Calendar of Events
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.
Are you interested in doing business with Buncombe County or learning about outreach opportunities for your business? If so, Buncombe County’s new vendor portal has upgraded features so vendors can now self-register with a variety of new options. The new portal will also make it easier for all vendors to access information to bid on contracts, get updates, manage contract information, view existing contracts, and more. Additionally, updated commodity codes will allow vendors to identify what goods and services they provide, allowing the County to better determine who to solicit and increase participation in the bidding process.
In an effort to continually increase the County’s commitment to equity, one of its 2025 Strategic Plan priorities, vendors can self-identify as a Woman/Minority Business Enterprise (WMBE) or Historically Under Utilized Business (HUB).
You can visit Buncombe County’s new and improved vendor portal here. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].
Saturdays from 10:30 AM – 12 PM
Come join us as members of the Kudzu Warriors share the knowledge they have gained from their many hours working to remove invasive plants near Tryon, NC. Participants can expect to learn about these plants, especially kudzu and its history, identification, and development, as well as various methods of invasive plant removal. There are many success stories, and native plants are returning to areas where the invasives have been removed.
Celebrate the release of “Where Monsters Prowl”. Meet the author, Fred von Kamecke, as he reads selections and talks about how the story came about – and get your own signed copy. If you like reading a gripping tale, one that you can’t put down, and one that captures your imagination, then this is the book for you! “Where Monsters Prowl” is a supernatural thriller, a page turner, a keep-the-lights-on read, and it delivers a solid, encouraging message. At its heart it is a story of redemption, but the path to it is long, dark, and terrifying.
At our March Gem Show, over 25 vendors will have everything from affordable treasures to the finest gems, minerals & jewelry in the Southeast! We are only a 15-minute drive from Asheville in Swannanoa, NC. Entering the show is always free and this is a fun family-friendly event. Food and drink are available daily.
The Mountain Area Gem & Mineral Association presents:
The M.A.G.M.A. Land of Sky Gem Show
March 15-17, 2024
Gem Show hours:
Friday, March 15: 9 am- 6 pm
Saturday, March 16: 9 am- 6 pm
Sunday, March 17: 10 am- 4 pm
We have something for everyone, from seasoned rockhounds to new collectors and jewelry lovers. Our vendors enjoy sharing their expert knowledge and you’re sure to learn new things and find some great gems, minerals, and fossils.
The M.A.G.M.A. Land of Sky Gem Show happens 4 times a year and this is an event that you can keep coming back to!
The March 2024 M.A.G.M.A. Land of the Sky Gem Show will be the 26th gem show presented by the Mountain Area Gem & Mineral Association. Jacquot and Son Mining and crystal potential are sponsors. For show info and vendor spaces, contact Richard Jacquot at 828-779-4501.
Standup Comedy celebrating St. Patty’s Day at Asheville Pizza & Brewing Company with Ryan Cox Featuring
Jason Webb,
Cheney Goodson & Sarah Love with a comedy open mic. Get dinner drinks and laughs. Tickets at https://www.ashevillebrewing.com/buy-tickets
Standup Comedy celebrating St. Patty’s Day at Asheville Pizza & Brewing Company with Ryan Cox Featuring
Jason Webb,
Cheney Goodson & Sarah Love with a comedy open mic. Get dinner drinks and laughs. Tickets at https://www.ashevillebrewing.com/buy-tickets
Contact Michele at [email protected] for more info
| with YMCA Begin Tuesday, March 19th |
| Join us for Chamber Challenge training designed for ALL fitness levels with YMCA Personal Trainer Suzanne Ion beginning next Tuesday, March 19th!
These free sessions will be held Tuesdays at 5:30 PM through April 23rd at the Asheville Chamber (36 Montford Avenue). The last session will be a preview run/walk of the actual Chamber Challenge 5k course beginning at the Chamber, winding through historic Montford and finishing in the parking lot once again. These training sessions are open to anyone – whether you’ve registered to participate in the event or not! We recommend you bring your own water bottle. The doors to the Visitor Center will be open 5:00 – 5:30 PM on training days so you can come in to get water and/or use the restroom! Meet in the parking lot in front of the building. Thank you to our Training Partner – the YMCA of Western North Carolina!
Our trainer for the second consecutive year is Suzanne Ion, a sixth generation native of Hawaii who grew up on the island of Maui and in the north Georgia mountains. Whether this is your first 5k or your 500th, you’ll be in good hands with Suzanne. No stranger to health challenges, she lost over 70 lbs. after a debilitating illness with a commitment to interval cross training and a determination to teach again. Her motto is “Someday I will not be able to do this. Today is not that day.” She was the only girl on an all-boys soccer team, ran track in high school, and was a basketball cheerleader and member of the drill team/dance corps in high school and college. Suzanne has Three Star Elite Instructor status for spinning and has continued her fitness education with group exercise certifications through AFFA, ACE, TRX, Silver Sneakers, Mat Pilates, and Tabata Boot Camp. An active participant in 5k’s, 10k’s, half and full marathons, she achieved a Top 20 overall women’s finish at the Lake Tahoe marathon. Whether it’s scuba diving, kayaking, sup, hiking, or glacier climbs, Suzanne is always ready for a challenge. |
Great news for poets and poetry lovers: Dark City Poet’s Society is returning to the Black Mountain Library. DCPS is a completely free poetry group that is open to poets of all ages and experience levels. Join us at the Black Mountain Library from 6-7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month for our (respectful) critique group. DCPS will meet at BAD Craft from 6-7 p.m. on the third Tuesday for our monthly open mic Poetry Night. Find out more on Instagram @darkcitypoetssociety or contact the Black Mountain Library.
Ribbon Cutting: United Way’s Born Learning Trail
Natalie Baszile’s debut novel, “Queen Sugar,” is a mother-daughter story of reinvention — about an African American woman who unexpectedly inherits a sugarcane farm in Louisiana. “Queen Sugar” was adapted into a critically acclaimed television series directed by Ava Duvernay. Baszile’s most recent book, “We Are Each Other’s Harvest,” is an exploration and celebration of black farming in America.
On March 20 at 7 p.m. in the Blue Ridge Room of UNC Asheville’s Highsmith Union, Natalie Baszile will present readings from her recent work. The event is free and open to the public.
Baszile’s debut novel, “Queen Sugar,” is a mother-daughter story of reinvention — about an African American woman who unexpectedly inherits a sugarcane farm in Louisiana. “Queen Sugar” was adapted into a critically acclaimed television series directed by Ava Duvernay. Baszile’s most recent book, “We Are Each Other’s Harvest,” is an exploration and celebration of black farming in America.
Free
On March 20 at 7 p.m. in the Blue Ridge Room of UNC Asheville’s Highsmith Union, Natalie Baszile will present readings from her recent work. The event is free and open to the public.
Baszile’s debut novel, “Queen Sugar,” is a mother-daughter story of reinvention — about an African American woman who unexpectedly inherits a sugarcane farm in Louisiana. “Queen Sugar” was adapted into a critically acclaimed television series directed by Ava Duvernay. Baszile’s most recent book, “We Are Each Other’s Harvest,” is an exploration and celebration of black farming in America.
Accessibility
UNC Asheville is committed to providing universal access to all of our events. If you have any questions about access or to request reasonable accommodations that will facilitate your full participation in this event, please contact the Event Organizer (see below). Advance notice is necessary to arrange for accessibility needs.
Visitor Parking
Visitors may park in faculty/staff and All Permit lots from 5:00 p.m. until 7:30 a.m., Monday through Friday, and on weekends, holidays, and campus breaks. Visitors are not permitted to park in resident student lots at any time.
Prior to 5pm, any visitor (regardless of their reason for visit) need to adhere to the current practices listed on the parking website. Get your visitor parking permit here
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This workshop is designed for professionals who are seeking ways to optimize their productivity and efficiency using the power of AI tools. In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn how to leverage various AI-powered tools to streamline their workflows, automate tedious tasks, and make informed decisions. Through a series of interactive exercises, participants will explore the latest AI tools and techniques for productivity, including intelligent automation, natural language processing, machine learning, and more. They will also learn how to integrate these tools into their existing workflows and optimize them for maximum efficiency. By the end of this workshop, participants will have a deeper understanding of AI tools and techniques for productivity and efficiency, as well as practical experience in implementing these tools in their own work environments. They will leave with actionable insights and strategies that they could immediately apply to improve their workflows and increase their productivity.
Speaker(s): Michael Barbera
Co-Sponsor(s): The Western Women’s Business Center Clicksuasion Labs
Fee: No Cost
The Asheville Files–A Comedy show all about Asheville NC
Brought to you by Slice of Life Comedy
March 22, 2024 at pleb urban winery 289 Lyman Street in the heart of the River District
Hosts: Marlene Thompson & Petey Smith-McDowell
A comedy show about Asheville North Carolina and all the conspiracies that lie within the city.
Features:
James Harrod
Cary Goff
Blaine Perry
Located at 289 Lyman Street, Asheville, NC 28801, plēb urban winery offers the perfect setting for an evening of comedy and wine pairings in the heart of the River Art District. Food options will be available!
Uncork the laughs as Petey Smith McDowell & Marlene Thompson dive into a comedic conspiracy at the plēb urban winery featuring standup comedians Cary Goff, James Harrod and Blaine Perry
Embark on a laughter-filled journey in the heart of the mysterious Blue Ridge Mountains, where unexplained occurrences meet the tumultuous rhythm of Asheville, uncover a city that comedically defies ordinary or sanity.
The truth is out there: DO NOT MISS THIS SHOW
Promo code: AVLCOMEDYFILES $3 off
The Asheville Files–A Comedy show all about Asheville NC
Brought to you by Slice of Life Comedy
March 22, 2024 at pleb urban winery 289 Lyman Street in the heart of the River District
Hosts: Marlene Thompson & Petey Smith-McDowell
A comedy show about Asheville North Carolina and all the conspiracies that lie within the city.
Features:
James Harrod
Cary Goff
Blaine Perry
Located at 289 Lyman Street, Asheville, NC 28801, plēb urban winery offers the perfect setting for an evening of comedy and wine pairings in the heart of the River Art District. Food options will be available!
Uncork the laughs as Petey Smith McDowell & Marlene Thompson dive into a comedic conspiracy at the plēb urban winery featuring standup comedians Cary Goff, James Harrod and Blaine Perry
Embark on a laughter-filled journey in the heart of the mysterious Blue Ridge Mountains, where unexplained occurrences meet the tumultuous rhythm of Asheville, uncover a city that comedically defies ordinary or sanity.
The truth is out there: DO NOT MISS THIS SHOW
Promo code: AVLCOMEDYFILES $3 off
Saturdays from 10:30 AM – 12 PM
Do you need a summer job, internship, or first job out of high school and don’t know where to start? Or maybe you’re nervous about applying for an opportunity or preparing for your first interview? Pack Library will be having a free Teen Job Skills Fair on March 23 to help you get ready to work this summer.
Teens are encouraged to attend any or all of these job skills training workshops led by career development specialists:
- Noon: Dream the Job – Career assessment and job search skills training with Jordan Meeks, Faith Bischoff, and Kristin Kress of NC Works Next Gen.
- 1 p.m.: Apply for the Job – Teen resume and cover letter writing tips and tricks with Caroline Long, Buncombe County Recruiting Manager.
- 2 p.m.: Land the Job – Teen job interviewing skills and mock interview practice with Jimmy Knight, Director of the Cothran Center for Career Readiness at Mars Hill University.
Call the Library at 828-250-4720 to sign up for a 20-minute one-on-one consultation with a career development professional during the Fair.
Teen Job Skills Fair
| with YMCA Begin Tuesday, March 19th |
| Join us for Chamber Challenge training designed for ALL fitness levels with YMCA Personal Trainer Suzanne Ion beginning next Tuesday, March 19th!
These free sessions will be held Tuesdays at 5:30 PM through April 23rd at the Asheville Chamber (36 Montford Avenue). The last session will be a preview run/walk of the actual Chamber Challenge 5k course beginning at the Chamber, winding through historic Montford and finishing in the parking lot once again. These training sessions are open to anyone – whether you’ve registered to participate in the event or not! We recommend you bring your own water bottle. The doors to the Visitor Center will be open 5:00 – 5:30 PM on training days so you can come in to get water and/or use the restroom! Meet in the parking lot in front of the building. Thank you to our Training Partner – the YMCA of Western North Carolina!
Our trainer for the second consecutive year is Suzanne Ion, a sixth generation native of Hawaii who grew up on the island of Maui and in the north Georgia mountains. Whether this is your first 5k or your 500th, you’ll be in good hands with Suzanne. No stranger to health challenges, she lost over 70 lbs. after a debilitating illness with a commitment to interval cross training and a determination to teach again. Her motto is “Someday I will not be able to do this. Today is not that day.” She was the only girl on an all-boys soccer team, ran track in high school, and was a basketball cheerleader and member of the drill team/dance corps in high school and college. Suzanne has Three Star Elite Instructor status for spinning and has continued her fitness education with group exercise certifications through AFFA, ACE, TRX, Silver Sneakers, Mat Pilates, and Tabata Boot Camp. An active participant in 5k’s, 10k’s, half and full marathons, she achieved a Top 20 overall women’s finish at the Lake Tahoe marathon. Whether it’s scuba diving, kayaking, sup, hiking, or glacier climbs, Suzanne is always ready for a challenge. |
Great news for poets and poetry lovers: Dark City Poet’s Society is returning to the Black Mountain Library. DCPS is a completely free poetry group that is open to poets of all ages and experience levels. Join us at the Black Mountain Library from 6-7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month for our (respectful) critique group. DCPS will meet at BAD Craft from 6-7 p.m. on the third Tuesday for our monthly open mic Poetry Night. Find out more on Instagram @darkcitypoetssociety or contact the Black Mountain Library.
| WomanUP Workshop: Seeking Work-Life Harmony |
| Embrace the transformative power of harmonizing your professional and personal life at our WomanUP Workshop on Thursday, March 28 from 8 to 10:30 AM at A-B Tech.
Our speaker, Meredith Ellison, co-founder of Quility, as she shares insights on moving beyond the traditional concept of work-life balance towards a more integrated and fulfilling approach – work-life harmony. The traditional idea of work-life balance often imposes a rigid separation, but Meredith will guide us toward a more fluid, integrated approach. Discover how aligning your professional and personal pursuits can lead to a richer, more satisfying life.  About Meredith: Meredith Ellison, a key figure in the founding of Symmetry Financial Group and Quility, now leads in organizational well-being. Quility, an innovator in the insurance industry, empowers agents with cutting-edge tools and digital products. Meredith’s leadership, including initiatives like Ripple Model™, supports the success and personal development of both agents and employees. Join us for a morning of insight, connection, and empowerment! |
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Saturdays from 10:30 AM – 12 PM
Led by a certified Inward & Artward Creative Facilitator, Tikva Kingrea (RYT-200 ), this workshop will explore how spring is showing up in our lives—specifically deliberating on *delight.* Think ripe strawberries. Purple phlox spreading across a moss-rich garden wall. Your favorite sneakers, worn in and warm, piled by the front door, waiting for a neighborhood stroll. The spring season offers each of us a chance to step into our artistic practice with verve, sweetness, and a shaking off of winter hibernation. This workshop is designed to do just that.
We will deep-dive into understanding various poetic techniques, personal themes and voice, as well as have guided group and individual support. This is a “YES, I’LL TAKE TEN BOUQUETS OF TULIPS TO GO WITH MY WRITING” class. We will move gently while playing with creative ways to buoy confidence and craft.
This is a beginner friendly class for writers and yogis alike. Students taking the yoga portion are asked to bring their own mats and props.
| with YMCA Begin Tuesday, March 19th |
| Join us for Chamber Challenge training designed for ALL fitness levels with YMCA Personal Trainer Suzanne Ion beginning next Tuesday, March 19th!
These free sessions will be held Tuesdays at 5:30 PM through April 23rd at the Asheville Chamber (36 Montford Avenue). The last session will be a preview run/walk of the actual Chamber Challenge 5k course beginning at the Chamber, winding through historic Montford and finishing in the parking lot once again. These training sessions are open to anyone – whether you’ve registered to participate in the event or not! We recommend you bring your own water bottle. The doors to the Visitor Center will be open 5:00 – 5:30 PM on training days so you can come in to get water and/or use the restroom! Meet in the parking lot in front of the building. Thank you to our Training Partner – the YMCA of Western North Carolina!
Our trainer for the second consecutive year is Suzanne Ion, a sixth generation native of Hawaii who grew up on the island of Maui and in the north Georgia mountains. Whether this is your first 5k or your 500th, you’ll be in good hands with Suzanne. No stranger to health challenges, she lost over 70 lbs. after a debilitating illness with a commitment to interval cross training and a determination to teach again. Her motto is “Someday I will not be able to do this. Today is not that day.” She was the only girl on an all-boys soccer team, ran track in high school, and was a basketball cheerleader and member of the drill team/dance corps in high school and college. Suzanne has Three Star Elite Instructor status for spinning and has continued her fitness education with group exercise certifications through AFFA, ACE, TRX, Silver Sneakers, Mat Pilates, and Tabata Boot Camp. An active participant in 5k’s, 10k’s, half and full marathons, she achieved a Top 20 overall women’s finish at the Lake Tahoe marathon. Whether it’s scuba diving, kayaking, sup, hiking, or glacier climbs, Suzanne is always ready for a challenge. |
Join us for a discussion on workforce initiatives. We’ll share from our work with community partners around reducing barriers to employment and connecting individuals to opportunities.
Registration is required so we may plan accordingly.
This event is offered as a benefit for Chamber membership. We also believe these are important topics for everyone, so we are opening this event to non-members for $15. 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.
The Reconnect for Resilience™ (Reconnect) curriculum teaches people about the biological effects of stress and offers a set of easy-to-use tools for staying healthy and resilient during tough times. In this 14-hour trauma-informed and resiliency-focused training, participants first learn what happens when we experience adversity and then practice tools to better manage stress, strengthen relationships, and build resilience in themselves and others.
Reconnect is designed to promote a culture of resilience in homes, schools, and organizations. It is available to all community members, as well as to helping professionals and the people they serve. Founded as a public health model, our goal is to help entire communities develop a common language around the science of stress and resilience and to provide practical tools that anyone can use to feel better and to thrive. Please Register by visiting: bit.ly/RFRAPRIL24 or emailing [email protected]
CEU’s are available through MAHEC
Join us as we celebrate the renovation and re-opening of the Safelight Resale Store!
Safelight has been planning and under renovation of our Resale Store’s located at 133 5th Avenue West in Hendersonville, NC, these past few months, and you are invited to our grand unveiling! The Safelight Resale Store was the first of its kind opening in 1990 originally as a children’s boutique where the new courthouse now sits up the road.
Our Resale store is an integral part of Safelight’s job training program, outreach, community engagement, and agency funding support. It is essential to survivors’ recovery offering a safe paid job training experience, financial support, and a sense of belonging in our community. The store also offers a safe place for us to give our survivors vouchers to shop safely and anonymously for their families, at no cost to them. The store is a vital link to our community outreach, providing a space where our programs and services can be accessed in a safe, supportive environment. All profits from the store are used to support Safelight’s programs.