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.

Saturday, May 25, 2024
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Free Books for Children ages 0-5
May 25 all-day
online w/ Literacy Together

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library impacts the pre­-literacy skills and school readiness of children under the age of 5 in Buncombe County. The program mails a new, free, age-appropriate book to registered children each month until they turn five years old. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library creates a home library of up to 60 books and instills a love of books and reading from an early age. If you have any questions about the program, please send an email to [email protected].

A national panel of educators selects the Imagination Library titles, which include: The Little Engine that Could, Last Stop on Market Street, Violet the Pilot, As an Oak Tree Grows, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, Llama Llama Red Pajama, Look Out Kindergarten, here I come, and many more (take a look at all the titles).

Register your child now!

Program Launch and Expansions

Literacy Together became a Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library affiliate in November 2015 with support from the Buncombe Partnership for Children. Through this program, registered children in Buncombe County receive a free book in the mail each month. Their parents also have the opportunity to attend workshops to learn how to build their children’s early literacy skills. Parents in need of literacy assistance are encouraged to receive tutoring through Literacy Together’s adult programming.

The program served 200 children during the 2015/16 fiscal year. The program expanded to serve 400 children in July 2016, and 600 in August 2017. In July 2018, capacity increased to 1,900 thanks to a special allocation in the North Carolina state budget. We’re now serving 4,600 kids in Buncombe County.  

Artists + Writers Coffee
May 25 @ 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
Sunday, May 26, 2024
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Free Books for Children ages 0-5
May 26 all-day
online w/ Literacy Together

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library impacts the pre­-literacy skills and school readiness of children under the age of 5 in Buncombe County. The program mails a new, free, age-appropriate book to registered children each month until they turn five years old. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library creates a home library of up to 60 books and instills a love of books and reading from an early age. If you have any questions about the program, please send an email to [email protected].

A national panel of educators selects the Imagination Library titles, which include: The Little Engine that Could, Last Stop on Market Street, Violet the Pilot, As an Oak Tree Grows, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, Llama Llama Red Pajama, Look Out Kindergarten, here I come, and many more (take a look at all the titles).

Register your child now!

Program Launch and Expansions

Literacy Together became a Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library affiliate in November 2015 with support from the Buncombe Partnership for Children. Through this program, registered children in Buncombe County receive a free book in the mail each month. Their parents also have the opportunity to attend workshops to learn how to build their children’s early literacy skills. Parents in need of literacy assistance are encouraged to receive tutoring through Literacy Together’s adult programming.

The program served 200 children during the 2015/16 fiscal year. The program expanded to serve 400 children in July 2016, and 600 in August 2017. In July 2018, capacity increased to 1,900 thanks to a special allocation in the North Carolina state budget. We’re now serving 4,600 kids in Buncombe County.  

Wednesday, May 29, 2024
Ribbon Cutting: Benton Roofing
May 29 @ 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Benton Roofing

Join us as we celebrate Benton Roofing’s new office relocation!

They are celebrating Benton Roofing’s new office relocation. They have moved into their brand new office located at 814 Tracy Grove Rd Flat Rock NC 28731.

They will still be calling Henderson County home. Their office includes a 2 story office space, metal fabrication shop and warehouse storage facilities. The new modernized office allows for more space to accommodate their growing team and improved delivery logistics for commercial roofing suppliers and vendors.
They are excited about their new space and look forward to new opportunities that lie ahead to continue serving their commercial roofing customers and community in Western North Carolina and beyond.

Thursday, May 30, 2024
On-the-Spot Job Interviews with MAU at Kimberly-Clark
May 30 all-day
MAU Workforce Solutions Branch

We’re hiring for one of our highest-paying jobs! Call or visit us to expedite your hiring process.
📲 (828) 558-2800
This position with a top employer offers a competitive pay rate of up to $19.50 per hour and an extensive benefits package including paid vacation and holidays, major medical insurance, 401k, and more to help set you up for financial and career success! If you’d like to expedite your hiring process, you may visit the MAU Hendersonville branch, located at 📍 2560 Asheville Hwy Suite 20, Hendersonville, NC 28791, during walk-in interview hours from
⏰ 9 AM – 11 AM or 2 PM – 4 PM, where you will be able to interview on the spot.

Friday, May 31, 2024
Webinar: Building Professional Confidence
May 31 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
online

In partnership with Salisbury Rowan Community Action Agency.

Join us to discuss tips on how to build your confidence in the workplace.

Saturday, June 1, 2024
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Free Books for Children ages 0-5
Jun 1 all-day
online w/ Literacy Together

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library impacts the pre­-literacy skills and school readiness of children under the age of 5 in Buncombe County. The program mails a new, free, age-appropriate book to registered children each month until they turn five years old. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library creates a home library of up to 60 books and instills a love of books and reading from an early age. If you have any questions about the program, please send an email to [email protected].

A national panel of educators selects the Imagination Library titles, which include: The Little Engine that Could, Last Stop on Market Street, Violet the Pilot, As an Oak Tree Grows, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, Llama Llama Red Pajama, Look Out Kindergarten, here I come, and many more (take a look at all the titles).

Register your child now!

Program Launch and Expansions

Literacy Together became a Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library affiliate in November 2015 with support from the Buncombe Partnership for Children. Through this program, registered children in Buncombe County receive a free book in the mail each month. Their parents also have the opportunity to attend workshops to learn how to build their children’s early literacy skills. Parents in need of literacy assistance are encouraged to receive tutoring through Literacy Together’s adult programming.

The program served 200 children during the 2015/16 fiscal year. The program expanded to serve 400 children in July 2016, and 600 in August 2017. In July 2018, capacity increased to 1,900 thanks to a special allocation in the North Carolina state budget. We’re now serving 4,600 kids in Buncombe County.  

Land Trust Day/National Trails Day
Jun 1 all-day
online

On Land Trust Day – this year Saturday, June 1 – local businesses pledge to donate a portion of sales to support Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy’s ongoing land and water conservation efforts.

Land Trust Day coincides with National Trails Day and is celebrated each year on the first Saturday of June to recognize the accomplishments of land trusts in our region. Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy works with partners in the U.S. Forest Service and national park system to protect land for public enjoyment along the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail, the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, trails accessible off the Blue Ridge Parkway, and many more. We preserve large viewsheds enjoyed by visitors to public lands and trails in the mountains of NC and TN, as well as local farms that support the farm-to-table sector of our regional economy. Land Trust Day is an opportunity for local businesses to recognize the impact of land trusts like SAHC on our state and local economies, and to ‘give back’ by supporting ongoing conservation of natural resources – a major economic engine for WNC and East TN.

Each business that participates in Land Trust Day pledges to donate a percentage of sales from this day, or a lump sum donation, in support and recognition of Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy’s efforts.

“Each year as we approach Land Trust Day, it is our hope that by working together we can help people understand that we must preserve our environment – its beauty, its water, its open spaces, its inhabitants. It is what gives us life, both literally and figuratively,” says Lisa Cooper at Mast General Store.

 

Please mark your calendars and plan to shop and dine to support conservation! Thank you to our 2024 Land Trust Day Sponsors:

Highland Brewing logo

Artists + Writers Coffee
Jun 1 @ 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
New Story Time Series: MENtors Reading Program
Jun 1 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Enka-Candler Library

Did you know that data shows having active male role models in the life of children can breakdown stereotypical gender biases and lead to higher gender equality and empowerment? With that in mind, Buncombe County public libraries is excited to introduce our new Saturday morning story time series, Reading MENtors. This reading initiative encourages men from our local community to celebrate that men love to read. “According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, less than 3% of early childhood educators, including preschool teachers and librarians, are men,” says Enka-Candler Library Branch Manager Erin Parcels. “That means that we have entire generations of children who grew up without a clear idea of what positive male educators are. To see strong literacy practices in children, adults need to model such behavior, which is why we are inviting men with different professions from the local community to share good reading habits to children.”

To help bolster the number of male reading role models, the Enka-Candler Library is inviting men with different professions from all over Buncombe County to share their joy of reading with young patrons. Data shows that having active male role models in children’s lives can break down stereotypical gender biases and lead to higher gender equality and empowerment. Additionally, teaching and modeling reading at an early age vitally important for brain development. “In the first few years of life, more than one million new neural connections are formed every second. Ninety percent of the brain develops by the age of five,” exclaims Librarian Kate Sprate, “Reading plays a pivotal role in setting children up for future social, emotional, and educational success because literacy helps build language, phonological awareness, and comprehension skills.”

This program is open to children of all ages and gender identities. We believe that positive literacy role models are for everyone! Story time will be every other Saturday beginning May 4 at 10:30 a.m., please join us for a story time followed by fun activities! See below for more MENtor story times.

Interested in being a MENtor?
If you know of someone in our community who would be a great Reading MENtor, let us know! Volunteers will read a book and be accompanied by Youth Services Librarian Kate Spratt, who will host a follow-up activity in line with the theme of the story or the person’s career. We love to collaborate, so ideas from volunteers and full participation are welcome. We are looking for volunteers who enjoy reading and sharing the love of reading, are patient, positive, and joyful. To submit a reading MENtor nomination, email [email protected].

Upcoming MENtor story time and acitivity schedule – all story times are at 10:30 a.m.

May 4: Read & Play!

  • Jason Hyatt, Director of Buncombe County Public Libraries
  • Play-Doh Club preview
  • Free book prize

May 18: Music & Movement

  • Mike Martinez, LEAF Global Arts #SparktheArtsNC Artist-in-residence, Announcer at Blue Ridge Public Radio, Artist Mentor for StoryCraft
  • Musical instrument petting zoo, Build your own instrument, songwriting station

June 1: GOAL!

  • Gregg Munn, Director and Head Coach of Mars Hill University Men’s Soccer Team & players
  • Soccer obstacle course/warm-up stations

June 15: TBD

June 29: TBD

July 20: Building communities

  • David McNair, Rector at St. James Episcopal Church
  • LEGO free-build and giant foam block building

Aug. 3: Fun and games

  • Mac Stanley and Matt Dixon, Buncombe County Parks & Recreation
  • Giant yard game stations and crafts

Aug. 17: Pizza party

  • Jack Kirakossian, personal chef and food educator
  • Create your own min pizza

 


Sunday, June 2, 2024
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Free Books for Children ages 0-5
Jun 2 all-day
online w/ Literacy Together

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library impacts the pre­-literacy skills and school readiness of children under the age of 5 in Buncombe County. The program mails a new, free, age-appropriate book to registered children each month until they turn five years old. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library creates a home library of up to 60 books and instills a love of books and reading from an early age. If you have any questions about the program, please send an email to [email protected].

A national panel of educators selects the Imagination Library titles, which include: The Little Engine that Could, Last Stop on Market Street, Violet the Pilot, As an Oak Tree Grows, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, Llama Llama Red Pajama, Look Out Kindergarten, here I come, and many more (take a look at all the titles).

Register your child now!

Program Launch and Expansions

Literacy Together became a Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library affiliate in November 2015 with support from the Buncombe Partnership for Children. Through this program, registered children in Buncombe County receive a free book in the mail each month. Their parents also have the opportunity to attend workshops to learn how to build their children’s early literacy skills. Parents in need of literacy assistance are encouraged to receive tutoring through Literacy Together’s adult programming.

The program served 200 children during the 2015/16 fiscal year. The program expanded to serve 400 children in July 2016, and 600 in August 2017. In July 2018, capacity increased to 1,900 thanks to a special allocation in the North Carolina state budget. We’re now serving 4,600 kids in Buncombe County.  

Monday, June 3, 2024
WNC Minority-Owned Businesses + Nonprofits: Community Voting Is Open for Kudzu’s $10K Brand Giveaway
Jun 3 all-day
online

Kudzu Brands is excited to announce the finalists for our 2024 $10K Brand Giveaway. They include Appalachian Wildlife RefugeKatherine Alexander Fine JewelrySilver Moon Custom Art & PhotographyStecoah Valley Cultural Arts CenterWestern Carolina Medical Society, and WNC GEMS. Asheville’s top branding agency for growing businesses encourages community members to vote once daily for their favorite minority-owned business or non-profit organization from now until 11:59 pm on Friday, June 14.

 

Finalists must use their social media platforms to garner votes from the public. The WNC minority-owned business or non-profit organization with the most votes by June 14th will win a full branding package, including brand story development, logo design, and marketing collateral creation. 

The contest timeline, rules, details, and updates are on Kudzu’s websiteInstagramFacebook, and LinkedIn. The link to vote can be found on the agency’s website and all social platforms.

Kudzu Brands has extensive experience helping businesses and non-profit organizations grow into memorable, profitable, and sustainable brands. Our full suite of brand and marketing services uses a proven and effective process that makes supporting you easy and impactful.

Letters to the Editor + Opinion Editorials Creative Workshop
Jun 3 @ 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, June 4, 2024
WNC Minority-Owned Businesses + Nonprofits: Community Voting Is Open for Kudzu’s $10K Brand Giveaway
Jun 4 all-day
online

Kudzu Brands is excited to announce the finalists for our 2024 $10K Brand Giveaway. They include Appalachian Wildlife RefugeKatherine Alexander Fine JewelrySilver Moon Custom Art & PhotographyStecoah Valley Cultural Arts CenterWestern Carolina Medical Society, and WNC GEMS. Asheville’s top branding agency for growing businesses encourages community members to vote once daily for their favorite minority-owned business or non-profit organization from now until 11:59 pm on Friday, June 14.

 

Finalists must use their social media platforms to garner votes from the public. The WNC minority-owned business or non-profit organization with the most votes by June 14th will win a full branding package, including brand story development, logo design, and marketing collateral creation. 

The contest timeline, rules, details, and updates are on Kudzu’s websiteInstagramFacebook, and LinkedIn. The link to vote can be found on the agency’s website and all social platforms.

Kudzu Brands has extensive experience helping businesses and non-profit organizations grow into memorable, profitable, and sustainable brands. Our full suite of brand and marketing services uses a proven and effective process that makes supporting you easy and impactful.

Lunch + Learn: Health Insurance Options
Jun 4 @ 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Explore Asheville/AIR Offices
Dark City Poets Society Workshop Circle
Jun 4 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Black Mountain Library

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.

FREE. Meets in the garden weather permitting.

Wednesday, June 5, 2024
WNC Minority-Owned Businesses + Nonprofits: Community Voting Is Open for Kudzu’s $10K Brand Giveaway
Jun 5 all-day
online

Kudzu Brands is excited to announce the finalists for our 2024 $10K Brand Giveaway. They include Appalachian Wildlife RefugeKatherine Alexander Fine JewelrySilver Moon Custom Art & PhotographyStecoah Valley Cultural Arts CenterWestern Carolina Medical Society, and WNC GEMS. Asheville’s top branding agency for growing businesses encourages community members to vote once daily for their favorite minority-owned business or non-profit organization from now until 11:59 pm on Friday, June 14.

 

Finalists must use their social media platforms to garner votes from the public. The WNC minority-owned business or non-profit organization with the most votes by June 14th will win a full branding package, including brand story development, logo design, and marketing collateral creation. 

The contest timeline, rules, details, and updates are on Kudzu’s websiteInstagramFacebook, and LinkedIn. The link to vote can be found on the agency’s website and all social platforms.

Kudzu Brands has extensive experience helping businesses and non-profit organizations grow into memorable, profitable, and sustainable brands. Our full suite of brand and marketing services uses a proven and effective process that makes supporting you easy and impactful.

Chamber Golf Classic
Jun 5 @ 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Hendersonville Country Club
Come out for a round of golf with the Chamber!
Each year, our annual Golf Classic raises funds for our Chamber of Commerce Foundation and its workforce development efforts. Programs under the Foundation include, Teacher of the Year Reception, Junior Leaders Program, Apprenticeships programs and more!
Please reach out to Amy at [email protected] to register for a team, to sponsor a hole, or both! All registration forms are below.
All registrations are due no later than May 29th!

Smart Series: Visual Storytelling with Photos and Videos
Jun 5 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, Boardroom

Ever wanted to make fun, entertaining, and informative videos for your business, but didn’t have the budget to hire a video production crew? Learn how to create professional business videos using just your cell phone! This course covers essential video production skills tailored for business, including camera techniques, lighting, sound, and editing on mobile devices. Explore different types of business videos and discover strategies for effective video marketing and distribution. By the end of the course, you’ll be equipped to create compelling videos that enhance your brand presence and engage with your target audience. Elevate your business with the power of mobile video production!

Our speaker for this event is Andre Daugherty. Andre is the owner and lead videographer for Pro 16 Productions, a digital media creation company based in Asheville. Since 2011 he has created and produced video for many businesses, both small and large, with the unified goal of telling their unique stories to their clients.

Andre is a graduate of East Carolina University with a B.S in Communications and two-time graduate of AB Tech for digital media and general studies. He is also a landscape photographer with years of experience exploring and capturing the beautiful mountains of WNC and the surrounding areas.

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.

Thursday, June 6, 2024
WNC Minority-Owned Businesses + Nonprofits: Community Voting Is Open for Kudzu’s $10K Brand Giveaway
Jun 6 all-day
online

Kudzu Brands is excited to announce the finalists for our 2024 $10K Brand Giveaway. They include Appalachian Wildlife RefugeKatherine Alexander Fine JewelrySilver Moon Custom Art & PhotographyStecoah Valley Cultural Arts CenterWestern Carolina Medical Society, and WNC GEMS. Asheville’s top branding agency for growing businesses encourages community members to vote once daily for their favorite minority-owned business or non-profit organization from now until 11:59 pm on Friday, June 14.

 

Finalists must use their social media platforms to garner votes from the public. The WNC minority-owned business or non-profit organization with the most votes by June 14th will win a full branding package, including brand story development, logo design, and marketing collateral creation. 

The contest timeline, rules, details, and updates are on Kudzu’s websiteInstagramFacebook, and LinkedIn. The link to vote can be found on the agency’s website and all social platforms.

Kudzu Brands has extensive experience helping businesses and non-profit organizations grow into memorable, profitable, and sustainable brands. Our full suite of brand and marketing services uses a proven and effective process that makes supporting you easy and impactful.

Summer Reading Program: Books + Free Ice Cream
Jun 6 @ 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Hop Ice Cream 

Buncombe County Public Library is thrilled to announce The Hop Ice Cream as a proud supporting partner of this year’s Summer Reading Program to encourage youth literacy in our community. The Hop will provide free ice cream at the Summer Library Fest on Saturday, June 8 from 10 a.m.-noon at East Asheville Library. For added fun, The Hop owner Greg Garrison will collaborate with Secret Agent 23 Skidoo to provide a special dance performance to families in attendance.

Any kid or teen who visits a Buncombe County library to pick up their summer reading activity sheet will also receive a 10 percent off coupon redeemable at any Hop location or at Pop Bubble Tea. Return your completed activity sheet to any branch and receive a bookmark for a free kiddie scoop of ice cream at any Hop location. You must complete 10 or more activities on your sheet to be eligible for ice cream – and you can also select a free book of your choice!

Summer Reading runs from June 1 to  August 31 and is open to anyone from birth to age 18.  If you have any questions, just contact your friendly neighborhood library.

The Hop Ice Cream  OUR LOCATIONS


North Asheville

640 Merrimon Ave
Asheville, NC 28804

828.254.2224

More Info »


West Asheville

721 Haywood Rd
Asheville, NC 28806

828.252.5155

More Info »


Downtown Asheville

56 Patton Ave
Asheville, NC 28801

Inside the S&W Building

More Info »


Black Mountain

114 Cherry Street
Black Mountain, NC 28711

828.357.5461

More Info »


The Creamery

167 Haywood Road
Asheville, NC 28806

828.774.5058

More Info »

Pop Bubble Tea

640 Merrimon Ave
Asheville, NC 28804

More Info »

Ribbon Cutting & Mural Unveiling: Interfaith Assistance Ministry
Jun 6 @ 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Interfaith Assistance Ministry

Interfaith Assistance Ministry

Thursday, June 6th

3:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Ribbon Cutting & Mural Unveiling: Interfaith Assistance Ministry

David LaMotte in conversation w/ Bruce Reyes-Chow
Jun 6 @ 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Citizen Vinyl

Malaprop’s Bookstore / Café presents: David LaMotte in conversation with Bruce Reyes-Chow + book signings on Thursday, June 6. Doors at 6:30 p.m. and event at 7:30 p.m. Free; RSVP required.

Bruce Reyes-Chow is a sought-after speaker and writer on faith, culture, politics, race, technology, and pop-culture. He is an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA), has led churches in the San Francisco Bay Area for nearly three decades, and is a former moderator of the PC(USA). Reyes-Chow hosts the podcast BRC & Friends and has authored five books, most recently Everything Good about God is True: Choosing Faith. A senior consultant and coach with Convergence, Reyes-Chow and his spouse have three adult children and live in San Jose, California.

Friday, June 7, 2024
WNC Minority-Owned Businesses + Nonprofits: Community Voting Is Open for Kudzu’s $10K Brand Giveaway
Jun 7 all-day
online

Kudzu Brands is excited to announce the finalists for our 2024 $10K Brand Giveaway. They include Appalachian Wildlife RefugeKatherine Alexander Fine JewelrySilver Moon Custom Art & PhotographyStecoah Valley Cultural Arts CenterWestern Carolina Medical Society, and WNC GEMS. Asheville’s top branding agency for growing businesses encourages community members to vote once daily for their favorite minority-owned business or non-profit organization from now until 11:59 pm on Friday, June 14.

 

Finalists must use their social media platforms to garner votes from the public. The WNC minority-owned business or non-profit organization with the most votes by June 14th will win a full branding package, including brand story development, logo design, and marketing collateral creation. 

The contest timeline, rules, details, and updates are on Kudzu’s websiteInstagramFacebook, and LinkedIn. The link to vote can be found on the agency’s website and all social platforms.

Kudzu Brands has extensive experience helping businesses and non-profit organizations grow into memorable, profitable, and sustainable brands. Our full suite of brand and marketing services uses a proven and effective process that makes supporting you easy and impactful.

Young Professionals Community Tour
Jun 7 @ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
City Hall
Join our Young Professionals group, for fun industry tours each quarter. These tours are created to gain insights into diverse businesses and organizations from our community. a chance to see their impact on our county, and offer the chance to expand your network with other YP’s as well as some seasoned Pros. This is more than a tour – it’s an opportunity to connect, learn and fuel your professional journey.

During our 2nd quarter of 2024, connect with local officials from our city and county as we discuss about community initiatives, policies and opportunities for citizen involvement. You’ll have a chance to see City Hall, gain valuable insights into how our local government operates and how decisions are made.

Register Here

Summer Reading Program: Books + Free Ice Cream
Jun 7 @ 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Hop Ice Cream 

Buncombe County Public Library is thrilled to announce The Hop Ice Cream as a proud supporting partner of this year’s Summer Reading Program to encourage youth literacy in our community. The Hop will provide free ice cream at the Summer Library Fest on Saturday, June 8 from 10 a.m.-noon at East Asheville Library. For added fun, The Hop owner Greg Garrison will collaborate with Secret Agent 23 Skidoo to provide a special dance performance to families in attendance.

Any kid or teen who visits a Buncombe County library to pick up their summer reading activity sheet will also receive a 10 percent off coupon redeemable at any Hop location or at Pop Bubble Tea. Return your completed activity sheet to any branch and receive a bookmark for a free kiddie scoop of ice cream at any Hop location. You must complete 10 or more activities on your sheet to be eligible for ice cream – and you can also select a free book of your choice!

Summer Reading runs from June 1 to  August 31 and is open to anyone from birth to age 18.  If you have any questions, just contact your friendly neighborhood library.

The Hop Ice Cream  OUR LOCATIONS


North Asheville

640 Merrimon Ave
Asheville, NC 28804

828.254.2224

More Info »


West Asheville

721 Haywood Rd
Asheville, NC 28806

828.252.5155

More Info »


Downtown Asheville

56 Patton Ave
Asheville, NC 28801

Inside the S&W Building

More Info »


Black Mountain

114 Cherry Street
Black Mountain, NC 28711

828.357.5461

More Info »


The Creamery

167 Haywood Road
Asheville, NC 28806

828.774.5058

More Info »

Pop Bubble Tea

640 Merrimon Ave
Asheville, NC 28804

More Info »

Saturday, June 8, 2024
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Free Books for Children ages 0-5
Jun 8 all-day
online w/ Literacy Together

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library impacts the pre­-literacy skills and school readiness of children under the age of 5 in Buncombe County. The program mails a new, free, age-appropriate book to registered children each month until they turn five years old. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library creates a home library of up to 60 books and instills a love of books and reading from an early age. If you have any questions about the program, please send an email to [email protected].

A national panel of educators selects the Imagination Library titles, which include: The Little Engine that Could, Last Stop on Market Street, Violet the Pilot, As an Oak Tree Grows, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, Llama Llama Red Pajama, Look Out Kindergarten, here I come, and many more (take a look at all the titles).

Register your child now!

Program Launch and Expansions

Literacy Together became a Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library affiliate in November 2015 with support from the Buncombe Partnership for Children. Through this program, registered children in Buncombe County receive a free book in the mail each month. Their parents also have the opportunity to attend workshops to learn how to build their children’s early literacy skills. Parents in need of literacy assistance are encouraged to receive tutoring through Literacy Together’s adult programming.

The program served 200 children during the 2015/16 fiscal year. The program expanded to serve 400 children in July 2016, and 600 in August 2017. In July 2018, capacity increased to 1,900 thanks to a special allocation in the North Carolina state budget. We’re now serving 4,600 kids in Buncombe County.  

WNC Minority-Owned Businesses + Nonprofits: Community Voting Is Open for Kudzu’s $10K Brand Giveaway
Jun 8 all-day
online

Kudzu Brands is excited to announce the finalists for our 2024 $10K Brand Giveaway. They include Appalachian Wildlife RefugeKatherine Alexander Fine JewelrySilver Moon Custom Art & PhotographyStecoah Valley Cultural Arts CenterWestern Carolina Medical Society, and WNC GEMS. Asheville’s top branding agency for growing businesses encourages community members to vote once daily for their favorite minority-owned business or non-profit organization from now until 11:59 pm on Friday, June 14.

 

Finalists must use their social media platforms to garner votes from the public. The WNC minority-owned business or non-profit organization with the most votes by June 14th will win a full branding package, including brand story development, logo design, and marketing collateral creation. 

The contest timeline, rules, details, and updates are on Kudzu’s websiteInstagramFacebook, and LinkedIn. The link to vote can be found on the agency’s website and all social platforms.

Kudzu Brands has extensive experience helping businesses and non-profit organizations grow into memorable, profitable, and sustainable brands. Our full suite of brand and marketing services uses a proven and effective process that makes supporting you easy and impactful.

Summer Library Fest
Jun 8 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
East Asheville Public Library

You don’t have to travel far to fill your summer break with adventure and discovery! Adventure Begins at your Library is this year’s Summer Learning theme and our 12 libraries are sure to deliver memorable experiences for the whole family. Whether you’re hoping to get lost in a story set on a tropical island, or get your hands messy with backyard nature activities, there’s tons to explore at your local public library.

The 2024 Summer Learning Program runs June 1 to August 31 and is open to everyone ages birth through 18 years old. To participate in the program, visit any library after June 1 to pick up an activity sheet for kids or teens. Complete ten activities and return your sheet to get a free book!

Celebrate the start of summer with a special Summer Library Fest featuring Grammy award winning children’s musician, The Secret Agency! Enjoy fun activities for the whole family, including mini golf, face painting, games, bubbles, activities led by community partners, and so much more! Snacks will be served. This free event will be Saturday, June 8 from 10 a.m.-noon at the East Asheville Library.

All library programs are free and open to children or teens of all abilities. From rescue animals to escape rooms, there’s a little something for families of all ages to enjoy. For a complete list of summer programs, check our calendar or stop by your library branch to pick up a copy of their summer program calendar.

If you have any additional questions, feel free to reach out via email. We can’t wait to see you at the library this summer!

Artists + Writers Coffee
Jun 8 @ 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