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, July 22, 2023
Asheville Outlets Summer Sidewalk Sale
Jul 22 @ 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Asheville Outlets

JUST IN TIME for Back-to-School shopping, Asheville Outlets will host a Summer Side Walk sale on Saturday, July 22, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Over two dozen retailers will offer special sales and promotions including Crate & Barrel Outlet, Vineyard Vines Outlet, J.Crew Factory, Under Armour Factory House, and Vera Bradley Factory Outlet Store, among others.

From 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., visitors will enjoy live, old time bluegrass music performed by Marlee Merritt and Bayla Davis from the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Partnership. This day of family fun will also include free face painting for kids from 12 noon to 2:00 p.m.! For more information, visit AshevilleOutlets.com.

Atelier Maison + Co Anniversary Sale
Jul 22 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Atelier Maison

Don’t miss this exclusive sale at Atelier Maison & Co.! From July 15th to July 22nd, enjoy 30% off all items in our main studio, and an incredible 50% off in the Buyer’s Showroom. If you’re looking for even bigger bargains, head to our Warehouse for unparallelled deals. Upgrade your living space with our unique and sustainable furniture, accessories, and exclusive line of eco-friendly pieces. At Atelier Maison & Co., we’re committed to helping you create a happier, healthier home with our selection of green, envy-worthy items.
This sale excludes local art. Discounts are on lowest marked price. All sales final.

Roundtable Session for Women Entrepreneurs
Jul 22 @ 10:00 am
Downtown Asheville

In a collaborative and supportive environment, each attendee will have a chance in the hot seat where all the brainpower at the table is focused on solving your problem, issue, or question.
At our Roundtables, women entrepreneurs gather to deal with real issues. Let’s face it, entrepreneurship has its ups and downs, with very specific challenges. It’s so refreshing to brainstorm with others who get that.
Imagine being able to tap into the knowledge of women with a variety of skill sets, talents, and backgrounds! So whether you need a sounding board for your ideas or some advice on marketing, these sessions will help you tremendously.
Come join other women with vision and energy and let’s work on making your dream a success.
Tickets and more information available at plrconnectevents.com/event-tickets

Artisan Markets at Nantahala Outdoor Center
Jul 22 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Nantahala Outdoor Center, NOC Outfitter's Store

market-on-the-river-bank

From the regional crafters to local guide artisans, set up on the river banks of the Nantahala. Come and meet these vendors and more on the second Saturday of every month, May – September.

If you are interested in joining us as a vendor, please fill out your information here: https://forms.gle/BgqQQpY4XSGqtH6f6

Sunday, July 23, 2023
Asheville Merchandise Guide
Jul 23 all-day
online

Asheville Merchandise Guide

All the wearable merch in Asheville in one place.

We love a souvenir T-shirt

So much so that we were inspired to create this guide, first published in May 2023. We’ll be updating it a few times a year, and we encourage you to check in with the businesses listed in the guide about availability. Often merch sells out quickly or is a limited edition. 

While these items aren’t strictly secondhand, we love supporting local businesses and know firsthand how lovely it is to hold on to a memory of a special place you visited on a trip. 

If you know of some merch we’re missing or have feedback or questions, fill out the form below to let us know! 

Tuesday, July 25, 2023
MEGA Business After Hours
Jul 25 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Elks Lodge
AYPROS July Pub Club at The Draftsman Bar + Lounge
Jul 25 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
The Draftsman Bar + Lounge

Join us for our July Pub Club at The Draftsman Bar + Lounge Asheville on July 25th at 5:30 PM. It’s the perfect opportunity to socialize, unwind, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of one of Asheville’s newest hotspots.

Pub Club is our monthly casual happy hour, designed to bring young professionals like yourself together in a relaxed and enjoyable setting and explore one of Asheville’s many bars and restaurants. As a special treat, your first drink on us! It’s our way of saying thank you for being part of AYPROS.

The Draftsman Bar + Lounge Asheville, located at The Restoration Hotel, provides the perfect backdrop for an evening of connection and camaraderie. They’ve got Golden Tee, Buck Hunter, Pinball Machines and Skee Ball! Whether you’re new to Asheville, a recent returnee, or a lifelong local, you’re sure to meet like-minded professionals and forge valuable relationships.

To keep your taste buds satisfied, The Draftsman kitchen will be serving up a delectable selection of food throughout the event, including vegetarian options. You won’t have to worry about going hungry while you mingle and make new friends! Menu is here

So mark your calendar and get ready for an evening filled with laughter, good times, and the opportunity to expand your friendships. We kindly ask that you RSVP, as it helps us ensure that their staff and kitchen are fully prepared to make this a memorable experience for everyone.

Upcoming Pub Clubs:

8/22 Pub Club: The Easy Tiki Bar

9/26 Pub Club: Mudpuppies Sports & Sushi Bar

New Member Onboarding:

Psst! Are you interested in joining AYPROS and taking your involvement to the next level? We invite you to attend our New Member Onboarding at 5:00 p.m., just before Pub Club begins. It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn more about our community, initiatives, crews and how we support our city by making it a better place for young professionals to live, work and play. It’s also the final step in completing your membership initiation. Be sure to RSVP to secure your spot!

Thanks for registering and we are looking forward to seeing you!

Note: Please drink responsibly 🚫🍻 and arrange for a safe and sober means of transportation. 🚗💨

AYPROS IS POWERED BY FIRST BANK .

AYPROS is committed to providing accessible and inclusive programming for all members of our community. For questions about accessibility, requests for accommodations, or to inform about dietary restrictions, please contact [email protected] at least 48 hours in advance of the event.

Wednesday, July 26, 2023
Empower Hour
Jul 26 @ 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Henderson County EMS Center
Celebrate the women in your life with women-centric networking. Athena of Henderson County presents this unique and informal networking opportunity designed to inspire and connect women. No entrance fee – just bring your business cards and enjoy expanding your network!
Join us this month at the Henderson County EMS Center with host, Kathy Morgan, 2021 Athena Recipient and first female Henderson County Rescue Squad Chief. Along with networking, we’ll have the chance to tour this facility and learn about the services and support the Henderson County Emergency Medical Services provides throughout our community!
2023 Empower Hours are Presented by Beverly-Hanks & Associates – Ali Thomas.
Thursday, July 27, 2023
Asheville Merchandise Guide
Jul 27 all-day
online

Asheville Merchandise Guide

All the wearable merch in Asheville in one place.

We love a souvenir T-shirt

So much so that we were inspired to create this guide, first published in May 2023. We’ll be updating it a few times a year, and we encourage you to check in with the businesses listed in the guide about availability. Often merch sells out quickly or is a limited edition. 

While these items aren’t strictly secondhand, we love supporting local businesses and know firsthand how lovely it is to hold on to a memory of a special place you visited on a trip. 

If you know of some merch we’re missing or have feedback or questions, fill out the form below to let us know! 

Friday, July 28, 2023
Asheville Merchandise Guide
Jul 28 all-day
online

Asheville Merchandise Guide

All the wearable merch in Asheville in one place.

We love a souvenir T-shirt

So much so that we were inspired to create this guide, first published in May 2023. We’ll be updating it a few times a year, and we encourage you to check in with the businesses listed in the guide about availability. Often merch sells out quickly or is a limited edition. 

While these items aren’t strictly secondhand, we love supporting local businesses and know firsthand how lovely it is to hold on to a memory of a special place you visited on a trip. 

If you know of some merch we’re missing or have feedback or questions, fill out the form below to let us know! 

Seminar Series: HR Best Practices CANCELLED
Jul 28 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Henderson County Chamber of Commerce
Employers today face many new, and newly enforced, workplace challenges. This presentation will help employers navigate the employment relationship.
The Hiring Process – Stop Problems Before they Begin
Employee Handbooks – Stop Creating Unnecessary Headaches for Yourself
At-Will Employment – Stop Making It Complicated
Wage and Hour Basics – Stop Making Compliance Mistakes
Our speaker:
Stephen Williamson, Attorney, The Van Winkle Law Firm
Stephen Williamson is a principal at The Van Winkle Law Firm where he specializes in assisting employers with employment issues and disputes before a multitude of regulatory agencies and in both state and federal court. He is known for helping employers resolve workplace conflicts and avoid litigation and for providing a vigorous defense when litigation occurs.
Saturday, July 29, 2023
Asheville Merchandise Guide
Jul 29 all-day
online

Asheville Merchandise Guide

All the wearable merch in Asheville in one place.

We love a souvenir T-shirt

So much so that we were inspired to create this guide, first published in May 2023. We’ll be updating it a few times a year, and we encourage you to check in with the businesses listed in the guide about availability. Often merch sells out quickly or is a limited edition. 

While these items aren’t strictly secondhand, we love supporting local businesses and know firsthand how lovely it is to hold on to a memory of a special place you visited on a trip. 

If you know of some merch we’re missing or have feedback or questions, fill out the form below to let us know! 

Anything Fiber Sale
Jul 29 @ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
AB Tech Conference Center

Local Cloth’s 2023 Anything Fiber Sale returns to the AB Tech Conference Center in Asheville, NC. There will be more than 40 vendors with a range of wares to sell.

Artisan Markets at Nantahala Outdoor Center
Jul 29 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Nantahala Outdoor Center, NOC Outfitter's Store

market-on-the-river-bank

From the regional crafters to local guide artisans, set up on the river banks of the Nantahala. Come and meet these vendors and more on the second Saturday of every month, May – September.

If you are interested in joining us as a vendor, please fill out your information here: https://forms.gle/BgqQQpY4XSGqtH6f6

Sunday, July 30, 2023
Asheville Merchandise Guide
Jul 30 all-day
online

Asheville Merchandise Guide

All the wearable merch in Asheville in one place.

We love a souvenir T-shirt

So much so that we were inspired to create this guide, first published in May 2023. We’ll be updating it a few times a year, and we encourage you to check in with the businesses listed in the guide about availability. Often merch sells out quickly or is a limited edition. 

While these items aren’t strictly secondhand, we love supporting local businesses and know firsthand how lovely it is to hold on to a memory of a special place you visited on a trip. 

If you know of some merch we’re missing or have feedback or questions, fill out the form below to let us know! 

Sunday Market at Rabbit Rabbit
Jul 30 @ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Rabbit Rabbit
 

Show & Tell returns to Rabbit Rabbit in for a monthly Sunday Market celebrating and supporting local + indie craft, design, and vintage. Gather with friends and family in the open air at this one-of-a-kind outdoor venue in Downtown Asheville and shop vintage clothes, housewares, handmade jewelry, ceramics, apparel and more.

Enjoy music, special activities, coffee from Bridge & Tunnel Coffee Co, beer and cocktails by AVL Brewing Co, and bites from AVL Taco.

Tuesday, August 1, 2023
Ribbon Cutting for Little Bee Woods
Aug 1 @ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Little Bee Woods
Ribbon Cutting for Little Bee Woods

Little Bee Woods is a short term rental and micro event center located in the Bee Tree Community of Swannanoa. The cottage is two bed and two bath with a great room in the middle of the house. The event will take place in a tent and on our party platform, The Sweet Spot. We are the perfect spot for a vacation, meetings, reunions, or any other special event.

 

This will be a Grand Opening for Little Bee Woods. Guests can explore the property while having tasty snacks and beverages!

Thursday, August 3, 2023
Asheville Merchandise Guide
Aug 3 all-day
online

Asheville Merchandise Guide

All the wearable merch in Asheville in one place.

We love a souvenir T-shirt

So much so that we were inspired to create this guide, first published in May 2023. We’ll be updating it a few times a year, and we encourage you to check in with the businesses listed in the guide about availability. Often merch sells out quickly or is a limited edition. 

While these items aren’t strictly secondhand, we love supporting local businesses and know firsthand how lovely it is to hold on to a memory of a special place you visited on a trip. 

If you know of some merch we’re missing or have feedback or questions, fill out the form below to let us know! 

Goodwill Business Advisory Council (BAC)
Aug 3 @ 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
A-B Tech Asheville Campus

Networking and Lunch: 11:30 a.m.
Meeting: Noon – 1 p.m.
Location: A-B Tech Asheville Campus – Mission Health/A-B Tech Conference Center, 16 Fernihurst Drive, Asheville. Garage parking is available immediately behind the conference center. Click here to view the campus map.

Topic: Why Community Partners Matter
Keynote Presentation: Dr. John Gossett,  A-B Tech President and Goodwill Board Member

We look forward to seeing all our community partners on Aug. 3. Please register to attend; space is limited.

Business After Hours
Aug 3 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Rabbit Rabbit

Come join us for Business After Hours at Rabbit Rabbit  hosted by A Look at Asheville!

Make new business connections with other Chamber members and help A Look at Asheville celebrate 20 years of business!

Friday, August 4, 2023
Asheville Merchandise Guide
Aug 4 all-day
online

Asheville Merchandise Guide

All the wearable merch in Asheville in one place.

We love a souvenir T-shirt

So much so that we were inspired to create this guide, first published in May 2023. We’ll be updating it a few times a year, and we encourage you to check in with the businesses listed in the guide about availability. Often merch sells out quickly or is a limited edition. 

While these items aren’t strictly secondhand, we love supporting local businesses and know firsthand how lovely it is to hold on to a memory of a special place you visited on a trip. 

If you know of some merch we’re missing or have feedback or questions, fill out the form below to let us know! 

‘A Cautious, Non-Technical, Introduction to AI
Aug 4 @ 11:00 am
A-B Tech Enka Campus

Online or in-print, you can’t avoid all the hype around the new AIs like ChatGPT. They are going to take over the world! But first they are going to replace lawyers, doctors, accountants, marketing departments, script writers… and on…

 

Or maybe… they are yet another tool that will help – in powerful ways – but not replace any of those groups or replace you. In fact, they are already helping in many fields and have been before all the press coverage started. But they are also getting people into trouble. And they can get you into trouble, or hurt your business results, if you don’t understand their limits and uses.

 

In this class you will learn how Large Language Models (like ChatGPT) work (and how they don’t). You will learn how they can get people into trouble so you will have a better chance to avoid that. And you will learn a few, basic, ways they can be used, after all, to help you with your small business.

 

If you can, please bring a laptop or tablet so you can setup a free ChatGPT account (if you don’t have one) and can tailor some of the class examples to your own business interests. However, a computer is not required to benefit from the class – we will be running examples and results on the projector screen as well.

 

This is not a technical class. We will not get into APIs and will only talk about the model parameters as part of showing, in a non-technical way, how the models work. We will also not debate whether they will replace all those professional groups “in a few years” because a) they won’t because they can’t by their very nature and b) we’re going to spend the class time talking about how small business owners can safely and productively use the tools today.

 

Instructor: Michael Truffa

Michael Truffa has been involved in a range of technology roles starting in the 1970s continuing on to today – doing application scripting, web & back-end programming, data science, error analytics, team management, and more. He also has a wide range of non-computer experience including roles in direct & b2b sales, as a mechanical & electrical technician in the oilfield, retail, and more that help inform his pragmatic view of how computers can, and sometimes can’t, help people do real-world jobs.

Young Professionals Industry Tour
Aug 4 @ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Spectrum Reach
Young Professionals of Henderson County offer opportunities for those under the age of 40 to meet and greet with others who work/ or live in the county.
Join us each quarter as we tour industries in our area.
During our 3rd quarter of the year, we are touring Spectrum Reach. Throughout the tour, we will have the opportunity to engage with industry experts, asking questions and seeking advice in media advertising.
Saturday, August 5, 2023
Asheville Merchandise Guide
Aug 5 all-day
online

Asheville Merchandise Guide

All the wearable merch in Asheville in one place.

We love a souvenir T-shirt

So much so that we were inspired to create this guide, first published in May 2023. We’ll be updating it a few times a year, and we encourage you to check in with the businesses listed in the guide about availability. Often merch sells out quickly or is a limited edition. 

While these items aren’t strictly secondhand, we love supporting local businesses and know firsthand how lovely it is to hold on to a memory of a special place you visited on a trip. 

If you know of some merch we’re missing or have feedback or questions, fill out the form below to let us know! 

Uncommon Market Summer Extravaganza
Aug 5 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
AB Tech Conference Center
Uncommon Market is excited to host this 2 day event! Can we say…air conditioning?!
Details:
• Antiques, art, vintage decor, jewelry, plants, candles, body care & beyond!
• FREE ADMISSION & PARKING!!
• Indoors/Outdoors – rain or shine
• Live music
• Service dogs only inside and friendly dogs are welcome outside.
• Adoptable dogs will be here with Mtn. Pet Rescue.
• Food trucks & adult beverages available!
Uncommon Market Dates @ Foundy:
September 24
October 29
Holiday Market @ Mission Health/AB Tech Conference Center
December 9 & 10
Artisan Markets at Nantahala Outdoor Center
Aug 5 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Nantahala Outdoor Center, NOC Outfitter's Store

market-on-the-river-bank

From the regional crafters to local guide artisans, set up on the river banks of the Nantahala. Come and meet these vendors and more on the second Saturday of every month, May – September.

If you are interested in joining us as a vendor, please fill out your information here: https://forms.gle/BgqQQpY4XSGqtH6f6

Sunday, August 6, 2023
Asheville Merchandise Guide
Aug 6 all-day
online

Asheville Merchandise Guide

All the wearable merch in Asheville in one place.

We love a souvenir T-shirt

So much so that we were inspired to create this guide, first published in May 2023. We’ll be updating it a few times a year, and we encourage you to check in with the businesses listed in the guide about availability. Often merch sells out quickly or is a limited edition. 

While these items aren’t strictly secondhand, we love supporting local businesses and know firsthand how lovely it is to hold on to a memory of a special place you visited on a trip. 

If you know of some merch we’re missing or have feedback or questions, fill out the form below to let us know! 

Uncommon Market Summer Extravaganza
Aug 6 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
AB Tech Conference Center
Uncommon Market is excited to host this 2 day event! Can we say…air conditioning?!
Details:
• Antiques, art, vintage decor, jewelry, plants, candles, body care & beyond!
• FREE ADMISSION & PARKING!!
• Indoors/Outdoors – rain or shine
• Live music
• Service dogs only inside and friendly dogs are welcome outside.
• Adoptable dogs will be here with Mtn. Pet Rescue.
• Food trucks & adult beverages available!
Uncommon Market Dates @ Foundy:
September 24
October 29
Holiday Market @ Mission Health/AB Tech Conference Center
December 9 & 10
Tuesday, August 8, 2023
WomanUP Workshop – Embracing Authenticity: Stories of Self-Discovery
Aug 8 @ 8:00 am – 10:30 pm
A-B Tech Conference Center
WomanUP Workshop - Embracing Authenticity: Stories of Self-Discovery

Finding our authentic professional path can take many turns, and the task of embracing our authentic selves is ever unfolding. In this WomanUP Workshop, you’ll find encouragement and inspiration in the stories from three successful, local business women: Leah Wong Ashburn (Highland Brewing Company), Sandar Leung (Manna FoodBank) and Molly Gaffney-Keebler (Spherion Staffing & Recruiting). They’ll share the twists and turns of their on-going journeys to discovering their authentic selves through life, family and career.

About our speakers:

Leah Wong Ashburn is the second-generation family owner of Highland Brewing Company and serves as President and CEO. She has served on several boards including the Asheville Chamber, Buncombe County TDA, Riverlink and A-B Tech and currently serves on the UNC Board of Visitors and the NC Brewers Guild. She is also recipient of the 2019 WomanUP Woman Executive of the Year Award.

Sandar Leung is Director of Operations at MANNA FoodBank. Prior to her role at MANNA, she served as Senior Manager of Fabrication Value Stream at Thermo Fisher Scientific where she was responsible for long-term capacity and technology strategy. She is also a Functional Board Member of the Asian Children’s Mission which advocates for the welfare and education of children in Myanmar.

Molly Gaffney-Keebler is the Spherion Staffing & Recruiting Licensed Franchisee for WNC and Tri-Cities, TN and is president of the Spherion Franchise Advisory Board. In her tenure at Spherion, she has won multiple awards including Rookie of the Year in 2017 and Franchisee of the Year in 2020. Spherion Asheville has been the fastest growing market in Spherion history.

Agenda

8:00 am               Doors Open

8:00-8:50 am       Meet and Mingle, Enjoy a Light Breakfast

8:50-10:10 am     Program

10:10-10:30 am   Q&A with Panelists

 

Breakfast provided by Everyday Gourmet:

Fresh Fruit Platter – GF, Vegan

Open Face Bagels with Cream Cheese, Smoked Salmon, Cucumber Dill Caper Relish (some will be vegetarian)

Yogurt Berry Granola Parfaits – GF, Vegetarian

Sweet Potato Hash with Peppers & Onions – GF, Vegan

Breakfast Sausage – GF

Coffee, Hot Tea, Lavender Lemonade

Wednesday, August 9, 2023
Business Morning Update
Aug 9 @ 7:45 am – 9:00 am
Elks Lodge
This monthly event is co-sponsored with Blue Ridge Community College’s Small Business Center, the City of Hendersonville Main Street program, and the Hendersonville Merchants & Business Association features several speakers on timely community events and issues affecting our business community.
This month’s program consist of guest from: TBD