Music, Theater, Art & More in Asheville This Weekend

Asheville is known for its eclectic cultural scene which includes music, theater, art and more. Spend any amount of time here and you'll see this reflected on the streets, among the people and feel it in the ambiance that surrounds you.

In addition to the everyday artistic happenings in Asheville and the surrounding Western North Carolina region, there are always additional culturally rich performances, festivals and events occurring throughout the year.

Here are some of the highlights of what is going on this weekend and beyond.


Art
Known for its unique art scene, Asheville offers a myriad of artistic endeavors. The 6th Annual Sculpture for the Garden began the first Saturday in June and continues through December 31. This is an outdoor sculpture event which features contemporary sculptures by nationally-recognized artists. Sculpture artists Gretchen Lothrop and Stefan "Steebo" Bonitz have featured works at the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and at the Biltmore Park Town Square.

Asheville Art in the Park is a free event that runs through June 29 at Pack Square Park in downtown. It occurs every Saturday from 10a.m. to 6p.m. and provides access to some of the finest artists in the area featuring their handcrafted art including glass, ceramics, wood, jewelry and metal works all on display and for sale.

The Haywood Graduate Show at the Folk Art Center hosts its recent graduates' exhibition showcasing their talent and work. The Folk Art Center is located at Milepost 382 on the Blue Ridge Parkway with hours from 9a.m. to 6p.m. Admission is free. Stop in, it's a beautiful drive!

Music
The Brevard Music Center Summer Festival is music to your ears as it opens its 2013 season this Friday, June 21 at the institute's campus in Brevard. Here you'll find seven weeks of guest artists combined with classical masterpieces all in a jam-packed schedule of performers. This season features over 80 performances which include 18 different orchestra programs, four opera productions, wind ensemble, chamber music, new music and recitals. Opening night features Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1 by the Brevard Music Center Orchestra on Friday, June 21 at 7:30p.m. The seasons closes on Sunday, August 4 so be sure to check out the Brevard Music Center Summer Festival full schedule of performers to make your plans.

Foster the People performs at the U.S. Cellular Center this Friday, June 21 at 8p.m. with doors opening at 7p.m. This indie pop band formed in Los Angeles in 2009 and has won Top Rock Song at the 2012 Billboard Music Awards for its debut single "Pumped Up Kicks". Tickets are $35 plus applicable service fees.


Theater
Asheville abounds with great theater opportunities for every taste and interest featuring everything from classic to contemporary performances. Evita is the story of Evan Peron, one of if not the most notorious public figures in Argentina's history. The story follows Eva's life as she rises to prominence as the wife of dictator Juan Peron. Slated as possibly the greatest collaboration between composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyricist Tim Rice, this story comes to life through its compelling score of Latin, pop and jazz influences. Evita runs through June 30 at the Flat Rock Playhouse and admission is $40.

Kiss Me, Kate runs through June 29 at the Asheville Community Theatre and combines Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew with Cole Porter's music and lyrics. Kiss Me, Kate has been a crowd-pleaser and features a play-within-a-play where each cast member's on-stage life is complicated by what happens offstage. Tickets run from $15-$25.

And More
Don't forget to make the most of your stay here in Asheville by staying locally and giving yourself the time to enjoy all that Asheville and the surrounding Western North Carolina area have to offer. Choose from a nice variety of vacation rentals in the locations that suit you best. You'll be close and convenient to things you want to do and the places you want to go.

We hope to see you soon. Happy Summer!