ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Have plans for this weekend? If you’re looking for something to do that’s not July 4-related, check out some of the events below.
Friday, July 4
“Art From the Garden” gallery exhibit — 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 W State St., Black Mountain
This multifaceted event, celebrating nature and art, combines two gallery exhibits, live floral arrangements and a local garden tour featuring working artists.
James Henkel: On the Nature of Things — 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tracey Morgan Gallery, 22 London Road, Asheville
Tracey Morgan Gallery is pleased to present the second part of its third solo exhibition with photographer James Henkel. Henkel’s exhibition Cyanosure, originally installed in fall 2024, was disrupted by Helene. This new iteration includes the addition of a series of new work.
The Last Wide Open at North Carolina Stage Co. — 2 p.m. North Carolina Stage Co., 15 Stage Lane, Asheville
Late one night, after closing the restaurant where they both work, Lina and Roberto found themselves in unexpected conversation. This play with music renders the near hits and misses that are the reality of life for this waitress and immigrant dishwasher.
Soul Of The South Music Festival 2025 — 2 p.m. Silverados, 2898 U.S. 70, Black Mountain
The LACS’s hick hop and southern rock sound is stronger than the moonshine they drink. The LACS, which is the famous short abbreviation of the Loud Ass Crackers, are from the sandy dirt roads of Baxley, Georgia, a town more famous for its sawmills and turpentine stills than for having a successful southern rap group.
Witchy Workshop: Tarot with Cats — 5:30-6:30 p.m. House of Black Cat Magic, 841 Haywood Road, Asheville
Ever wanted to learn how to read Tarot? Love cats and other witchy things? Hoping to grow old with a house full of books, feline familiars, and magic? This 1-hour workshop will include a brief history of the tarot and how to incorporate a one- and three-card pull for daily guidance.
Music at The Depot in Marshall — 6:30-9 p.m., The Depot in Marshall, 282 South Main St., Marshall
Discover and enjoy the vibrant local music scene of Madison County. Live shows every Friday night feature three local bands performing one-hour sets. Dancing, cake walks, 50-50 tickets, refreshments for sale and an opportunity to fellowship with our community. No admission fee.
Saturday, July 5
Flea Market — 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Smoky Mountain Event Center, 758 Crabtree Road, Waynesville
The Flea Market at the Smoky Mountain Event Center features two huge indoor buildings and more than 120 booths to shop! Food available onsite.
Look Homeward, Asheville: A Downtown Walking Tour Through Thomas Wolfe’s Eyes — 10-11:30 a.m. Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historic Site, 52 N. Market St., Asheville
Step into the world of Thomas Wolfe with this guided walking tour through downtown Asheville — Wolfe’s hometown and the vivid backdrop for his (in)famous novel Look Homeward, Angel.
Edible Summer Plants — 10 a.m.-noon Botanical Gardens, 151 WT Weaver Blvd., Asheville
This beginner’s class will introduce you to edible summer plants and how to find them in our local ecosystems. The course will begin with a review of the basics of plant identification and foraging best practices, after which we’ll head out into the garden to learn in the field.
Historic Church Tours — 11 a.m.-noon, St. John in the Wilderness, 1895 Greenville Highway, Flat Rock,
Learn about Flat Rock’s history. The guided tours of the church and churchyard (cemetery) are led by church docents. The historically significant churchyard at John in the Wilderness contains graves of distinguished political figures and local residents, as well as those of unnamed 19th-century enslaved persons.
Hay Wagon Farm Tours — Noon-4:30 p.m. Ten Acre Garden, 148 Chambers Farm Lane, Canton
Join us every Saturday through October for a scenic and educational hay ride along the river, through the fields and across the heart of Ten Acre Garden — all from the perspective of the farmer. This is your chance to experience the real rhythm of the farm and learn about the beauty, challenges, and joy of growing food in the mountains.
Disney’s The Little Mermaid — 2:30-4:30 p.m. Asheville Community Theatre, 35 E Walnut St., Asheville
Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories and the classic animated film, Disney’s The Little Mermaid is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages. With music by eight-time Academy Award winner Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater and a compelling book by Doug Wright, this fishy fable will capture your heart with its irresistible songs, including “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl” and “Part of Your World.”
Sunday, July 6
Asheville Drag Brunch Christmas in July Fundraiser for WNCAP — 11 a.m.-2 p.m. The Event Space at Hi-Wire Brewing, 2B Huntsman Place, Asheville
Get ready to celebrate Christmas in July at this Asheville Drag Brunch Fundraiser for WNCAP.
Drink & Draw — 1-4 p.m. Asheville Art Museum, 2 S. Pack Square, Asheville
Grab a drink and unlock the art supplies with your purchase. Get creative by drawing on our café tables, which are covered with paper for you to sketch, doodle or create your own masterpiece. Whether you’re an experienced artist or just looking for a fun way to spend the afternoon, this event is perfect for all skill levels.
Freshen Up Comedy Open Mic at VOWL Bar — 7 p.m. VOWL Bar, 63 1/2 N Lexington Ave., Asheville
Every Sunday, Alex Parsons and Josie Beers host Freshen Up at VOWL Bar. It is stand-up comedy open mic with a focus on new material. Bring your best new jokes each week or just come watch your favorite local comedians.