ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — A Shrek-themed rave, Halloween in the summertime and an all-day celebration in Cherokee, N.C. are among the things to do in the 828 this weekend. Read our full guide for more.
Friday, July 25
- Shrek Rave – 9 p.m., The Orange Peel, ages 18+
The Orange Peel goes green this weekend for a Shrek-themed rave. Ogres ages 18 and up are invited to “JUST COME HAVE FUN,” because after all, “WHO CARES. COOL IS DEAD,” according to the event description. Tickets can be purchased here.
- Community Connections Puppy Adoption Event – 11 a.m.–1 p.m., The Block, corner of Eagle Street and Market Street
Brother Wolf Animal Rescue is partnering with Pack Square Collection to bring a whole pack of puppies to The Block. Puppies will be available for adoption in the grassy area at the corner of Eagle Street and Market Street.
- “Unto These Hills” – 7:30 p.m., Mountainside Theatre, Cherokee, N.C.
Witness Cherokee history live on the outdoor stage at Mountainside Theatre. “Unto These Hills,” celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, combines spectacle with storytelling to present the history of the Cherokee people from first European contact up to the Trail of Tears. Read our review and find ticketing information here.
Saturday, July 26
- ᏌᎪᏂᎨ Sakonige 2025 – 3 p.m.–midnight, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, 777 Casino Dr., Cherokee
Sakonige Festival is now free to attend. No tickets required! Join in the fun and experience everything Sakonige has to offer together, from a full day of live performances from artists like Kayla McKinney, Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band and Crocodile Smile to delicious local food and unique crafts from talented artisans.
- Summerween at the Whale – 6 p.m., The Whale West Asheville, 507 Haywood Road
The Whale will combine the best of Halloween and summertime fun into one evening event, complete with trick ‘r’ treat mystery beers, free facepainting, campfire s’mores and a free screening of the 90’s slasher classic “I Know What You Did Last Summer.”
- “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” – 7:30 p.m., Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre, 92 Gay St.
The Montford Park Players continue their hysterical run of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” Shakespeare’s famous comedy, brought to life on the outdoor stage at the Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre in Montford Park. Tickets are donation-based and the show is open to all ages. Read our review of the production here.
Sunday, July 27
- Family Block Party – noon–7 p.m., The Mule, 131 Sweeten Creek Road
The whole family is invited to a block party at The Mule, featuring free hot dogs, burgers, a bouncy house and a tie-dye station. The event is free to attend. For more information, click here.
- From Flood to Flourish yard sale fundraiser – noon–4 p.m., New Belgium Brewing, 21 Craven St.
New Belgium Brewing is teaming up with the Helping Friendly Collective for “From Flood to Flourish,” a yard sale fundraiser for families in need. The event will feature live music from DJ Camaro and MetroRock.
For more events going on around the 828, check out the 828newsNOW Event Calendar.