice of awareness and connection through shared art making. Time is set aside for journaling and reflection, with space to share completed pieces. The session concludes with a soothing Yin and Restorative Yoga practice designed to release tension and leave everyone feeling nourished and renewed. Each person creates and takes home at least one 5 x 7 inch mixed media collage that can be framed or turned into a greeting card. Bringing items from home to incorporate is welcome but not required, and all materials needed to complete an artwork are provided through the supply fee. Open to all, with no prior yoga or art experience necessary.

Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ pairs live music with Kansas City-style barbecue. Featured performers include Iggy Radio, The Project, Christie Huff, Miller & Reeves, 81 Drifters, and John Keck Band. No tickets are required.

The Michelle Malone Duo appears as part of AVL Sounds Fest in Asheville, a citywide festival showcasing more than 150 performers across over fifteen stages. Additional artists and details will be announced, and tickets are on sale.

Sunset Sessions with In Plain Sight returns to New Belgium Brewing - Asheville for a third season. What began as a special gathering has grown into a fixture of Asheville’s summer dance scene, shaped by two years of memorable music, lively energy, and a strong sense of community. The celebration continues with dancing as the sun dips toward the horizon, bringing everyone together once more.

Join an in-person singles event designed to help you connect beyond small talk. It’s structured like an experiment in chemistry and communication, with more than classic speed dating built in, bringing together open-minded singles in Asheville for a fun 3-hour session.

Saturdays at After/Glow feature live DJ sets alongside food and drinks. The rotating lineup includes DJ Neon Samurai, DJ Slow Drip, DJ Aoli, DJ Neptune Spins, DJ Brent Brown, DJ Pave Beats, DJ JG, DJ Traveling with Jericho, DJ MX.NIXX, and DJ Koskue.

Settle in for authentic blues from Mr Jimmy, an award winning guitarist, singer, and songwriter who hails from Chicago and lives in Asheville. His Saturday residency brings his sound to Asheville Club, known as the hippest club in town.

Join the Asheville Comedy Festival for its 17th year, featuring a lineup of comedians and plenty of laughs over multiple nights. The festival runs August 8 through August 10, with performances starting at 7:30 PM each evening.

Soul Blue delivers classic soul, blues, and R&B with a five-piece lineup whose members come from Atlanta, Georgia and Asheville, North Carolina. Drawing on backgrounds in bands such as Daddy’s Money, The XL’s, and Banks & Shane, these seasoned players bring an authentic touch to favorites by Otis Redding, Al Green, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, Howlin’ Wolf, Wilson Pickett, James Brown, and Aretha Franklin, alongside songs from artists like Taj Mahal, John Meyer, Jimmy Hall, Delbert McClinton, and the Tedeschi Trucks band. Their long friendship and shared love of the music create easy onstage chemistry and a lively atmosphere. Admission is free, and a tip jar will be available.

Night two of this punk series showcases Machine Gun Earl, Trash Rocket, Exaggerators, and DDRB. Admission is $15 on the day of the show.

Stephani hosts a lively karaoke night at The Social, where visitors can party with friends, enjoy food and drinks, and take the stage. The sign up list may fill quickly, so arriving early can help secure a spot, and the host makes every effort to give participants a chance to sing. Those who prefer to listen can still expect an entertaining evening with performances that keep the energy up.

A Sunday brunch trivia experience pairs great food with interactive fun. Attendees team up with friends and family to face multiple rounds of general knowledge questions while enjoying breakfast dishes, mimosas, and a selection of breakfast beers and cocktails. When the quiz wraps up, the good times continue with board games.

This adoption event spotlights a range of pets ready for loving homes. Attendees can spend time with the animals, share some affection, and consider welcoming one into their family. Mercy Fund Animal Rescue, Inc. is an all-volunteer, foster-based organization that pledges lifelong care to the animals it takes in. The team works to rescue pets in need, place them in safe and caring homes, and support families so animals can remain with the people who love them. Founded in 2006 by Joy Harklerode, a longtime resident of Marion in McDowell County, the rescue grew from a community need to address animal welfare, overpopulation, and dignified care for pets. Animals live with foster caregivers until they are ready for adoption, and those who cannot be placed are supported through a permanent foster network. Guided by a simple purpose to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, warm those in the cold, heal the sick, and find the lost, the organization relies on a small, dedicated network working together for animals.

Unwind in a cat lounge during a gentle coloring session alongside the panthers and other cat lovers. Spend about 50 minutes coloring a cat illustration from coloring books for adults, enjoy time with the cats, and relax. Books and markers are provided, and when your page is complete you can take it with you or place it on the shop’s altar to Bastet. Tickets cost $15 per person, and proceeds help care for the panthers that live there. Suitable for ages 12 and up, with a calm and relaxing atmosphere for everyone.

Sprout & Bloom presents another installment of Plant Bingo. Play 10 rounds for a chance to take home plant prizes, with entry set at $15. Drink specials will be available, and the event is open to all ages.

Cool mountain reggae sets the tone while fresh pizza and craft beer round out the experience. Expect easy vibes, good bites, and a flavorful pour.

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.

Comedian John Mulaney is coming to Harrah's Cherokee Center - Asheville for an evening show. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.

Join the Asheville Comedy Festival for its 17th year, with a lineup of stand-up and other hilarious performances all in one of the region’s most lively cities. The festival runs over multiple nights, so there are plenty of chances to catch the laughs.