ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Whether you’re planning a Mother’s Day weekend outing, looking for something to do with friends or just hoping to get outside, there’s no shortage of options across Asheville and Western North Carolina this weekend. Here’s a look at some of the top things to do May 8–10.
If you only do one thing this weekend
Dog Day Afternoon
Lake Julian Park, Arden
Saturday | Noon–3 p.m. | Free
A laid-back afternoon built around dogs, local vendors, pet contests and community, this event is an easy way to spend time outside. Bring your dog or stop by to meet adoptable animals from local rescue organizations. The first 200 attendees, 18 years old and over, can stop by the Mix 96.5 or La Pantera 97.3 tent to pick up a Dog Day Afternoon Pawsport for a chance to win $1,000.
Editor’s note: Dog Day Afternoon is organized by Asheville Media Group, the parent company of 828newsNOW.
Weekend at a glance
- Date night: Asheville Improv Festival or Bella White
- Family-friendly: Dog Day Afternoon or Movies in the Park
- Arts & culture: Montford Park Players present The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
- Outdoors & daytime: Native orchids walk or Thomas Wolfe cemetery tour
- Local gathering: ’Preciate the Parents Party
Live music & nightlife
Asheville Improv Festival
Asheville
Friday–Sunday | Shows and times vary
A weekend of comedy performances brings something different to the local nightlife scene, with shows that are fast-paced, interactive and ideal for a group outing.
Creed Tribute Band
Mars Theatre Brewing Co, Mars Hill
Friday | 8 p.m.
A tribute show brings a dose of nostalgia to Friday night for fans of late ’90s and early 2000s rock.
Bella White
The Grey Eagle, Asheville
Sunday | 7 p.m.
The Canadian singer-songwriter closes out the weekend with a Sunday evening show rooted in folk and country influences.
Family-friendly & community
Brews & Bears
WNC Nature Center, Asheville
Friday | 5:30 p.m.
The WNC Nature Center’s celebrating 10 years of this annual family-friendly fundraiser. The community is invited to attend this after-hours event with live music, food and drink vendors and special animal programs.
Dog Day Afternoon
Lake Julian Park, Arden
Saturday | Noon–3 p.m. | Free
The weekend’s featured event is also one of its strongest family-friendly options, with a relaxed outdoor setting and activities centered around pets.
Movies in the Park
Pack Square Park, Asheville
Friday | 7 p.m.
An outdoor movie night gives families a simple, low-key way to spend Friday evening together.
Mornings at the Museum: Five and Under
Asheville Emporium, Asheville
Friday | 8 a.m.
A museum program designed for children five and under. The special event offers an early-day activity for families with little ones.
Asheville Tourists vs. Rome Emperors
HomeTrust Park, Asheville
Sunday | 1 p.m.
Baseball at McCormick Field gives families and sports fans a classic Sunday afternoon option on Mother’s Day.
Arts & culture
Montford Park Players present “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”
Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre, Asheville
Friday | 7 p.m.
The outdoor theater season continues with a family-friendly stage adaptation of the classic story.
Thomas Wolfe’s Buried Lives: A Riverside Cemetery Tour
Riverside Cemetery, Asheville
Saturday | 10 a.m.
This guided cemetery tour explores stories connected to Thomas Wolfe and Asheville history, offering a slower-paced cultural outing with a local history angle.
Outdoors & daytime
Getting to Know the Birds of WNC
The North Carolina Arboretum, Asheville
Friday | 10 a.m.
A nature-focused program introduces participants to over 60 of the most common birds seen in Western North Carolina.
Food, drink & local gathering
’Preciate the Parents Party
Sweeten Creek Brewing, Asheville
Saturday | 3 p.m.
This Saturday afternoon gathering features “mountain grooves for pre-K and kids of all ages” with poems, sing-alongs, drum jam, dancing, and more.
Oak and Grist Distillery Tour & Tasting
Black Mountain
Friday | 1 p.m.
A daytime outing that pairs well with a drive outside Asheville, combining a behind-the-scenes look with a tasting experience.
Looking ahead
More concerts, festivals and seasonal events are scheduled throughout May. Find additional local listings on the 828newsNOW events calendar.
Note
Event details are subject to change. Some events may be delayed, rescheduled or canceled due to weather or other conditions. Check official event listings for the latest updates before attending.