Upcoming events and things to do in Asheville, NC. Below is a list of events for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, group meetups and more.

Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.

Thursday, June 27, 2024
Business After Hours
Jun 27 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Church Street Funeral and Cremation
Experience the Chamber’s Business After Hours – an event designed for real connections and genuine conversations. Mix and mingle with fellow professionals and broaden you network, meet potential clients and create a new referral source!
Enjoy a lively atmosphere filled with fantastic food and beverages, courtesy of our monthly host sponsor, with the chance to win fabulous door prizes – a perfect blend of business and enjoyment!

Plus don’t miss the chance to try your luck in our 50/50 raffle!
No cost to attend, just pre-register.

Saturday, June 29, 2024
Artists + Writers Coffee
Jun 29 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

Saturdays from 10:30 AM – 12 PM

TFAC Pavilion (park/enter at rear of building)
Free drop-in event
Yappy Hour at The Radical
Jun 29 @ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
The Golden Hour Patio at The Radical

Grab your leash, gather your squad (both human and furry), and join us for some Sips and Treats. Plus, 15% of the proceeds will go to our friends at Mountain Pet Rescue. See you at The Golden Hour Patio from 4 – 6 p.m.

16TH ANNUAL GIVE TO THE MUSIC BENEFIT CONCERT
Jun 29 @ 7:00 pm
The Orange Peel

Come check out our Rock Academy bands with performers ranging in age from elementary school thru high school as they perform“Decades of Hits” from the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. The Asheville Rock Academy’s talented students have played many high profile gigs, including the Main Stage at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. Academy bands have also played with Cliff Williams of AC/DC, Victor Wooten and American Idol’s Caleb Johnson.

GTTM has served the Asheville Community for over 16 years and has helped hundreds of WNC Students discover the joy of music by raising more than $275,000 providing for scholarships to fund private music lessons, Rock Academy band lessons, summer camps, and musical instruments.

Sunday, June 30, 2024
BAND TOGETHER
Jun 30 @ 3:00 pm
The Orange Peel

feat. The Feels, Aunt Vicki, Safety Coffin, and Monster Wave

A community fundraiser event for local cancer patients in need.
Visit the GoFundMe.

Monday, July 1, 2024
Letters to the Editor + Opinion Editorials Creative Workshop
Jul 1 @ 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Buncombe County Democratic Party HQ

Democrats need to be more actively messaging and to overcome the makers of fake news with the truth! Join this ongoing group of writers working together on Letters to the Editor and Opinion Editorials. We’ll discuss the issues we care about most deeply and craft a plan to respond to events as they occur in real time.

The group meets the first and third Monday of each month for writing, responding to one another’s work, scheduling submissions, and exploring media outlets across the state.

“Rant with purpose. Support with facts. Propel action.” – Myra Schoen

Tuesday, July 2, 2024
Veterans Writing Classes: Brothers and Sisters Like These
Jul 2 @ 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm
East Asheville Public Library

In 2014, a group of Vietnam combat veterans began meeting at the Charles George VA Hospital in Asheville to participate in a unique creative writing program. The focus was capturing their stories through essays and poetry to find the voices war had taken from them. The hope was to reclaim a sense of their shared humanity, build camaraderie and find some degree of healing.

To continue this work, the NC Veterans Writing Alliance Foundation will be offering free creative writing classes at the East Asheville Library in June and July. The goal is to provide healing through the art of creative writing to all veterans in our community.

Join other veterans for this series of classes on Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m. from June 11-July 30 at the East Asheville library. To sign up, please e-mail Ron Toler at [email protected].

Dark City Poets Society Workshop Circle
Jul 2 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Black Mountain Library

Tuesday, 7/2 at 6:00 pm – Dark City Poets Society Workshop Circle (outdoors in the garden, weather permitting.)
Dark City Poets Society is a completely free poetry group that is open to writers of all ages and experience levels.
Join us at the Black Mountain Library from 6:00-7:30 pm on the first Tuesday of every month for our (respectful) feedback group.

Thursday, July 4, 2024
Annual July 4th Freedom Gala: Picnic and Ride
Jul 4 all-day
279 Chestnut St, Asheville, NC 28801, USA

COME CELEBRATE WITH US!

We are so excited to celebrate once again on Thursday, July 4th, 2024, with good food for a great cause!

The continued political unrest and instability have brought devastating ongoing hardship to the people of Haiti. Despite all of this, our mission to help the children of Haiti with sustainable food, clean water, and medical care has not changed in fact we need your help now more than ever before!

You can be a part of helping our program children and have loads of fun while you’re at it!

Ride. Eat. Do Both. Or, donate.

Through the generosity of Siemens Family Law Group, the Patton Parker House, Downtown Asheville Racing Club (DARC), the Charlotte Street Business Association we are offering multiple bike ride options for both individuals and families.

  • Gravel Ride – starts at 8:30 am

  • Family Ride – starts at 10 am

  • You can purchase tickets to just ride or join us for our meal at 6:00 PM too.

  • All proceeds from this event will go to Consider Haiti to help us meet our yearly budget goals!

Our July 4th picnic starts at 6:00 pm on the Patton Parker House lawn. With gorgeous views of downtown Asheville’s skyline and the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, it’s the perfect way to celebrate with friends and family under the stars.

The meal will be catered by the always fabulous Chop Shop Butchery and will include:

  • Pulled pork

  • Geraldine’s Buns

  • Baked beans (vegetarian)

  • Coleslaw (vegetarian)

  • Potato salad (vegetarian)

  • Salad(vegetarian)

Other Event Details:

  • This event is BYOB. Water and tea will be provided with your meal.

  • To ensure enough seating we suggest bringing your own lawn chairs and blankets although we will be providing seating as well.

  • There will be parking available just North of the Patton Parker House.

  • We are looking for volunteers to help with set-up and tear-down for this event.

  • Please share this event with friends and family (click on the icons below).

Saturday, July 6, 2024
Artists + Writers Coffee
Jul 6 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

Saturdays from 10:30 AM – 12 PM

TFAC Pavilion (park/enter at rear of building)
Free drop-in event
Tuesday, July 9, 2024
Ribbon Cutting for Allen Tate/Beverly-Hanks
Jul 9 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Allen Tate/Beverly-Hanks Realtors

Come celebrate the Grand Opening of Allen Tate/Beverly-Hanks real estate firm! Beverly-Hanks has joined Allen Tate and is now part of the #1 real estate company in the Carolinas! Join us in celebrating their ribbon cutting with light bites as well as refreshments.

Veterans Writing Classes: Brothers and Sisters Like These
Jul 9 @ 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm
East Asheville Public Library

In 2014, a group of Vietnam combat veterans began meeting at the Charles George VA Hospital in Asheville to participate in a unique creative writing program. The focus was capturing their stories through essays and poetry to find the voices war had taken from them. The hope was to reclaim a sense of their shared humanity, build camaraderie and find some degree of healing.

To continue this work, the NC Veterans Writing Alliance Foundation will be offering free creative writing classes at the East Asheville Library in June and July. The goal is to provide healing through the art of creative writing to all veterans in our community.

Join other veterans for this series of classes on Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m. from June 11-July 30 at the East Asheville library. To sign up, please e-mail Ron Toler at [email protected].

Wednesday, July 10, 2024
Ribbon Cutting for Civic Federal Credit Union
Jul 10 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Civic Federal Credit Union

Across North Carolina, local government employees provide essential services for their everyday lives. Civic was created to be part of the local government world, offering member-specific financial solutions and support to build stronger communities. A member-focused Credit Union, they serve their members — not corporate interests. That means everything we do begins and ends with you.

Join us in celebrating their Grand Opening with light bites as well as beer, wine and refreshments from Twisted Laurel.

Poetry 101: The Curious Practice of Paying Attention
Jul 10 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Story Parlor

5 week series. Every Wednesday from 6:30-8:30, beginning June 5. Class cancelled July 3. Ending July 10.

Poetry is the written act of paying attention. Paying attention to words, rhythm, and writing but most importantly the worlds that inspire you to write. Namely, your world.

“Wanted: a needle swift enough to sew this poem into a blanket.” -Charles Simic

Have you ever swooned at the thought of exploring your full expression, only to shuffle around the house more determined to rearrange mothballs than get something on paper?

Poetry is undoubtedly a practice, but it doesn’t have to be an intimidating sport for Creative Gods alone. The only “ask” is to take note and notice of your life.

We’ll help develop the work itself, together.

This full-bodied beginner’s poetry class will help you shift from “Oof, I could never…” into “Wait, where’s my journal?!” by tuning into your world: to the color palette of grass, to coffee-shop conversation, to the twitch in your left elbow. If you want language for the volcanic prayers of your soul or to describe your partner’s voice whispering “I love you” at 4am, we’ll get there. This class weaves the elements of poetry, forms of poetry, guided discussion with peers, and the works of prolific poets all into a multidisciplinary play space. Plus, oodles (oodles!) of writing time to build personal confidence and craft. This class immerses itself in artful experimentation across mediums, paired with a toolkit of technical writing skills. It’s the ultimate permission slip to be a beginner.

“Poetry is an echo, asking a shadow to dance.” -Carl Sandburg

Thursday, July 11, 2024
Business After Hours
Jul 11 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Holiday Inn Asheville East – Blue Ridge Parkway

Come join us for Business After Hours at Holiday Inn Asheville East  – Blue Ridge Parkway!

Feel free to bring a gift to be raffled off as door prizes towards the end of the evening. Bring your business cards for networking and a chance to win prizes!

 

Please take a look below at our members who have renewed for another year!

 

 

This event is offered as a benefit for Chamber membership. We welcome you to come and check us out! Please contact Jessica Kanupp, our Member Development Specialist, at [email protected] if you’re considering a Chamber membership.

 

Saturday, July 13, 2024
Artists + Writers Coffee
Jul 13 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

Saturdays from 10:30 AM – 12 PM

TFAC Pavilion (park/enter at rear of building)
Free drop-in event
Tuesday, July 16, 2024
PROpel AVL Grow Series: Acquistion Entrepreneurship
Jul 16 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce

The July session of the PROpel AVL GROW series for young professionals, we’ll explore “Acquistion Entrepreneurship.”

In the ever-evolving business landscape, “Acquisition Entrepreneurship” has emerged as a powerful pathway for young professionals eager to carve out their niche in the corporate world.

This presentation, designed specifically for forward-thinking and ambitious young professionals, will delve into the complexities and opportunities of acquiring and growing existing businesses as a form of entrepreneurship. Unlike traditional entrepreneurship that starts from scratch, acquisition entrepreneurship offers a unique blend of challenges and rewards involving the identification, evaluation, and successful takeover of existing enterprises.

The program will cover essential aspects of acquisition entrepreneurship, including the art of identifying potential acquisition targets, conducting due diligence, understanding valuation techniques, and negotiating deals. Participants will gain insights into the critical skills needed to navigate these processes successfully, such as financial analysis, market assessment, and leadership abilities to integrate and grow the acquired business. Additionally, the presentation will highlight the common pitfalls and how to avoid them, ensuring a smoother transition into ownership and management roles.

Key takeaways from this session will include specific, actionable strategies that young professionals can apply immediately in their pursuit of business acquisition. These include:

Frameworks for Identifying Suitable Acquisition Targets: Learn how to spot businesses with growth potential and understand what makes an acquisition target viable.

Due Diligence Checklists and Techniques: Gain knowledge on conducting thorough due diligence, a critical step in assessing a business’s true value and potential risks.

Negotiation Strategies for Acquisition: Discover key negotiation tactics for acquisition deals to ensure a beneficial agreement for all parties involved.

Post-Acquisition Integration Plans: Understand the steps necessary to successfully integrate an acquired company, from employee management to merging systems and cultures.

Financial Analysis and Funding Options: Explore financial analysis basics for acquisition and learn about various funding options, including loans, investors, and other financial instruments.

 

About the presenter:

Benjamin Wann, CMA, CSCA, MBA, PMP, owns Asheville accounting firm CFO Consultants, LLC, with a team of 13 and 2 offices in NC.

Originally from the Philadelphia region and coming from a 10-year career providing insights to executives of mid-sized manufacturing firms, Ben transitioned to entrepreneurship full-time in Nov 2022. Ben’s thesis was that the small business community would value the same expertise, technology and know-how that the large organizations have to help accelerate their own businesses.

 

12:00-1:00pm – GROW Session

Sandwiches, salad and chips will be catered by Del Vecchios!

Please register for this event in order to help us plan accordingly.

About PROpel AVL:
Designed for young professionals between the ages of 21 and 40 in the Asheville/Buncombe area, PROpel AVL provides outstanding professional leadership development opportunities through educational seminars, service opportunities and networking.

Stay connected with text alerts! Text #propelavl to 828-827-5332 for updates and reminders about PROpel AVL programs.

Veterans Writing Classes: Brothers and Sisters Like These
Jul 16 @ 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm
East Asheville Public Library

In 2014, a group of Vietnam combat veterans began meeting at the Charles George VA Hospital in Asheville to participate in a unique creative writing program. The focus was capturing their stories through essays and poetry to find the voices war had taken from them. The hope was to reclaim a sense of their shared humanity, build camaraderie and find some degree of healing.

To continue this work, the NC Veterans Writing Alliance Foundation will be offering free creative writing classes at the East Asheville Library in June and July. The goal is to provide healing through the art of creative writing to all veterans in our community.

Join other veterans for this series of classes on Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m. from June 11-July 30 at the East Asheville library. To sign up, please e-mail Ron Toler at [email protected].

Wednesday, July 17, 2024
Chamber Orientation
Jul 17 @ 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce

Chamber members impact the local business community by making an investment in Chamber membership. Whether you’re a new member, a long-time member with new staff, or a business who’s considering membership, we welcome you to attend our Chamber Orientation to learn how to get the most value from your membership investment.

Chamber President Kit Cramer will give an overview of the work the Chamber is doing every day to build our community, including how we support our thriving economy by growing jobs, advocating for a business-friendly environment and helping our members prosper. We’ll dive into member benefits and share ideas of how you can take advantage of the many opportunities available to you as a member. You’ll also have a chance to meet Chamber staff and learn how you can get more engaged.

Orientation is also a great chance to meet other Chamber members.

This event is free, but registration is requested in order to help us plan appropriately.

Thursday, July 18, 2024
Ribbon Cutting for Drip Sauna
Jul 18 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Drip Sauna

Drip is Asheville’s first and only wood fired sauna and cold plunge experience, overlooking the beautiful French Broad River. Enjoy a traditional sauna experience in the great outdoors with friends, for a truly unique experience that will leave you energized and inspired. They’re supporting events through mobile delivery and bringing the heat to nature near you.

Come check out their new location to take in the view while enjoying a sauna and cold plunge experience. They will offer a raffle for a free sauna experience as well as other fun items on site.

Friday, July 19, 2024
AI In Production Conference
Jul 19 all-day
The Collider

AI in Production is a two-day, single-track conference designed for product teams and software developers tasked with building AI products, offering guidance on best practices and starting points.

This community event brings together professionals to exchange ideas, learn about the latest AI practices and tools, and discuss their applications and limitations with industry leaders and peers in AI and software development.

Join us to learn, network, gain inspiration, and shape the future of AI in business and applications.

Saturday, July 20, 2024
Artists + Writers Coffee
Jul 20 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

Saturdays from 10:30 AM – 12 PM

TFAC Pavilion (park/enter at rear of building)
Free drop-in event
Tuesday, July 23, 2024
Veterans Writing Classes: Brothers and Sisters Like These
Jul 23 @ 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm
East Asheville Public Library

In 2014, a group of Vietnam combat veterans began meeting at the Charles George VA Hospital in Asheville to participate in a unique creative writing program. The focus was capturing their stories through essays and poetry to find the voices war had taken from them. The hope was to reclaim a sense of their shared humanity, build camaraderie and find some degree of healing.

To continue this work, the NC Veterans Writing Alliance Foundation will be offering free creative writing classes at the East Asheville Library in June and July. The goal is to provide healing through the art of creative writing to all veterans in our community.

Join other veterans for this series of classes on Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m. from June 11-July 30 at the East Asheville library. To sign up, please e-mail Ron Toler at [email protected].

Thursday, July 25, 2024
Ribbon Cutting for Coldwell Banker Advantage
Jul 25 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Coldwell Banker Advantage Western Region

Join us in celebrating the Grand Opening of Coldwell Banker Advantage with a ribbon cutting!

Saturday, July 27, 2024
Artists + Writers Coffee
Jul 27 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

Saturdays from 10:30 AM – 12 PM

TFAC Pavilion (park/enter at rear of building)
Free drop-in event
Tuesday, July 30, 2024
Veterans Writing Classes: Brothers and Sisters Like These
Jul 30 @ 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm
East Asheville Public Library

In 2014, a group of Vietnam combat veterans began meeting at the Charles George VA Hospital in Asheville to participate in a unique creative writing program. The focus was capturing their stories through essays and poetry to find the voices war had taken from them. The hope was to reclaim a sense of their shared humanity, build camaraderie and find some degree of healing.

To continue this work, the NC Veterans Writing Alliance Foundation will be offering free creative writing classes at the East Asheville Library in June and July. The goal is to provide healing through the art of creative writing to all veterans in our community.

Join other veterans for this series of classes on Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m. from June 11-July 30 at the East Asheville library. To sign up, please e-mail Ron Toler at [email protected].

MEGA Business After Hours
Jul 30 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Elk's Lodge
Join us for the MEGA Business After Hours presented by AdventHealth Hendersonville, Beverly-Hanks, and Horizon Heating & Air! All Chamber members, their employees, and families are invited to this old-fashioned cookout and pool party! Show your spirit with your best red, white, and blue outfits in celebration of this summer’s Olympics. We’ll have a variety of exciting activities for both kids and adults, including our second annual Business Suit Cannonball Contest. Awards will be given! If you would like to participate in the Business Suit Cannonball Contest, please let us know when you register. There will be divisions for both kids and adults. This is a kid-friendly event, so bring the whole family! **Vegetarian and gluten-free options will be available.**
PROpel AVL Connect
Jul 30 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Bears Smokehouse BBQ

Join us for an evening of networking, great food and drinks at Bears Smokehouse BBQ!

 

PROpel AVL provides outstanding professional leadership development opportunities through educational seminars, service opportunities and networking for Asheville professionals between the ages of 21 and 40.

Wednesday, July 31, 2024
Volunteer with PROpel AVL and United Way
Jul 31 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Harrah's Cherokee Center Asheville

United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County’s annual School Supply Drive is thrilled to give you the opportunity to help distribute backpacks to various local nonprofits for students who cannot afford school supplies. This year, PROpel AVL is teaming up with Highlands Circle, UWABC’s young professional group, to highlight how essential community service is for ensuring that everyone in Asheville and Buncombe County can thrive.

We have an important volunteer shift coming up on Wednesday, July 31st, from 3:00 to 5:00 PM. During this time, we’ll be loading backpacks into vehicles, breaking down and cleaning the space, and returning items to UWABC’s offices.

By joining us, you’ll play a crucial role in providing over 2,000 backpacks to students in our county, giving thousands of children the supplies they need to succeed in school. Your participation is vital to making this initiative a success.

Every single contribution counts, and your efforts truly matter. Together, we can make a significant impact on our community. Your support will help ensure that all students have the tools they need for a bright future. Please come out and join us—your involvement can make all the difference!

To read more about school supply drive go here! If this shift does not work for you, but you would like to participate please email Ella Pullman at [email protected].

Thursday, August 1, 2024
Woman UP Workshop
Aug 1 @ 8:00 am – 10:00 am
AB Tech

WomanUP welcomes keynote speaker, author and executive coach Val Grub for a workshop on working across generations. On August 1st, we’ll explore strategies to engage with people of all ages in the workplace and embrace the wisdom of age while valuing the contributions of youth.