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.

Friday, February 23, 2024
Reconnect for Resilience
Feb 23 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
online
Virtual Event
Online via Zoom. Will receive Zoom link upon registration.

Reconnect for Resilience trainings offer community members a set of easy – to- use tools to stay well in the face of adversity. In this 14-hour class, participants will learn what happens when our brains and bodies are stressed, and are given tools to stay healthy, connected, and resilient during tough times.

The tools we teach are intended for everyone, no matter where they are on the stress-trauma continuum, and are designed to bring the nervous system back into balance and help people return to their Resilient Zone.

This two-day virtual training will be held online via Zoom. Please register by visiting bit.ly/RFRFEB24

CEU’s available and limited scholarships available. See more information at the registration page.

Saturday, February 24, 2024
Full Moon Breakthrough Breathworkshop with Sound Baths
Feb 24 @ 10:00 am – 4:30 pm
Magictown Movement Studio

To celebrate this February full moon, embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and inner healing through our groundbreaking Breathwork Meditation Workshop including 2 Sound Baths! During this immersive experience you will be guided through a powerful Breathwork practice to help you massively release stress, heal past wounds and traumas, access deeper levels of awareness, and connect more profoundly to Source.

Led by two professional highly experienced facilitators with over 60 years experience between them, this workshop will
deepen your connection with your breath and unlock its incredible potential for physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

We are delighted to have Kat Houghton again facilitate sound baths to complete each of the Breathwork Meditation Sessions.

Join a group of like-minded individuals on the path to self-discovery in a supportive nurturing environment on the beautiful island in Marshall on one of the oldest rivers in the world.

You may come to the full day (10am-4.30pm, recommended, ) which includes two Breathwork Meditation Sessions with sound baths and a session of Self-discovery. You may also come to the first Breathwork Meditation Session with sound bath only (10am-1pm,) or the second Breathwork Session with sound bath only (1.30pm-4.30pm.).

Artists + Writers Coffee
Feb 24 @ 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, February 25, 2024
Belonging in a Divided World: Restoring Connection to Your Self and Your Life
Feb 25 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Story Parlor

This highly-experiential two-day workshop addresses the epidemic disconnection from our true selves, from other people, and from the natural world—major causes of personal unhappiness and planetary crisis—and gives participants tools for mending the separation, a fundamental step toward healing and wholeness.

Using a synthesis of the wisdom of our ancient ancestors and the latest in neuroscience and the psychology of belonging, we will immerse ourselves in the dynamics and collective awareness of the workshop group to:

  • Identify, explore and revise unhealthy stories about ourselves and our world,

  • Learn and practice essential skills in connecting deeply to others,

  • Experience ancient ways of being in relationship with the other-than-human, and

  • Innovate creative ways to foster belonging and connection in our everyday lives.

Slice of Life Comedy Open Mic + Feature Comedy
Feb 25 @ 6:30 pm
Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co

Sunday February 25 Another Great Comedy Show at Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co, Theater 2! 6:30p, 18+, Get Dinner, Drinks & Laughs with the areas best standup comics. Featured and Open Mic Comedy. [Performing comics get FREE entry and pizza. ]
Get Your Tickets Now!! Hosted Mario Trevizo. Featuring Dante’ Quitman, Julia Macias & James Burks!!
For more info and other standup comedy shows go to sliceoflifecomedy.com or contact Michele at [email protected]

Monday, February 26, 2024
Virtual Writers Workshops
Feb 26 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
online w/ Carl Sandburg Home

Join writers and poets from across the country each month for a virtual writing workshop. A link will be added to their name when more details and sign-up information becomes available. These workshops are geared towards amateur writers, ages 16 and older recommended. Follow us on Facebook for notifications too.

2024 Virtual Writers Workshops

January 23 – Tony Robles
February 26 – Ruba Ahmed
March – Amber Rose Crowtree

2023 Workshop Writers : Angela Evans, Tom Tenbrunsel, Robert Edward Miss, Kenneth Chamblee, Yasmin Mays, Shannon Yong, Jennifer McGaha, Erica Reid, Raymond McNally, Jane Waldrop, Francis Pearce, Eric Nelson, Darren Todd.

Tuesday, February 27, 2024
Getting Ahead: Women’s Empowerment Workshop
Feb 27 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
YWCA of Asheville

The YWCA’s Getting Ahead program is a part of Women’s Empowerment. Participants engage in a 16 session, 8 week course to increase awareness and resources to get out of poverty, and the program provides social support to women with lived experience to investigate the causes of poverty, the hidden rules of class, and resources needed by all. Participants assess individual situations as well as the condition of our community to achieve economic self-sufficiency. Past Getting Ahead participants say that they appreciate the “big picture” view of systemic reasons for poverty, and they are grateful for the no-judgement, safe space to talk about their experiences and concerns. Getting Ahead empowers women of all ages and backgrounds to make financial choices that positively impact themselves, their families, and their communities, and gives them the resources and support they need to make positive changes.

Getting Ahead will meet for 8 weeks on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 – 3, beginning February 27, at the YWCA of Asheville. Participants will receive a workbook and future story portfolio to keep track of learning and goals, and a $20 stipend for each session attended. Lunch and refreshments will be provided, and child care is available upon request. Once you complete the program, you will have the support of one-on-one case management for 18 months to track personal goals.

For more information, or to apply, contact Holly Olsen, Director of Women’s Empowerment, at [email protected].

Dark City Poet’s Society
Feb 27 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Black Mountain Library

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.

Thursday, February 29, 2024
Valentine’s Day Hotel Packages at The Radical
Feb 29 all-day
The Radical

Love and lust are in the air at The Radical, the boutique hotel in the heart of the River Arts District in Asheville, North Carolina. The edgy hotel is offering two spicy Valentine’s packages now through February 29 including late checkouts, bubbles, sweets and more.

Love birds can also indulge in Valentine’s specials at the hotel’s chophouse Golden Hour, helmed by James-Beard nominated restaurateur Jacob Sessoms. Or, they can dance the night away at an Anti-Valentine’s Day party at after/glow, The Radical’s in-house café and bar.

Guests must be 21+ to book, packages are subject to availability, and blackout dates apply. See here for reservations, below for package details, and let me know if you have any questions. Thank you!

“Let’s Get Into It” Package – The Radical has the pieces in place for an unforgettable night away or a full weekend escape this February. When guests check in at The Radical, they’ll be welcomed with:

-A New Indulgences Temptation II Adult Intimacy Kit featuring modern extras

-Bottle of Prosecco on ice

-Noon late checkout

“Sweet + Forbidden” Package – Elevate and enhance time together with the Sweet + Forbidden package at The Radical this February. Whether it is for a night away or a weekend escape, check in at The Radical and be welcomed with:

-3-piece box of Tabs Adult Dark Chocolate for two

-Bottle of Prosecco on ice

-Noon late checkout

Saturday, March 2, 2024
Artists + Writers Coffee
Mar 2 @ 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, March 5, 2024
Dark City Poet’s Society
Mar 5 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Black Mountain Library

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.

Friday, March 8, 2024
Perennials + Dahlias
Mar 8 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Bullington Gardens

Learn about the basics of perennial and dahlia culture. What is a perennial and what makes them special in the garden? How can you get free plants from your current perennials? These questions and so much more will be covered. We will also have a demo on how to divide perennials. Presented by Isaac Wyatt, Agricultural Program Assistant with Henderson County Extension, will teach the basics of perennial and dahlia culture.

Saturday, March 9, 2024
Artists + Writers Coffee
Mar 9 @ 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, March 10, 2024
Western Carolina Singer-Songwriters Showcase V
Mar 10 @ 6:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

Doors Open: 5:00 PM

– ALL AGES      

– SEATED SHOW
– LIMITED NUMBER OF PREMIUM SEATING TICKETS AVAILABLE

WESTERN CAROLINA WRITERS

Here comes the 5th Western Carolina Writers Showcase since the first production in July of 2022!  This showcase features these 9 incredibly talented local singer-songwriters:  Whitney Mongé, Melissa McKinney, Ben Balmer, Jeff Santiago, Tina Collins (Tina & Her Pony), Siena Christie, Steve Taton, Hunter Andrus, and Jim Swayzee.  There will be 3 rounds of 3 performers taking turns playing their original music with occasional spontaneous collaboration creating many magical moments that can only be experienced live.

 

Western Carolina Writers was established in 2019 by Nick McMahon, along with Jesse Frizsell and Thomas Yon, as a traveling “Songwriters-In-The-Round” style show.  The idea was to take turns performing original songs with fun moments of collaboration at venues all over Western North Carolina.

 

After about a dozen increasingly successful shows, McMahon started inviting other area songwriters to participate.  And now, after around 150 shows featuring close to 80 different local artists, the concept has become even more popular, fun and diverse.

 

In 2022, Mcmahon and current project partner, Stephen Evans, decided to take this show into the listening rooms and out of the noisy bars and breweries so the songs could really be heard and appreciated.  With four recent magical & successful songwriter showcases, three at The Grey Eagle and one at Ayurprana Listening Room, this decision has proven to be the right move.

 

Tuesday, March 12, 2024
Dark City Poet’s Society
Mar 12 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Black Mountain Library

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.

St. Paddy’s Dinner + Irish Whiskey Tasting
Mar 12 @ 6:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Jack of the Wood

Jack of the Wood and Pernod Ricard welcome you to join us for a five course gourmet Irish feast paired with expertly curated Irish Whiskeys. As you enjoy the dinner and each pour we will tell you a little information of the history of each whiskey you try. The night will be accompanied with a live traditional Irish session. The event will start at 6pm with a complimentary welcome cocktail and social hour. Dinner and the whiskey tasting will begin at 7pm. We will end the night with a dessert cocktail.

Tickets are $80 with gratuity included.

The dinner includes –

  • Welcome Cocktail
  • 5 course Irish Dinner
  • 4 pours of high end Irish Whiskeys with a brief education of each.
  • Dessert Cocktail
  • Live Traditional Irish Music

If you’re in need of a pint of Guinness to help wash down your meal, we will be serving all other beverages a la carte.

Please see the food menu below.

Irish Soda Bread with whipped herbed butter will be complimentary for all tables.

1st Course – Smoked Salmon

House-Cured Smoked Salmon With Dill Chèvre, Served On A Toasted Baguette And Topped With Shaved Horseradish.

2nd Course – Oyster

Oyster Deep-Fried In Risotto Served On The Half Shell With Creamy Swiss Chard.

3rd Course – Scotch Egg

Soft-Boiled Egg Wrapped In House-Made Sausage And Pork Cracklins Served With Lusty Monk Mustard And Greens.

4th Course – Short Ribs

8-Hour Slow-Cooked Guinness Short Ribs In A Mushroom Gravy Served With Brussel Sprouts, Roasted Carrots And Mashed Potatoes.

5th Course – Cake

Chocolate Guinness Cake With Bourbon Brown Butter Frosting.

St. Patrick’s Day with The Derina Harvey Band
Mar 12 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Parker Concert Hall

Derina Harvey leads the award-winning ​Celtic Rock group, the Derina Harvey Band (dHb). With a show that offers a fresh take on traditional folk songs as well as a few originals, Derina’s vibrant personality takes center stage with humor, storytelling, and, of course, her powerful vocals. dHb has been ​likened to a “rockier” version of Canada’s Great Big Sea​,​ if fronted by Adele​, and has earned a reputation as a ​high-energy live show​ that leaves many an audience out-of-breath and hollering from their seats!

dHb has covered a fair amount of Canada via the performing arts and festival circuits and is now poised to do the same in the United States​. They were smash hits at four juried US showcases – Arts Northwest (Best in Showcase Award), Western Arts Alliance, Performing Arts Exchange, Ohio Arts Professionals Network – and following these, the band has quickly begun to make inroads from coast to coast in the US.

The group enjoys a huge wave of online followers from across the globe via TikTok, where there was a sea shanty craze that started in 2020. dHb’s recording of Tom Lewis’s “The Last Shanty” was used in thousands of videos on the platform, introducing the band to a whole new generation of listeners.

Thursday, March 14, 2024
Creative Writing Group online
Mar 14 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
online

Join us for creative writing online! We’ll meet on Zoom and do several rounds of writing prompts. The group is simple – we just write and read our writing to each other.  This is a supportive and fun environment that gets your creative juices flowing with low stakes and lots of fun.

Email [email protected] for the link to the online meeting.

The contents of this presentation are for informational purposes only.  Nothing herein constitutes medical, legal, or financial advice nor is it a substitute for professional advice on any issue.  You should not rely on the information received in this presentation for any important decisions, including medical, legal, or financial decisions.  Always consult with an appropriate professional for specific advice related to your situation.  The views and opinions expressed in this presentation do not necessarily reflect those of Buncombe County or its Public Library System.

Saturday, March 16, 2024
Artists + Writers Coffee
Mar 16 @ 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, March 17, 2024
St. Patrick’s Day Celebration
Mar 17 @ 10:00 am
Jack of the Wood

Traditional Irish Music All Day! $5 cover starting at 7pm


Join us at Jack of the Wood for our annual ST. PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATION featuring traditional Irish food & drink specials and live Irish music all afternoon & evening!

COME EARLY! We’re opening at 10am to get your St. Paddy’s Party started!

FOOD SPECIALS! Classic Irish food will be served throughout the day!
*Note: our usual brunch offerings will not be served this weekend

DRINK SPECIALS! Guinness, Jameson, and green beer! Toast this feast day with your favorite Irish whiskey or draft! The libations will be flowing! SLAÍNTE!

SWAG! Festive freebies from our friends at Jameson & Guinness!

LIVE MUSIC! Our Traditional Irish Session will begin at 12pm and go until $7. No cover!

Stonehen takes the stage from 8-11pm! $5 cover starting at 7pm.

Asheville St. Patrick’s Day Treasure Hunt – Walking Team Scavenger Hunt!
Mar 17 @ 3:00 pm
Dssolvr

Guests will meet at Dssolvr (63 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville, NC 28801) and then depart with their treasure map on a walking team scavenger hunt where they will use their minds and feet to follow St. Patrick’s Day themed clues, solve puzzles, and crack codes to find and unlock the treasure chest for a grand prize!

The hunt involves walking a up to 2.0 miles in total and will take place rain or shine, so long as the weather does not become dangerous. The hunt typically takes about 60 minutes to complete.

Children under 10 years old are welcome to participate for free with the purchase of an Adult ticket.

St Patty’s Day Comedy at Asheville Pizza
Mar 17 @ 6:30 pm
Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co

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

St Patty’s Day Comedy at Asheville Pizza
Mar 17 @ 6:30 pm
Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co

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

Monday, March 18, 2024
Healing Sound Bath + Meditation
Mar 18 @ 6:30 pm
Happy Body

Join us as we embrace the arrival of spring with our Sound Bath and Meditation Workshop. Awaken your senses, align your spirit, and embrace the renewal of the season. Reserve your spot now for an evening of deep relaxation and inner harmony.

· Cacao Ceremony

· Meditation and Journaling

· Healing Sound Bath

Happy Body Biltmore Village – 25 Reed St. Suite 210 – $49pp

Tuesday, March 19, 2024
Restoring And Planting American Chestnuts Tree Planting Workshop
Mar 19 @ 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
West Asheville Edible Park

Attend this FREE Workshop

Restoring And Planting American Chestnuts

with

Bountiful Cities Community Garden Network and

The American Chestnut Foundation

Curious about American chestnuts?
Come learn how to plant and care for American chestnut seedlings as we add to a small demonstration orchard in Asheville’s city parks!
You will hear about The American Chestnut Foundation’s current strategies on how to restore this once prolific tree.
No supplies needed, just bring yourself and any questions you may have.
This workshop will be led by Jamie Van Clief, Southern Regional Coordinator with The American Chestnut Foundation.
Dark City Poet’s Society
Mar 19 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Black Mountain Library

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.

Wednesday, March 20, 2024
UNC Asheville Spring 2024 Visiting Writers Series: Natalie Baszile presents “Queen Sugar” and “We Are Each Other’s Harvest”
Mar 20 @ 7:00 pm
UNC Asheville’s Highsmith Union

 

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.

Visiting Writers: Natalie Baszile
Mar 20 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Highsmith Student Union, Blue Ridge Room (202/203)

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.

Visiting Writers: Natalie Baszile
Mar 20 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
UNCA--Blue Ridge Room of UNC Asheville’s Highsmith Union

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

Thursday, March 21, 2024
Gardening in the Mountains presents: Building Better Monarch Garden
Mar 21 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
NC Cooperative Extension Master Gardener

Presenter Dr. Daniel Potter, Professor Emeritus, University of Kentucky will discuss
why Monarch butterflies are in peril, why their conservation matters, and the important partnerships between the Horticulture Industry and the gardening public can help to restore this beloved native butterfly to a sustainable status.

The fascinating natural history of the monarch, its spectacular long-distance migrations, and its special relationship with milkweed, as well as the best milkweed species for attracting and sustaining monarchs and native bees in gardens will be discussed in this program. Dr Daniel Potter, Professor Emeritus of Entomology at the University of Kentucky will also discuss research showing the importance of garden design, and plant placement and that cultivars of native milkweeds (“nativars”) have conservation value for gardens. Attend and learn how to prevent a garden from becoming an “ecological trap” for monarchs due to predation by invasive wasps or planting the wrong type of milkweed.

Presentation is free, and registration with Eventbrite is required.