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.
Farm Beginnings® is training the next generation of farmers in the many skills required to start and expand a successful farm business: passion, clear goals, production experience, financial and marketing know-how, and more.
Farm Beginnings® will help you build these skills through one year of farmer-led training, mentoring, and networking. We support individuals in clarifying their goals and strengths, developing agricultural skills, and growing profitable, equitable, and ecologically sound farm businesses.
What does Farm Beginnings® include?
The 200+ hr, year-long program consists of:
-
Training on holistic management, farm business, marketing & financial planning
-
Sessions taught by regional, experienced farmers
-
One-year WNC CRAFT Farmer Network membership
-
Completing and presenting an individualized farm plan
-
Access to field days with regional partners
-
Entry to ASAP’s Business of Farming Conference
-
Entry to OGS’s Spring Conference
-
15 hr mentorship with an experienced farmer mentor
View a sample of the full course schedule here.
Camp Bluebird 2024 is coming This September!
Together, We Soar!
Make a Difference in the Lives of Adult Cancer Survivors:
Did you know almost 2 million new cases of cancer were diagnosed in the United States in 2023 alone? Each year, millions of people are directly impacted by cancer with an estimated almost 40% of Americans being diagnosed with cancer at some point during their lifetimes.
For those who’ve heard the dreaded three words “You have cancer,” their lives have changed forever, and their new journey is often filled with tears, worry, isolation, and heartache. At Camp Bluebird, we want to help survivors realize their story is not over when they get their diagnosis, they have merely started writing a new chapter…one filled with resilience, hope, and a new sense of determination. And most importantly, we want them to know they are not alone in this journey.
A camp dedicated to survivors and their journeys of healing and hope…What is Camp Bluebird?
Camp Bluebird is a 3-day, 2-night camp where survivors join together for companionship, arts, wellness and therapeutic activities, and even a DJ dance party! Our camp is designed to empower survivors on their journeys of healing and rediscovery while making lifelong friendships.
This year’s camp will take place September 10-12, 2024 at the Bonclarken Conference Center in historic Flat Rock, NC.
We hope you will consider helping as we reach more campers and make a greater impact in the survivor community!
CAMP BLUEBIRD’S MISSION
At Camp Bluebird, our mission is to provide space for cancer survivors from all walks of life to come together for support, encouragement, and understanding. A place where hearts find rest, strength ignites and spirits SOAR as we share in a journey of healing and hope.
Donate Securely Online
With generous donations from our community and friends like you, we can ensure every deserving survivor can experience the magic of Camp Bluebird. Every donation, no matter the size, makes an impact.
Donations not only help those with financial hardships, but also help pay for camp activities, programs, and supplies. Will you help make an impact this year?
Your gift today makes a difference in the lives of Cancer Survivors!
Baker Exhibit Center
Where can you see a butterfly with a five foot wingspan, or a longhorn beetle with antennae more than twelve feet across? The answers can be found amongst the enormous sculptures on display in BUGS: Outside the Box!
Scientifically exact, with a keen attention to detail, the exhibit features a virtual army of giant bugs with one aim in mind – educating the public and shining a light on museum collections, taxonomy, and the power of magnification.
Among the highlights of the exhibit is a rarely seen long-arm beetle more than ten feet in height, a collection of heavily armored stag beetles with impressive jaws and horns as long as your arm, and an insight into the amazing intricacy of the physiology of each insect on display. Alongside these impressive works of art is the insect in question represented at life size, and detailed information on the life habits, location, and other facts unique to each insect and its family.
The Asheville Downtown Association is thrilled to announce the return of the beloved Pritchard Park Arts and Culture Series, made possible through a generous partnership with the Trina Mullen Foundation, City of Asheville Parks and Recreation, ArtsAVL, and Explore Asheville. This summer series will run from May 28 through August 30, featuring exciting activations every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM.
Wednesdays: Asheville Museum of Science
Dive into a world of discovery with interactive science activities, including bubbles and noise machines. This family-friendly event promises to engage and entertain all ages with hands-on experiments and demonstrations.
Explore hands on activities and experiments while we learn about the Science of Bubbles or the Science of Sound. Every other week we will play and learn together using a variety of tools, instruments, and toys. AMOS has a plethora of science to intrigue the zeal of every learner!
Sing songs that celebrate Peace & Community, with Resident Teaching Artist Melissa McKinney. Sing, play, drum, and dance while learning songs from the Justice Choir Songbook.
Wednesdays at 6 p.m.
$15 drop-in class
All ages welcome.
Farm Beginnings® is training the next generation of farmers in the many skills required to start and expand a successful farm business: passion, clear goals, production experience, financial and marketing know-how, and more.
Farm Beginnings® will help you build these skills through one year of farmer-led training, mentoring, and networking. We support individuals in clarifying their goals and strengths, developing agricultural skills, and growing profitable, equitable, and ecologically sound farm businesses.
What does Farm Beginnings® include?
The 200+ hr, year-long program consists of:
-
Training on holistic management, farm business, marketing & financial planning
-
Sessions taught by regional, experienced farmers
-
One-year WNC CRAFT Farmer Network membership
-
Completing and presenting an individualized farm plan
-
Access to field days with regional partners
-
Entry to ASAP’s Business of Farming Conference
-
Entry to OGS’s Spring Conference
-
15 hr mentorship with an experienced farmer mentor
View a sample of the full course schedule here.
Camp Bluebird 2024 is coming This September!
Together, We Soar!
Make a Difference in the Lives of Adult Cancer Survivors:
Did you know almost 2 million new cases of cancer were diagnosed in the United States in 2023 alone? Each year, millions of people are directly impacted by cancer with an estimated almost 40% of Americans being diagnosed with cancer at some point during their lifetimes.
For those who’ve heard the dreaded three words “You have cancer,” their lives have changed forever, and their new journey is often filled with tears, worry, isolation, and heartache. At Camp Bluebird, we want to help survivors realize their story is not over when they get their diagnosis, they have merely started writing a new chapter…one filled with resilience, hope, and a new sense of determination. And most importantly, we want them to know they are not alone in this journey.
A camp dedicated to survivors and their journeys of healing and hope…What is Camp Bluebird?
Camp Bluebird is a 3-day, 2-night camp where survivors join together for companionship, arts, wellness and therapeutic activities, and even a DJ dance party! Our camp is designed to empower survivors on their journeys of healing and rediscovery while making lifelong friendships.
This year’s camp will take place September 10-12, 2024 at the Bonclarken Conference Center in historic Flat Rock, NC.
We hope you will consider helping as we reach more campers and make a greater impact in the survivor community!
CAMP BLUEBIRD’S MISSION
At Camp Bluebird, our mission is to provide space for cancer survivors from all walks of life to come together for support, encouragement, and understanding. A place where hearts find rest, strength ignites and spirits SOAR as we share in a journey of healing and hope.
Donate Securely Online
With generous donations from our community and friends like you, we can ensure every deserving survivor can experience the magic of Camp Bluebird. Every donation, no matter the size, makes an impact.
Donations not only help those with financial hardships, but also help pay for camp activities, programs, and supplies. Will you help make an impact this year?
Your gift today makes a difference in the lives of Cancer Survivors!
Liberation Tools is a cooperative subset of the 501c3 nonprofit Soul & Soil Project based in the unceded Tsalagi (Cherokee) territory of Western North Carolina.
Our mission is to build a collective that sustainably and skillfully crafts quality tools used for growing food, and freely distributes them to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. To support these efforts, we sell these tools for twice the cost of producing one, thereby allowing people with accumulated wealth to access high quality tools by also paying for an identical tool to be sent to a BIPOC land steward.
Baker Exhibit Center
Where can you see a butterfly with a five foot wingspan, or a longhorn beetle with antennae more than twelve feet across? The answers can be found amongst the enormous sculptures on display in BUGS: Outside the Box!
Scientifically exact, with a keen attention to detail, the exhibit features a virtual army of giant bugs with one aim in mind – educating the public and shining a light on museum collections, taxonomy, and the power of magnification.
Among the highlights of the exhibit is a rarely seen long-arm beetle more than ten feet in height, a collection of heavily armored stag beetles with impressive jaws and horns as long as your arm, and an insight into the amazing intricacy of the physiology of each insect on display. Alongside these impressive works of art is the insect in question represented at life size, and detailed information on the life habits, location, and other facts unique to each insect and its family.
Join us at the Greenville Convention Center for the South Carolina FFA State Convention on June 18-20! Join nearly 1,000 members, advisors, and partners to celebrate achievements in agriculture. Experience award recognitions, motivational workshops, and inspirational speakers. Don’t miss this chance for fellowship and fun!
STATE FFA CONVENTION SCHEDULE
Tuesday, June 18, 2024
11:00am – 2:00pm Registration & Expo Opens
2:00pm CDE Registration Opens
2:15pm Delegate Enrichment Doors open (Main Ballroom)
2:30pm Delegate Enrichment: Main Ballroom
(Required for all delegates)
2:15 pm – 3:55 pm Workshops
3:00pm Delegate Session: Main Ballroom
6:15PM Presession Begins
6:30PM First General Session (6:30pm)
- National Chapter Awards
- Retiring Address: State Vice President, Harley Failor
- Scholarship Presentations
- Entertainment
Wednesday, June 19, 2024
9:00am CDE’s Begin
9:15-11:00 am Workshops
1:30pm Second General Session
- Recognize 2022-23 CDE winners
- Retiring Address: State Vice President, Lauren Turpin
- State Officer Candidate Introductions
- TeachAg Presentation
- Retiring Address: State Vice President, Caroline Adams
- State Degree Ceremony
5:00pm Honorary Degree Dinner
(State Officers Advisors and Parents & Honorary Degree Recipients)
6:30pm Third General Session
- Announcement of American FFA Degree Candidates and Honorary American FFA Degree
- State Officer Advisor Recognition
- Stars Over South Carolina
- Retiring Address: State Vice President, Addie Grace Foster
- Honorary State Degree Ceremony
- National Officer Keynote: Morgan Anderson, National FFA Eastern Region Vice President
Thursday, June 20, 2024
8:30am Fourth General Session
- Individual Awards
- Convention T-shirt design winner
- Proficiency Award Presentation
- Retiring Address: State Secretary, Abby VanDyck
- State Officer Parent Recognition
- Chapter Membership Awards
- Retiring Address: State President, Matthew McSwain
- Top 3 CDE Teams and Individuals (from Convention)
- Nominating Committee Report
- Installation of the 2024-2025 State Officer Team
- Closing Ceremony (2024-2025 State Officer Team)
11:00am Post Convention Luncheon
(State Officer parents, advisors, and Past State Officers)
Farm Beginnings® is training the next generation of farmers in the many skills required to start and expand a successful farm business: passion, clear goals, production experience, financial and marketing know-how, and more.
Farm Beginnings® will help you build these skills through one year of farmer-led training, mentoring, and networking. We support individuals in clarifying their goals and strengths, developing agricultural skills, and growing profitable, equitable, and ecologically sound farm businesses.
What does Farm Beginnings® include?
The 200+ hr, year-long program consists of:
-
Training on holistic management, farm business, marketing & financial planning
-
Sessions taught by regional, experienced farmers
-
One-year WNC CRAFT Farmer Network membership
-
Completing and presenting an individualized farm plan
-
Access to field days with regional partners
-
Entry to ASAP’s Business of Farming Conference
-
Entry to OGS’s Spring Conference
-
15 hr mentorship with an experienced farmer mentor
View a sample of the full course schedule here.
Get ready to dance into the spotlight because Asheville Junior Theater (AJT) –
School of Dance is excited to announce the grand opening its dance school. Registration
for the upcoming Fall 2024-Spring 2025 season is now open! With a commitment to igniting
artistic passion and fostering unparalleled talent, AJT School of Dance is your ticket to an
electrifying dance experience like no other.
AJT School of Dance is more than just a dance studio; it’s a gateway to a transformative dance
experience. With a focus on fostering self-confidence, promoting integrity, and nurturing a
genuine passion for dance, our dedicated instructors are committed to guiding each student on
a path of artistic discovery and self-expression.
Registration for the Fall 2024-Spring 2025 season at Asheville Junior Theater – School of Dance
is now open! Don’t miss your chance to be part of something extraordinary. Classes are offered
for ages 4-adult.
For more information on class offerings and registration, visit
www.ashevillejuniortheater.com/dance or contact [email protected].
Unique classes offered: Aerial Arts, Tricks and Stunts, Musical Theater, Performance Crew–
in addition to all the various technique classes of Jazz, Tap, Ballet/Lyrical, Hip Hop and more!
Camp Bluebird 2024 is coming This September!
Together, We Soar!
Make a Difference in the Lives of Adult Cancer Survivors:
Did you know almost 2 million new cases of cancer were diagnosed in the United States in 2023 alone? Each year, millions of people are directly impacted by cancer with an estimated almost 40% of Americans being diagnosed with cancer at some point during their lifetimes.
For those who’ve heard the dreaded three words “You have cancer,” their lives have changed forever, and their new journey is often filled with tears, worry, isolation, and heartache. At Camp Bluebird, we want to help survivors realize their story is not over when they get their diagnosis, they have merely started writing a new chapter…one filled with resilience, hope, and a new sense of determination. And most importantly, we want them to know they are not alone in this journey.
A camp dedicated to survivors and their journeys of healing and hope…What is Camp Bluebird?
Camp Bluebird is a 3-day, 2-night camp where survivors join together for companionship, arts, wellness and therapeutic activities, and even a DJ dance party! Our camp is designed to empower survivors on their journeys of healing and rediscovery while making lifelong friendships.
This year’s camp will take place September 10-12, 2024 at the Bonclarken Conference Center in historic Flat Rock, NC.
We hope you will consider helping as we reach more campers and make a greater impact in the survivor community!
CAMP BLUEBIRD’S MISSION
At Camp Bluebird, our mission is to provide space for cancer survivors from all walks of life to come together for support, encouragement, and understanding. A place where hearts find rest, strength ignites and spirits SOAR as we share in a journey of healing and hope.
Donate Securely Online
With generous donations from our community and friends like you, we can ensure every deserving survivor can experience the magic of Camp Bluebird. Every donation, no matter the size, makes an impact.
Donations not only help those with financial hardships, but also help pay for camp activities, programs, and supplies. Will you help make an impact this year?
Your gift today makes a difference in the lives of Cancer Survivors!
Baker Exhibit Center
Where can you see a butterfly with a five foot wingspan, or a longhorn beetle with antennae more than twelve feet across? The answers can be found amongst the enormous sculptures on display in BUGS: Outside the Box!
Scientifically exact, with a keen attention to detail, the exhibit features a virtual army of giant bugs with one aim in mind – educating the public and shining a light on museum collections, taxonomy, and the power of magnification.
Among the highlights of the exhibit is a rarely seen long-arm beetle more than ten feet in height, a collection of heavily armored stag beetles with impressive jaws and horns as long as your arm, and an insight into the amazing intricacy of the physiology of each insect on display. Alongside these impressive works of art is the insect in question represented at life size, and detailed information on the life habits, location, and other facts unique to each insect and its family.
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Join Homeless Strategy Specialist, Debbie Alford from the Homeless Strategy Division of the City of Asheville for this 3-part community education series. Sessions 2 and 3 are offered as follow-up to session 1. Please register for all three if you are able! Email [email protected] or call 828-203-0892 to register today. Session 3: Friday, June 21st 11 AM-12 Noon |
Join us for an after-hours Open House as we premiere our newest exhibit, “Designing the Character: On Stage and Page,” featuring the Memorial’s collection of costumes by Designer Stanley Poole.
Costumes will be on display and modeled throughout the historic boardinghouse.
Regular admission- $5 adults, $2 students.
Costumes will be on display through September 20th.
Join Slice of Life Comedy Friday June 21 at pleb urban winery for a fun Asheville Standup Comedy Pageant! We are raising money for 103.3ashevillefm our local community radio station, they produce diverse and eclectic programming that inspires listeners to build connections across our communities and discovers new music and ideas. This comedy show is moderated by your AFM friends at slumberpartyavl Jake Ali & Michele and hosted by the amazing Asheville treasure, Hillary Begley The contestants are the winners of 3 previous contests held at The Orange Peel’s Pulp Jason Webb Ryan Gordon (the third final contest is selected June 13) There will be games, standup and silliness. Delicious Food truck Mean Pies Pizza is available, get your tix early this will sell out!
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.
Farm Beginnings® is training the next generation of farmers in the many skills required to start and expand a successful farm business: passion, clear goals, production experience, financial and marketing know-how, and more.
Farm Beginnings® will help you build these skills through one year of farmer-led training, mentoring, and networking. We support individuals in clarifying their goals and strengths, developing agricultural skills, and growing profitable, equitable, and ecologically sound farm businesses.
What does Farm Beginnings® include?
The 200+ hr, year-long program consists of:
-
Training on holistic management, farm business, marketing & financial planning
-
Sessions taught by regional, experienced farmers
-
One-year WNC CRAFT Farmer Network membership
-
Completing and presenting an individualized farm plan
-
Access to field days with regional partners
-
Entry to ASAP’s Business of Farming Conference
-
Entry to OGS’s Spring Conference
-
15 hr mentorship with an experienced farmer mentor
View a sample of the full course schedule here.
Get ready to dance into the spotlight because Asheville Junior Theater (AJT) –
School of Dance is excited to announce the grand opening its dance school. Registration
for the upcoming Fall 2024-Spring 2025 season is now open! With a commitment to igniting
artistic passion and fostering unparalleled talent, AJT School of Dance is your ticket to an
electrifying dance experience like no other.
AJT School of Dance is more than just a dance studio; it’s a gateway to a transformative dance
experience. With a focus on fostering self-confidence, promoting integrity, and nurturing a
genuine passion for dance, our dedicated instructors are committed to guiding each student on
a path of artistic discovery and self-expression.
Registration for the Fall 2024-Spring 2025 season at Asheville Junior Theater – School of Dance
is now open! Don’t miss your chance to be part of something extraordinary. Classes are offered
for ages 4-adult.
For more information on class offerings and registration, visit
www.ashevillejuniortheater.com/dance or contact [email protected].
Unique classes offered: Aerial Arts, Tricks and Stunts, Musical Theater, Performance Crew–
in addition to all the various technique classes of Jazz, Tap, Ballet/Lyrical, Hip Hop and more!
Baker Exhibit Center
Where can you see a butterfly with a five foot wingspan, or a longhorn beetle with antennae more than twelve feet across? The answers can be found amongst the enormous sculptures on display in BUGS: Outside the Box!
Scientifically exact, with a keen attention to detail, the exhibit features a virtual army of giant bugs with one aim in mind – educating the public and shining a light on museum collections, taxonomy, and the power of magnification.
Among the highlights of the exhibit is a rarely seen long-arm beetle more than ten feet in height, a collection of heavily armored stag beetles with impressive jaws and horns as long as your arm, and an insight into the amazing intricacy of the physiology of each insect on display. Alongside these impressive works of art is the insect in question represented at life size, and detailed information on the life habits, location, and other facts unique to each insect and its family.
Hit the trails and learn more about The North Carolina Arboretum’s botanically diverse forest with a guided trail walk! April through October, this free hiking program is led by trained volunteer guides who take small groups of participants along woodland trails and through a variety of forest types. Depending on the season and each guide’s area of expertise, topics of discussion may include wildflowers, plant and tree identification, natural history and more.
Guided trail walks are limited to 15 people, including the guide, and are not recommended for guests under 16 years of age. Groups depart from the Baker Visitor Center Lobby on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m..
Walks last 1.5 – 2.5 hours, are approximately one to two miles in length. As this program is held rain or shine, all participants should dress appropriately for the weather.
There is no pre-registration; walks are first-come first served and sign up sheets are located in the Baker Visitors Center.
Walks are FREE; however, donations to The North Carolina Arboretum Society are appreciated. Regular parking fees apply. Arboretum Society Members always park free.
Know Before You Go
- Guided Trail Walks are not recommended for guests under 16 years of age.
- Guided Trail Walks are rain or shine and all participants should be dressed comfortably and for the weather.
- Hikes cover 1-2 miles and last 1.5-2 hours.
- Well-behaved leashed pets are welcome to accompany their owners. In the rare case that a pet is disruptive or negatively impacts the experience, the pet and its owner may be asked to excuse themselves from the guided walk.
Saturdays from 10:30 AM – 12 PM
Join us for a day of exhibits, short presentations, and a keynote by Dr. Stephen Buchmann.
Globally renowned pollination ecologist, author, researcher and film consultant, Dr. Stephen Buchmann will address “Bees & Other Pollinators: Why They Are Essential to Flowers, Wildlife and Us.”
Throughout the Summit, melipona bee honey will be on sale and there will be native plant vendors.
Schedule
11:30 – Event Opens – Vendor and Exhibitors on-site through the afternoon
12:00-12:45 – You’re Saving the Wrong Bees: Impacts of Honeybees and Why it Matters
Amy Boyd, Ph.D., Professor of Biology – Warren Wilson College
1:00-1:45 – Integrating Pollination and Pest Management in Working Landscapes
Dr. Joshua Arnold, Assistant Professor of Sustainable Agriculture – Warren Wilson College
2:00-2:45 – Melipona Stingless Tropical Bee Project
Rebecca Robertson, Director, Mayan Melipona Bee Sanctuary Project
3:00-3:45 – Buncombe County K-12 School Pollinator Conservation Program
Bryan Tompkins, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
4:30-5:30 – Bees & Other Pollinators: Why They Are Essential to Flowers, Wildlife and Us
Dr. Stephen Buchmann, adjunct professor in the departments of Entomology and Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Arizona
Visit LEAF Global Arts every Saturday for an in-house cultural exchange with Adama Dembele. Experience the Ivory Coast with our Culture Keeper from the House of Djembe.