ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Looking for something to do this weekend? Try our weekend guide to the 828, complete with everything from film festivals, block parties and vintage markets to a Buddhist arts festival.
Friday, Aug. 15
2025 Asheville Film Festival – 3:30-11 p.m., Asheville Masonic Temple
Prepare for a wide selection of regional documentary and narrative shorts and feature films at the 2025 Asheville Film Festival. The 501(c)(3) non-profit will host the screenings and workshops at the Masonic Temple in downtown Asheville all weekend long. Find tickets and the festival schedule at www.ashevillefilmfestival.org.
Montford Park Players present “Cyrano de Bergerac” – 7:30 p.m., Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre, 92 Gay St.
The Montford Park Players continue their 53rd season, “A Season of Lunatics, Lovers, & Poets,” with “Cyrano de Bergerac,” the romantic story of Cyrano, a man with a large nose and a larger wit. Read our review of the show here.
Southside Block Party – 6-9 p.m., Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center, 285 Livingston St.
Unwind at the Southside Community Center this Friday with live music by DJ Audio, yard games like giant Jenga and cornhole, and food and sweet treats. The community event is family-friendly and free to attend.
Saturday, Aug. 16
The Black Cat Market AVL – 2-7 p.m., Eulogy, 10 Buxton Ave.
Over 10 vintage clothing sellers from all over the Southeast will be in attendance at Eulogy this Saturday for The Black Cat Market, a free vintage shopping experience. Vendors will be located indoors and at the rooftop bar, which will be selling drinks during the event.
Jr. Wild Walk and Wild Walk – 9:30-11 a.m., 1-2:30 p.m., WNC Nature Center, 75 Gashes Creek Road
The WNC Nature Center will be offering two behind-the-scenes tour experiences this weekend. The Jr. Wild Walk, intended for children age 5 to 12, will introduce kids and their accompanying adult to an animal ambassador and demonstrate how animals at the Nature Center are cared for. The Wild Walk, for guests age 16 and up, will lead visitors on a tour of animal caretaking around the park. Find tickets at www.wildwnc.org.
Bodhi Fest – 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Asheville Community Theatre
The first ever Bodhi Fest, a Buddhist Arts and Film Festival, will be hosted by Heartwood Refuge at Asheville Community Theatre this weekend. The all-day festival will feature everything from dance and songwriting workshops to film screenings and concerts, all centered around lifting the spirit. Find tickets here.
Sunday, Aug. 17
August Block Party – 2-7 p.m., The Mule, 131 Sweeten Creek Road
The Mule will be throwing a family-friendly party featuring live music, free food from Hickory Nut Gap Farm, a bounce house and a back-to-school supplies decorating station. Andrew Wakefield & Friends will be playing music from 3-5 p.m.
Burlesque Brunch – noon, The Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave.
The award-winning burlesque performer Madison Jane will lead an ensemble of burlesque performers at this Grey Eagle brunch event. Find tickets here.
Midway to Mardi Gras – 2-5 p.m., One World Brewing West, 520 Haywood Road
Celebrate the 2nd annual Midway to Mardi Gras bash, a jazz concert with mardi gras attire encouraged. The six-piece jazz band Story Lee Takes Six will be playing music for the event, which will see a portion of its proceeds donated to Asheville Mardi Gras. General admission is $20.
