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.
A playful night of storytelling, surprises, and art-inspired mischief!
When the gallery closes for the night, the stories come out to play! Join Gallery Tales founder, Kate Wargo, for a special April Fools edition of Pranks, Plots, & Playful Tales—where artwork takes on a life of its own and every story has a surprise twist.
Young writers (ages 8-13) and their family will explore the gallery, find inspiration in the artwork, and craft their own Trickster Tale—full of pranks, unexpected turns, and clever characters! Will your story pull off the ultimate trick, flip the script, or leave the audience guessing?
🎨 Art Speaks: Pick a piece of artwork—what if it’s hiding a secret, playing a joke, or telling a different story than it seems?
✍️ The Trickster’s Challenge: Start writing, but beware! A surprise storytelling twist might shake things up!
🎤 The Night Owl Mic: Share your tricky tale (if you want) in a cozy, welcoming space.
Join us for 90 minutes of creativity, fun, and storytelling shenanigans! Just remember… in a Trickster Tale, anything can happen!
✨ For young writers ages 8-13 who love a good story and a little bit of fun!
**Bring a notebook, pen/pencil, and your imagination!
www.gallerytales.com to learn more about Gallery Tales Kids Spring and Summer creative writing and visual arts series
FSI’s TEDxYouth organization has organized an upcoming TEDx conference at the NC Stage on April 1st at 6pm. Seats are first come first served! The overarching theme of the 2025 conference is “What If?
” With the theme “What If,” we invite speakers to reimagine what particular systems, or their lives could look like if they had made a different choice.
Topics for talks will range from personal to global, exploring themes in the past, present, or future. There will be a main focus on decisions and the butterfly effect, and we hope to leave audience members with a sense of possibility.
TED is a nonprofit organization devoted to ideas worth spreading. Started as a four-day conference in California 30 years ago, the organization has grown to support its mission through multiple initiatives and independently organized events. The Franklin School of Innovation’s TEDxYouthFSI chapter is the only youth chapter of TEDx in the Asheville area. This event is organized entirely by students.
Find more information at https://www.tedxyouthfsi.com/
The house opens at 5:25 PM
Seats are first come, first served. Tickets available online or $15 at the door.
This is not one to miss, these TEDxYouth events are so good!
Venture Asheville’s Business Buying and Selling Summit on Thursday, April 3rd, brings together top experts in valuations, deal structuring, negotiations, and exit strategies – so you can make informed decisions instead of costly mistakes. Here’s what you can expect:
- Keynotes from national M&A leaders, including Baird and Deb Hatley, CEO and Co-Founders of Hatley Pointe.
- Expert panels covering market trends, financing options, and deal red flags.
- Networking with buyers, sellers, brokers, and business advisors.
Hands-on workshops to help you value a business, prepare for a sale, and navigate transitions.
✔ Current business owners considering an exit or succession plan
✔ Investors & lenders interested in acquisition opportunities
✔ Franchisees & executives exploring business ownership
🎟 Limited Tickets – Secure Yours Today!
Incredible Business Networking: IBN Biz Lunch – Candler
2nd Tuesday monthly. 11:30am – 1pm, Elena’s Mexican Grill (https://www.elenasmexicangrill.com), 101 Westridge Market Pl.
Meeting Leaders:
Cindy Pike – Get Lifted Auto Sales and Repair https://www.getliftedtireandalignment.com
Cheryl Hyde – Black Mountain and Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce https://www.exploreblackmountain.com
Why Attend IBN Biz Lunches?
Free To Attend, No Dues Or Fees
No Membership Required
No Attendance Requirements
No Category Restrictions
No Exclusions – All Inclusive!
Buy Food/Drink If You Wish (Optional)
All are invited to attend and promote their business, products, and services, and meet new referral contacts. Bring a big stack of business cards / flyers and invite your business contacts to attend.
Have a Door Prize? (optional) Bring one if you like.
Incredible Business Networking – Western North Carolina is Sponsored by the following fine companies that make it possible for everyone else to attend for free!:
Mr. Rooter Plumbing WNC – https://www.mrrooter.com/asheville
One Health Direct Primary Care – https://www.onehealthdpc.com
PMI Mountain & Main Property Management – https://www.ashevillepropertymanagementinc.net
Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More – https://www.bigfrog.com/asheville
Pisgah Roofing and Restoration – https://pisgahroofingandrestoration.com
The Super Signguy https://thesupersignguy.com
Michael Freas Photography https://michaelfreas.com
Get Lifted Auto Sales and Repair – https://www.getliftedavl.com
36 Montford Avenue
Asheville, NC 28801
Work-related stress knows no difference between titles, pay grades, or how long you’ve worked in your field. By building resilience and enhancing your resources, you can overcome your stress and continue to succeed!
During this interactive and insightful workshop, you’ll gain awareness of your work stressors, learn how to build your stress threshold, and how to bounce back after stressful situations occur.
* Participants will walk away from this workshop with knowledge of their work stressors plus actionable tips for enhancing their stress resiliency and building their resources so that work stress won’t take over their career.
IBN Evening Social – A Networking Event You Won’t Want to Miss!
Date: Monday, April 14
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: 12 Bones Brewing, 2350 Hendersonville Rd., Arden (https://12bones.com/location/taproom/)
Why Should You Attend?
Free to Attend: No fees, no dues—just show up and enjoy!
No Membership or Requirements: No obligations, no restrictions—open to everyone!
Inclusive Environment: All industries and businesses are welcome.
Optional Purchases: Grab some food or a drink if you’d like!
What to Expect:
This is your opportunity to connect with local professionals, promote your business, and expand your referral network in a casual, welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, freelancer, or part of a larger company, this event is perfect for making meaningful connections.
Pro Tip: Bring plenty of business cards, flyers, or promotional materials to share with other attendees. Have a door prize to contribute? Feel free to bring one—it’s optional but always appreciated!
Don’t miss this chance to grow your business and build new relationships in the community. Invite your colleagues, friends, and business contacts to join in on the fun!
We’ll see you there!
Incredible Business Networking is Sponsored by the following fine companies that make it possible for everyone else to attend for free!:
Mr. Rooter Plumbing WNC
https://www.mrrooter.com/asheville
One Health Direct Primary Care
https://www.onehealthdpc.com
PMI Mountain & Main Property Management
https://www.ashevillepropertymanagementinc.net
Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More
Pisgah Roofing and Restoration
The Super Signguy
Michael Freas Photography
https://michaelfreas.com
Get Lifted Auto Sales and Repair
https://www.getliftedavl.com
Join us in-person at Malaprop’s or live online when NC-based author Kayla E. presents her debut graphic memoir, Precious Rubbish, in conversation with local author Tessa Fontaine.
A landmark graphic novel debut and groundbreaking work of trauma recollection told in the style of post-war children’s comics. “If an exorcism can ever be slow and quiet, then every panel I’ve finished has felt something like an exorcism. The gutters give me space to make sense of things: to connect dots and close gaps. To remember.” Kayla E.’s Precious Rubbish is an experimental graphic memoir drawn in a style that references the aesthetics of mid-century children’s comics and tells the story of a childhood shaped by maternal emotional dysregulation, rural poverty, and incest. The author’s childhood is portrayed as a collection of short-form comics and gag panels punctuated by interactive elements like paper dolls, satirical advertisements, games, and puzzles.
Join us on Tuesday, April 22nd, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the A-B Tech Conference Center for the spring WomanUP Workshop: Landing Your Message with Confidence. Led by Angie Flynn-McIver and Neela Muñoz of Ignite CSP, you’ll gain practical tools to help you communicate with clarity and purpose – whether you’re pitching a new idea, leading a team meeting, or delivering a keynote speech.
Through real-life examples, stories, and interactive moments, Angie and Neela will walk participants through a three-part process to improve presentation skills and build confidence. Attendees will learn how to craft an effective message tailored to their audience and goals, leverage nonverbal communication, and practice for meaningful results. This workshop is designed for professionals at any career stage across all industries.
Doors open at 8 a.m. for networking and a light breakfast provided by Everyday Gourmet!
Tryon Arts & Crafts School presents the 2025 Glaze Daze seminar with Mayco Colors! This 1-day event includes 3 demonstrations and student exercises in the application of Mayco glaze products. Catered lunch and breakfast from local Tryon establishments are included with your ticket. No experience necessary! Pre-registration is required to attend.
In collaboration with Verbal Purple and Our VOICE, we will be facilitating SAFE, an Anti-Human Trafficking Prevention Education Workshop for students in 6th-12th grades and their parents, informed by existing scientific evidence, that teaches on sex trafficking risk factors, recruitment dynamics, warning signs, healthy and abusive relationships, and strategies for seeking and providing help for youth. This event is open to the wider public if you are interested in attending.
The SAFE Anti-Human Trafficking Prevention Education Workshop includes sensitive content related to human trafficking and we understand this material may be distressing for some individuals. We also understand these conversations can bring up a wide variety of feelings and reactions, so reach out to Our VOICE if you need support or have concerns about the content.
Our VOICE Inc. is a non-profit crisis intervention and prevention agency that has been serving survivors of sexual violence, ages 13 through adult, in Buncombe County for over 45 years. Our VOICE also works to provide primary prevention education to stop sexual violence before it occurs.
Join us on Thursday, April 24th at 6pm at the Franklin School of Innovation!
Please help us estimate attendance by filling out this short form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc39uHDRne-m6pXlyqgKLXtrB82s1U5xYJjkW1apiSMN3lZ5w/viewform
Get ready to lace up and represent your business at the 2025 Chamber Challenge 5K! This fun, community-focused event encourages wellness and friendly competition among Asheville-area businesses. Whether you’re walking every step or racing to the finish, we know you’re up for the challenge!
Join us in person on May 2nd or participate virtually.
Important Deadlines & Details:
- Register by April 13th at midnight to receive a short-sleeve shirt with your registration!
- After April 13th, shirts will be available in limited quantities and sizes.
- Registering a large group (25+ participants)? Contact Judi Willard at [email protected] for assistance.
To stay updated—text cc5k to 828-827-5332 to receive event notifications (you can opt out anytime).
Join us for a powerful evening with Massey Campos, a nationally recognized speaker, preacher, and constitutional advocate. In this timely and engaging presentation, Massey will unpack the moral and biblical foundations of our nation, exploring how faith, liberty, and personal responsibility intersect with the U.S. Constitution.
With humor, passion, and deep conviction, Massey challenges audiences to think critically about our role as citizens and the values that make America exceptional. Whether you’re a seasoned patriot or just beginning to explore your civic responsibility, this event will inspire and equip you to stand for truth in today’s cultural climate.
Advance your marketing mind.
This is a group where marketers and entrepreneurs can share marketing insight without feeling like you’re in a work meeting.
Marketing is fun, so why do your friends’ eyes glaze over every time you start ranting about a marketing tactic? That doesn’t happen here. If you have any concerns, just ask the guy in this Meetup cover photo. We have 3.5 stars on Walmart.com – wow!
Share and gain perspectives, and resources to help your marketing.
Advance your career or business with a network of marketers.
Enjoy the fun parts of marketing, like creativity and new tools, and pretend you outsource all the boring tasks.
Located at Focus Coworking, 11 Richland St, Asheville
Learn how to make altered books and make a page for one of the volumes of Turning the Page on Helene. All supplies are provided free of charge. No previous art experience is necessary.
Turning the Page on Helene is a community-based art project that is using the transformative power of altered books to tell our communities’ stories of Hurricane Helene through the visual arts. The goal is to create a safe space for community members to share experiences of the hurricane as well as their hopes for rebuilding a better and brighter future.
Join us in this hands on class where you will make a hammered sterling silver wide band ring. One of Ignite’s talented instructors will take you through the process step by step including soldering, shaping, hammering, and finishing your ring.
These also make great wedding bands!
You’ll leave with a beautiful ring made to size in our downtown Asheville metalsmithing studio.
$120 person *All Materials Included
*Class times and avialbalility are subject to change. SIgn up in advance online to ensure your time and space.
This is a Weekly Recurring Event
Runs from May 23, 2025 to Jun 27, 2025 and happens every:
Fridays: 1:15pm – 3:30pm Timezone: EDT
Saturdays: 1:15pm – 3:30pm Timezone: EDT
Join us in this hands on class where you will make a hammered sterling silver wide band ring. One of Ignite’s talented instructors will take you through the process step by step including soldering, shaping, hammering, and finishing your ring.
These also make great wedding bands!
You’ll leave with a beautiful ring made to size in our downtown Asheville metalsmithing studio.
$120 person *All Materials Included
*Class times and avialbalility are subject to change. SIgn up in advance online to ensure your time and space.
This is a Weekly Recurring Event
Runs from May 23, 2025 to Jun 27, 2025 and happens every:
Fridays: 1:15pm – 3:30pm Timezone: EDT
Saturdays: 1:15pm – 3:30pm Timezone: EDT
Calling all young storytellers ages 8-13!
Gallery Tales is a 6-week program where kids explore various art pieces in the gallery to spark their imaginations and create incredible stories. Each week, participants will engage in interactive writing lessons, write unique tales, and gain the skills and confidence to become published authors. At the end of the program, every young writer will leave with their very own professionally published book and the opportunity to share their work and accomplishments with an audience of family and friends at a special Kids Open Mic Showcase!
Pricing Tiers:
Standard Tier: $397 (Includes all program materials, publishing, and showcase support)
Supporter Tier: $500 (Covers program materials, publishing, showcase support, and helps provide scholarships for other young writers)
Scholarship Option: Available to ensure every child has the opportunity to participate.
Limited spots are available for this unique program that celebrates art, and creativity, and inspires young writers to shine. Sign up today!
About the Gallery Tales Instructor:
Kate Wargo is a passionate educator with a decade of experience teaching in elementary classrooms. Holding a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, she brings her expertise in child development and creative learning to every program she designs. Kate is deeply committed to nurturing the whole child, blending art, writing, and community to create meaningful and transformative experiences. As an advocate for bringing the soul and love back into writing and supporting children’s mental health and well-being, she strives to create safe and inspiring spaces where they can discover their voices and shine as confident, creative storytellers.
Join us in this hands on class where you will make a hammered sterling silver wide band ring. One of Ignite’s talented instructors will take you through the process step by step including soldering, shaping, hammering, and finishing your ring.
These also make great wedding bands!
You’ll leave with a beautiful ring made to size in our downtown Asheville metalsmithing studio.
$120 person *All Materials Included
*Class times and avialbalility are subject to change. SIgn up in advance online to ensure your time and space.
This is a Weekly Recurring Event
Runs from May 23, 2025 to Jun 27, 2025 and happens every:
Fridays: 1:15pm – 3:30pm Timezone: EDT
Saturdays: 1:15pm – 3:30pm Timezone: EDT
Join us in this hands on class where you will make a hammered sterling silver wide band ring. One of Ignite’s talented instructors will take you through the process step by step including soldering, shaping, hammering, and finishing your ring.
These also make great wedding bands!
You’ll leave with a beautiful ring made to size in our downtown Asheville metalsmithing studio.
$120 person *All Materials Included
*Class times and avialbalility are subject to change. SIgn up in advance online to ensure your time and space.
This is a Weekly Recurring Event
Runs from May 23, 2025 to Jun 27, 2025 and happens every:
Fridays: 1:15pm – 3:30pm Timezone: EDT
Saturdays: 1:15pm – 3:30pm Timezone: EDT
Join us for an evening of celebration at the Chamber’s crowning event of the year! Mix and mingle with business and community leaders followed by a delicious Grove Park dinner. We’ll reflect on the past year, look to the future and honor outstanding business leaders.
Awards to be presented at the Annual Meeting:
- Excellence in Public Service Award – presented by Mission Health
- Small Business Leader of the Year – presented by HomeTrust Bank
- Family Business Award – presented by UNC Asheville
- President’s Award – presented by First Bank
- Entrepreneur of the Year Award
Doors open at 5:00 pm. Dinner and program begins at 5:45 pm.
Make plans to join us for Business After Hours on Thursday, June 5th, from 5:30- 7 p.m. at The Reserve at Gashes Creek (1120 Gashes Ridge Lane off of Charlotte Highway). This evening of networking is the perfect chance to build new connections, catch up with fellow professionals, and explore one of Asheville’s scenic residential communities.
Join us in this hands on class where you will make a hammered sterling silver wide band ring. One of Ignite’s talented instructors will take you through the process step by step including soldering, shaping, hammering, and finishing your ring.
These also make great wedding bands!
You’ll leave with a beautiful ring made to size in our downtown Asheville metalsmithing studio.
$120 person *All Materials Included
*Class times and avialbalility are subject to change. SIgn up in advance online to ensure your time and space.
This is a Weekly Recurring Event
Runs from May 23, 2025 to Jun 27, 2025 and happens every:
Fridays: 1:15pm – 3:30pm Timezone: EDT
Saturdays: 1:15pm – 3:30pm Timezone: EDT
Join us in this hands on class where you will make a hammered sterling silver wide band ring. One of Ignite’s talented instructors will take you through the process step by step including soldering, shaping, hammering, and finishing your ring.
These also make great wedding bands!
You’ll leave with a beautiful ring made to size in our downtown Asheville metalsmithing studio.
$120 person *All Materials Included
*Class times and avialbalility are subject to change. SIgn up in advance online to ensure your time and space.
This is a Weekly Recurring Event
Runs from May 23, 2025 to Jun 27, 2025 and happens every:
Fridays: 1:15pm – 3:30pm Timezone: EDT
Saturdays: 1:15pm – 3:30pm Timezone: EDT
Join us for a special Father’s Day Mug Painting event! Create a unique gift for Dad while having fun. All ages welcome. Supplies provided. Don’t miss out!
Merging art, nature and wellness! 🌺🌸🪻🌸🌺
Come join us for a creative, healing, and inspiring morning in the beautiful gardens of Asheville Salt Cave. Learn the art of flower pounding and pressed flower design from Alicia, of Passiflora Creative. Each participant will create their own set of botanical notecards. Enjoy a guided meditation and session in the healing salt cave and herbal tea sampling. Leave feeling restored and more connected to yourself and the beauty of nature.
Space is almost full register now
https://ashevillesaltcave.com/…/flower-pounding…/
School’s In for Somm-er: WSET Classes Start in June + Exclusive Discount for AVLToday readers!
Summer school just got a whole lot tastier. Whether you’re running a top-tier restaurant, managing a hospitality team, curating the perfect wine bar experience, or just interested in all things wine — knowledge matters.
MWWine School is excited to offer you the opportunity to achieve globally-recognized wine certifications in Asheville this summer. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, curious beginner, just looking for a fun way to level up your wine knowledge with friends, or interested in taking your seasoned staff to the next level these classes are for you! Sip, learn, and enjoy — and save up to 10% when you register today. Courses are hosted at Quench! Wine Bistro in Reynolds Village, in partnership with Metro Wines.
You will learn the principles of wine tasting, as well as food and wine pairing and service protocols, the key grape varieties and wine regions of the world, and more. Each class includes a diverse selection of wines of the world (12 wines for Level 1 and 40 wines for Level 2). Successful candidates receive the WSET credential, including a certificate and pin.
MWWS Asheville Course Schedule and Details:
[REGISTER BY MAY 19th FOR LEVEL 2 and MAY 23rd FOR LEVEL 1]
WSET Level 1 Award in Wines – Monday, June 9
One day class with exam
A beginner level introduction to wine suitable for those starting a wine career or pursuing an interest in wine. You’ll explore the main types and styles of wine through sight, smell, and taste, while also gaining the basic skills to describe wines accurately, and make food and wine pairings, as well as wine service and etiquette.
The WSET Level 1 Award in Wines is a suggested prerequisite for the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines course. The WSET L1 Award is a 6-hour, one day course and includes an exam with 30 multiple-choice questions to be answered in 45 minutes, printed study guide, tasting of over 10 wines, food pairing exercises, and exam fee. Successful candidates receive a certificate and lapel pin for the internationally-recognized WSET Level 1 Award in Wines.
Registration closes May 23rd. Register here: https://www.melaniewebberwine.com/product-page/wset-level-1-award-in-wines-in-asheville-june-9
WSET Level 2 Award in Wines – Sun/Mon/Sun, June 1, 2, & 8
Three day class with exam
For individuals seeking a core understanding of a wide range of wines, this qualification explores the major grape varieties of the world and the regions in which they are grown. Through a combination of tasting and theory, you’ll explore the factors that impact style and quality and learn how to describe these wines with confidence. The course includes tastings of over 30 wines.
It is intended as vocational training in product knowledge for those employed in the drinks industry. The qualification is suitable wherever a good level of product knowledge is required to underpin job skills and competencies. The WSET Level 2 Award in Wines course is also appropriate for those not employed in the drinks industry but who want a serious education in wine and wish to broaden their knowledge in a structured way. Successful candidates receive a certificate and lapel pin for the internationally-recognized WSET Level 2 Award in Wines. L2 is a pre-requisite for WSET Level 3 Award in Wines. Registration closes May 19th.
Registration is required due to limited seating.
Join us in this hands on class where you will make a hammered sterling silver wide band ring. One of Ignite’s talented instructors will take you through the process step by step including soldering, shaping, hammering, and finishing your ring.
These also make great wedding bands!
You’ll leave with a beautiful ring made to size in our downtown Asheville metalsmithing studio.
$120 person *All Materials Included
*Class times and avialbalility are subject to change. SIgn up in advance online to ensure your time and space.
This is a Weekly Recurring Event
Runs from May 23, 2025 to Jun 27, 2025 and happens every:
Fridays: 1:15pm – 3:30pm Timezone: EDT
Saturdays: 1:15pm – 3:30pm Timezone: EDT
Join us in this hands on class where you will make a hammered sterling silver wide band ring. One of Ignite’s talented instructors will take you through the process step by step including soldering, shaping, hammering, and finishing your ring.
These also make great wedding bands!
You’ll leave with a beautiful ring made to size in our downtown Asheville metalsmithing studio.
$120 person *All Materials Included
*Class times and avialbalility are subject to change. SIgn up in advance online to ensure your time and space.
This is a Weekly Recurring Event
Runs from May 23, 2025 to Jun 27, 2025 and happens every:
Fridays: 1:15pm – 3:30pm Timezone: EDT
Saturdays: 1:15pm – 3:30pm Timezone: EDT
| The Asheville Small Business Owner’s Guide to Tariffs |
| Take part in “The Asheville Small Business Owner’s Guide to Tariffs: From Impact to Action” on Tuesday, June 17th, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Mojo Coworking’s Social Hall.
Hosted in partnership with Go Local Asheville, this session features experts from the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina and the SBTDC who will share insights and practical strategies to help local businesses understand and mitigate the impact of tariffs. From essential tariff basics to actionable steps for your business, this is a chance to ask questions and get prepared. |