ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Live music continues across Asheville and Western North Carolina this month, with a mix of nationally known acts, local favorites and recurring weekly performances filling calendars throughout the region. Here’s a look at concerts and live shows happening in May.

This month’s highlights

Big Shows

Local Venue Picks

Editors Picks

With so many shows on the calendar each month, it can be hard to know where to start. These are a few performances that stand out for their lineup, venue, local buzz or overall experience. If you’re planning a night out, this is a good place to begin.

  • Concerts at Union Mills Learning Center | Union Mills Learning Center | May 1 | Enjoy a $6 meal followed by free live music at 7 pm. Tip jar available to help support the performing bands.
  • Blue Ridge Orchestra | AC Reynolds High School + Diana Wortham Theatre| May 2-3 | The Blue Ridge Orchestra’s May 2026 season‑finale concert, showcasing the seasons orchestral music. A celebratory program highlighting rhythm, color, and the ensemble’s full sound.
  •  Steve Sutton Fest 2026 | Lake Junaluska | May 8-9 | A nonprofit-operated festival honoring the legacy of musician Steve Sutton by showcasing a variety of folk musicians. Proceeds benefit music programs for Haywood County schools and Haywood County JAM.
  • MAYDAY AVL 5 | Sly Grog Lounge | May 16-17 | An array of genre-bending performances taking place over two nights, with two stages. Experience this local music festival for $20 at Sly Grog Lounge.
Woman with long red hair in a pale yellow sweater leans on a mossy log at a driftwood-strewn beach socal scene.
Bella White/May 10/Photo Credit: The Grey Eagle

May 1-3

Friday, May 1

Saturday, May 2

Sunday, May 3

May 4-10

Monday, May 4

Tuesday, May 5

Wednesday, May 6

Thursday, May 7

Friday, May 8

Saturday, May 9

Sunday, May 10

May 11-17

Woman in a black leather jacket stands in a busy city street, looking ahead as blurred pedestrians pass by.
Lucinda Williams

Monday, May 11

Tuesday, May 12

Wednesday, May 13

Thursday, May 14

Friday, May 15

Saturday, May 16

Sunday, May 17

May 18 – 24

Black-and-white photo of a man in a blazer sitting near a stair railing, looking to the left.
Josh Ritter/May 20/Photo Credit: The Orange Peel

Monday, May 18

Tuesday, May 19

Wednesday, May 20

Thursday, May 21

Friday, May 22

Saturday, May 23

Sunday, May 24

May 25 – 31

Tuesday May 26

Wednesday May 27

Thursday May 28

Friday May 29

Saturday May 30

Sunday May 31

Recurring weekly live music

Looking ahead

More live music is scheduled throughout the season across Asheville and Western North Carolina. Readers can find additional concerts and local event listings on the 828newsNOW events calendar.

Note: Concert information and schedules are subject to change. Some shows may be delayed, rescheduled or canceled. Check with venues or official event listings for the latest information before attending.