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.

Sunday, May 19, 2024
Beginner friendly Tree ID walk
May 19 @ 10:00 am
Bent Creek Community Park
Spring Tree ID workshop and Walk.png
Participation is limited! Reserve your place today!
 
Our workshop leader, john johnson, aka johnthetreehugger, is an assistant research forester and an amateur naturalist. He is a self-proclaimed “almost expert” in Appalachian tree and spring ephemeral wildflower identification and eastern forest ecology. 
 
john was active in the grassroots radical environmental movement of the 1990s and co-founded Dogwood Alliance along with Danna Smith and activists from across the southeast. He’s an activist, anti-capitalist, and a committed antiracist. 

 

He has co-led the annual Spring wildflower hikes at Sequatchie Valley Institute for 25 years, a crucial part of his ecological education. john‘s education in forestry and research over the last 15 years has deepened his knowledge and connection to the Appalachian forests of the Cumberland Plateau and the Blue Ridge Mountains. 
Monday, May 20, 2024
Catalyst for Change: Volunteer for a Buncombe County Committee
May 20 all-day
online w /Buncombe County

Your voice matters, help shape a brighter tomorrow by joining one of our committees.

Early Childhood Committee:

The Early Childhood Education and Development Fund is a major driver in assuring every child in Buncombe County has an equal opportunity to thrive during their first 2,000 days. The focus of this initiative is to increase access to quality, affordable early childhood education. As such, Buncombe County’s Early Childhood Committee, featuring 15 total members including 3 County Commissioners, was established to guide how the fund is invested. The purpose of the committee is to engage with community partners, solicit public input, and make policy and funding recommendations to the Board of Commissioners. This committee typically meets monthly, on the 1st Tuesdays from 1:00 to 2:30 pm.

We have multiple vacancies on this committee for a 2-year term beginning 7/1/2024. We are seeking:

  • one (1) business community or economic development professional
  • one (1) funder or community investment professional
  • one (1) pediatrician or medical professional in service to young children
  • one (1) professor or higher education professional
  • one (1) member of the public representing the community at large

Strategic Partnership Grant Committee:

The purpose of the Committee is to make Strategic Partnership Grant investment recommendations to the Board of Commissioners for Buncombe County. Strategic Partnership Grant funding is granted to nonprofit organizations working toward outcomes in alignment with County Commissioner goals. The committee generally meets the first Thursday of every month from 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm, with special meetings as needed.

We have one vacancy on this committee for a 3-year term beginning 7/1/2024. We are seeking members that bring expertise in one or more Strategic Plan Focus Areas (education, environment, well-being, economy) and represent the diversity of the County. Applicants should not have any conflicts of interest with nonprofits applying for Strategic Partnership Grants, to include not currently serving on the Board of Directors or staff of an applicant organization.

More information about both programs is available at www.buncombecounty.org/grants.

If you have any questions about these opportunities, please contact Angelyn Johnson ([email protected]) or Sara Joss ([email protected]).

Apply online: https://boardapplications.buncombecounty.org/

DIY River + Road Cleanups
May 20 all-day
Asheville Area

Whenever you want!

 

Supplies available at

2 Sulphur Springs Road

If you need to request supplies for the same or next day, please call 828-254-1776.

Organizing a litter cleanup with your friends, neighbors, co-workers, or other community members is easier than you may think! Asheville GreenWorks provides cleanup supplies and safety information, and will coordinate trash pick up as needed. Available supplies include safety vests, gloves, trash grabbers, trash bags, and SHARPs containers (upon request).

Review the attached guides for instructions and safety information.

Need to know

Please review the attached documents and contact [email protected] with any questions. Your supplies will be available for pickup on the date you’ve requested at Asheville GreenWorks’ office at 2 Sulphur Springs Road, Asheville, NC 28806.

All cleanups should be reported using the online form and supplies should be returned after your cleanup.

The Arts for Schools Grant
May 20 all-day
online

The Arts for Schools Grant supports nonprofit arts organizations and qualified teaching artists in Buncombe County, enabling them to provide arts-focused performances, residencies, workshops, and field trips for students in K-12 public schools. Through 2027, grants will also support arts-focused afterschool programs and camps thanks to an investment from Dogwood Health Trust, which awarded $15 million in multi-year funding grants to support organizations across the region providing high-quality, evidence-based out-of-school-time (OST) programs that have a high impact on young people. Grants for in-school programs range from $500-$2,000, and grants for out-of-school programs (including afterschool and camps) range from $500-$5,000. The application cycle opens May 13 and closes June 17.

Volunteer: Grace Covenant Community Garden
May 20 all-day
YWCA of Asheville

Spring has sprung, and at the YWCA that means that our talented Nutrition team is cooking up new ways to serve fresh, in-season fruits and vegetables to the children in our Early Learning and Empowerment Child Care programs. We are so grateful to be partnering with the wonderful volunteers who operate Grace Covenant’s Community Garden to receive produce grown specifically for our kitchen! The YWCA has been partnering with Grace Covenant for three years, and we have received over 1000 pounds of healthy, local produce from the garden.

YWCA Nutrition Specialist Melinda Aponte works hard to make the most of the bounty from Grace Covenant, and she also nurtures our own YWCA garden to teach kiddos in our childcare programs healthy habits and get them in the garden. Love the idea of helping to feed children fresh, healthy foods? Volunteer with the YWCA Nutrition team this spring and summer to help out in the YW garden space.

Buncombe County Democratic Party Phone Banking
May 20 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Buncombe County Democratic Party HQ

This year’s election will be won by mobilizing voters who want to preserve our democracy and protect the rights of our citizens. Our phone bankers will be reaching out to likely supporters in your precincts who don’t vote on a regular basis. We will also be making separate calls in your precincts to recruit more volunteers for our efforts.

IF YOU HAVE A LAPTOP, PLEASE BE SURE TO BRING IT TO THE PHONE BANK. If you don’t have one, just be sure you bring your personal email login information (User ID & password) and you can use one of our Chromebooks. If you’ve canvassed or phone banked for Democrats in the past, you likely have an Action ID account, so please be sure to bring that login information as well. Of course, you will also need your cell phone.

Phone banking remains one of the best practices for winning elections and our phone banks are designed to reach those voters who rarely pick up their calls. We’ll leave a message on their voice mail, then also text them the same message. When someone does pick up their call, you’ll possibly have a lively conversation because we are targeting supporters!

Letters to the Editor + Opinion Editorials Creative Workshop
May 20 @ 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Buncombe County Democratic Party HQ

Democrats need to be more actively messaging and to overcome the makers of fake news with the truth! Join this ongoing group of writers working together on Letters to the Editor and Opinion Editorials. We’ll discuss the issues we care about most deeply and craft a plan to respond to events as they occur in real time.

The group meets the first and third Monday of each month for writing, responding to one another’s work, scheduling submissions, and exploring media outlets across the state.

“Rant with purpose. Support with facts. Propel action.” – Myra Schoen

Tuesday, May 21, 2024
Catalyst for Change: Volunteer for a Buncombe County Committee
May 21 all-day
online w /Buncombe County

Your voice matters, help shape a brighter tomorrow by joining one of our committees.

Early Childhood Committee:

The Early Childhood Education and Development Fund is a major driver in assuring every child in Buncombe County has an equal opportunity to thrive during their first 2,000 days. The focus of this initiative is to increase access to quality, affordable early childhood education. As such, Buncombe County’s Early Childhood Committee, featuring 15 total members including 3 County Commissioners, was established to guide how the fund is invested. The purpose of the committee is to engage with community partners, solicit public input, and make policy and funding recommendations to the Board of Commissioners. This committee typically meets monthly, on the 1st Tuesdays from 1:00 to 2:30 pm.

We have multiple vacancies on this committee for a 2-year term beginning 7/1/2024. We are seeking:

  • one (1) business community or economic development professional
  • one (1) funder or community investment professional
  • one (1) pediatrician or medical professional in service to young children
  • one (1) professor or higher education professional
  • one (1) member of the public representing the community at large

Strategic Partnership Grant Committee:

The purpose of the Committee is to make Strategic Partnership Grant investment recommendations to the Board of Commissioners for Buncombe County. Strategic Partnership Grant funding is granted to nonprofit organizations working toward outcomes in alignment with County Commissioner goals. The committee generally meets the first Thursday of every month from 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm, with special meetings as needed.

We have one vacancy on this committee for a 3-year term beginning 7/1/2024. We are seeking members that bring expertise in one or more Strategic Plan Focus Areas (education, environment, well-being, economy) and represent the diversity of the County. Applicants should not have any conflicts of interest with nonprofits applying for Strategic Partnership Grants, to include not currently serving on the Board of Directors or staff of an applicant organization.

More information about both programs is available at www.buncombecounty.org/grants.

If you have any questions about these opportunities, please contact Angelyn Johnson ([email protected]) or Sara Joss ([email protected]).

Apply online: https://boardapplications.buncombecounty.org/

The Arts for Schools Grant
May 21 all-day
online

The Arts for Schools Grant supports nonprofit arts organizations and qualified teaching artists in Buncombe County, enabling them to provide arts-focused performances, residencies, workshops, and field trips for students in K-12 public schools. Through 2027, grants will also support arts-focused afterschool programs and camps thanks to an investment from Dogwood Health Trust, which awarded $15 million in multi-year funding grants to support organizations across the region providing high-quality, evidence-based out-of-school-time (OST) programs that have a high impact on young people. Grants for in-school programs range from $500-$2,000, and grants for out-of-school programs (including afterschool and camps) range from $500-$5,000. The application cycle opens May 13 and closes June 17.

Sand Hill Nursery Workday
May 21 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Sand Hill Nursery at the Buncombe County Sports Park

Join us for weekly workdays in the Sand Hill native tree nursery. Tasks vary and often include repotting, weeding, mulching, and other special projects to improve infrastructure and function.

Need to know

Please come dressed in work clothes with close toed shoes. Bring water and sun protection. All other gear and supplies are provided.

SAHC Community Farm Volunteer Work Day
May 21 @ 10:30 am – 1:00 pm
SAHC Community Farm

Join us for a public volunteer workday at the SAHC Community Farm, nestled in the pastoral community of Alexander, North Carolina. As the splendor of spring unfolds, we invite you to roll up your sleeves and help us to steward our beautiful farm.

We welcome volunteers of all ages and backgrounds to join us for a day of camaraderie, purposeful work, and connection with nature. Our public volunteer workday offers a hands-on opportunity to engage with the land, learn sustainable farming practices, and make a tangible impact on our local ecosystem.

Activities may include:

  1. Planting: Embrace the rhythm of the season as we sow seeds, transplant seedlings, and nurture the growth of vibrant crops that will sustain our community.
  2. Weeding and Mulching: Partner with fellow volunteers to tend to the soil, clearing away invasive species and spreading nourishing mulch to promote healthy plant growth.
  3. Trail Maintenance: Explore the beauty of our farm while contributing to its upkeep by maintaining trails, clearing debris, and enhancing accessibility for visitors.
  4. Environmental Restoration: Engage in projects aimed at restoring native habitats, protecting wildlife corridors, and fostering biodiversity within our landscape.
  5. Community Building: Forge meaningful connections with fellow volunteers as we work together towards a shared vision of environmental stewardship and community resilience.

No prior experience is necessary – just bring your enthusiasm, a willingness to learn, and a spirit of collaboration. Gloves, tools, will be provided.

Energy Efficiency Among Buncombe County Breweries
May 21 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Wicked Weed Fuckatorium

Buncombe County has partnered with other organizations in the region in a study that looks at energy efficiency among one of the area’s most notable industries.

The Asheville-Buncombe Sustainable Microbrewery Initiative provides valuable findings regarding the local brewery industry and how beer-making operations can be made more energy-efficient.

This initiative, a project of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Advance Program, is a collaboration between the Asheville-Buncombe Air Quality Agency, UNC Asheville, Land of Sky Waste Reduction Partners, EPA Region 4, and four local microbreweries: Cellarest Beer Project, Hi-Wire Brewing, River Arts District Brewing, and Wicked Weed Brewing. The Advance Program supports states, tribes, and local governments that want to take proactive steps to keep their air clean by promoting local actions to reduce air pollution.

The research project was led by Ava Ingle, an Environmental Studies student at UNC Asheville, who used the Energy Star checklist from the EPA to analyze the potential impact that energy efficiency improvements would bring to craft breweries.

After evaluating the historical energy consumption of these breweries and determining energy efficiency opportunities, the study found that the most potential savings were in refrigeration and steam generation systems. The study found that reducing energy consumption can result in reduced fossil fuel emissions as well as potential energy bill savings for breweries.

With these energy-efficiency suggestions, 309,336 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions could be avoided each year and the breweries could save a combined $25,827 in utility costs a year.

Potential savings highlighted in the study for each brewery per year on average include:

  • 69,084 kWh of electricity
  • 5,248 Therms of natural gas

This study, and the voluntary participation of these four breweries, show a commitment to sustainability in the region. While breweries in the region are important to the region’s economy, they potentially employ energy-intensive processes that require high fossil fuel consumption.

“Discovering energy efficiency opportunities within Asheville’s craft brewing industry allowed the determination of potential environmental and economic impacts of energy efficiency improvements made within a brewery,” the study stated.

In the future, it is recommended that breweries continue to identify opportunities to save energy as part of a constant improvement mindset and that other breweries that want to prioritize energy efficiency use the Energy Star Treasure Hunt tool and consider taking the Energy Star Challenge by pledging to reduce their energy intensity by 10% within 5 years. Companies that meet the goal can submit data and receive additional recognition from the US EPA.

Asheville-Buncombe Air Quality Agency and partners would like to thank the four breweries for their participation and commitment and encourage other breweries to look at their operations to find changes they can make to be more energy-efficient. UNC Asheville and Asheville-Buncombe Air Quality Agency are interested in continuing this work advancing sustainable breweries as part of an annual summer internship.

A reception to recognize the four participating breweries will be held on May 21 at 6 p.m. during Asheville Beer Week, with support from the Asheville Brewers Alliance, Big Mountain Impact, Blue Horizons Project, Duke Energy, Sugar Hollow Solar, and Wicked Weed Brewing.

This is a free event, and all are welcome. Please RSVP here by May 12 to attend and receive a free drink ticket and hors d’oeuvres.

Shine On: The Illuminating World of Fireflies
May 21 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Black Mountain Library

Fireflies are known for their magnificent flashes that fill our summer nights with magic. Come join WCU firefly expert Sara Rivera in learning all about these fabulous bioluminescent beetles. How do they glow, and are there any that don’t glow? How do they help with medical research? What special kinds can we find in our own backyards? The world of fireflies is full of trickery, romance, and awe, so join us as we illuminate the mysteries of these amazing insects! Join firefly expert Sara Rivera with THEM in STEM for a fascinating look at our native fireflies.

Fun for all ages. Sponsored by the Friends of the Black Mountain Library.

Wednesday, May 22, 2024
Catalyst for Change: Volunteer for a Buncombe County Committee
May 22 all-day
online w /Buncombe County

Your voice matters, help shape a brighter tomorrow by joining one of our committees.

Early Childhood Committee:

The Early Childhood Education and Development Fund is a major driver in assuring every child in Buncombe County has an equal opportunity to thrive during their first 2,000 days. The focus of this initiative is to increase access to quality, affordable early childhood education. As such, Buncombe County’s Early Childhood Committee, featuring 15 total members including 3 County Commissioners, was established to guide how the fund is invested. The purpose of the committee is to engage with community partners, solicit public input, and make policy and funding recommendations to the Board of Commissioners. This committee typically meets monthly, on the 1st Tuesdays from 1:00 to 2:30 pm.

We have multiple vacancies on this committee for a 2-year term beginning 7/1/2024. We are seeking:

  • one (1) business community or economic development professional
  • one (1) funder or community investment professional
  • one (1) pediatrician or medical professional in service to young children
  • one (1) professor or higher education professional
  • one (1) member of the public representing the community at large

Strategic Partnership Grant Committee:

The purpose of the Committee is to make Strategic Partnership Grant investment recommendations to the Board of Commissioners for Buncombe County. Strategic Partnership Grant funding is granted to nonprofit organizations working toward outcomes in alignment with County Commissioner goals. The committee generally meets the first Thursday of every month from 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm, with special meetings as needed.

We have one vacancy on this committee for a 3-year term beginning 7/1/2024. We are seeking members that bring expertise in one or more Strategic Plan Focus Areas (education, environment, well-being, economy) and represent the diversity of the County. Applicants should not have any conflicts of interest with nonprofits applying for Strategic Partnership Grants, to include not currently serving on the Board of Directors or staff of an applicant organization.

More information about both programs is available at www.buncombecounty.org/grants.

If you have any questions about these opportunities, please contact Angelyn Johnson ([email protected]) or Sara Joss ([email protected]).

Apply online: https://boardapplications.buncombecounty.org/

DIY River + Road Cleanups
May 22 all-day
Asheville Area

Whenever you want!

 

Supplies available at

2 Sulphur Springs Road

If you need to request supplies for the same or next day, please call 828-254-1776.

Organizing a litter cleanup with your friends, neighbors, co-workers, or other community members is easier than you may think! Asheville GreenWorks provides cleanup supplies and safety information, and will coordinate trash pick up as needed. Available supplies include safety vests, gloves, trash grabbers, trash bags, and SHARPs containers (upon request).

Review the attached guides for instructions and safety information.

Need to know

Please review the attached documents and contact [email protected] with any questions. Your supplies will be available for pickup on the date you’ve requested at Asheville GreenWorks’ office at 2 Sulphur Springs Road, Asheville, NC 28806.

All cleanups should be reported using the online form and supplies should be returned after your cleanup.

LEAF SUMMER CAMPS registration open
May 22 – May 21 all-day
LEAF Global Arts

LEAF Schools & Streets invites your students to join us at LEAF Global Arts for summer camps, which run June 17-August 23 at 19 Eagle Street downtown. Registration is open!

Most camps are for rising first-graders through rising sixth-graders, with the addition of the ‘Making a Music Video’ and ‘Songwriting and Recording’ camps for middleschoolers and highschoolers.

SUMMER CAMPS

• June 17-21 – World Dance

• June 24-28 – West African Culture: Drumming, Dance, Clothing & Food

• July 8-12 – Blues

• July 15-19 – LEAF International Haiti

• July 22-25 – Making a Music Video: Songwriting, Recording, and Film-Making*

• July 29-August 2 – Stop Motion Animation

• August 12-15 – Songwriting and Recording*

• August 19-23 – World-Changing Visual Art

*middle and high school, all others are rising 1st-6th

The Arts for Schools Grant
May 22 all-day
online

The Arts for Schools Grant supports nonprofit arts organizations and qualified teaching artists in Buncombe County, enabling them to provide arts-focused performances, residencies, workshops, and field trips for students in K-12 public schools. Through 2027, grants will also support arts-focused afterschool programs and camps thanks to an investment from Dogwood Health Trust, which awarded $15 million in multi-year funding grants to support organizations across the region providing high-quality, evidence-based out-of-school-time (OST) programs that have a high impact on young people. Grants for in-school programs range from $500-$2,000, and grants for out-of-school programs (including afterschool and camps) range from $500-$5,000. The application cycle opens May 13 and closes June 17.

Volunteer: Grace Covenant Community Garden
May 22 all-day
YWCA of Asheville

Spring has sprung, and at the YWCA that means that our talented Nutrition team is cooking up new ways to serve fresh, in-season fruits and vegetables to the children in our Early Learning and Empowerment Child Care programs. We are so grateful to be partnering with the wonderful volunteers who operate Grace Covenant’s Community Garden to receive produce grown specifically for our kitchen! The YWCA has been partnering with Grace Covenant for three years, and we have received over 1000 pounds of healthy, local produce from the garden.

YWCA Nutrition Specialist Melinda Aponte works hard to make the most of the bounty from Grace Covenant, and she also nurtures our own YWCA garden to teach kiddos in our childcare programs healthy habits and get them in the garden. Love the idea of helping to feed children fresh, healthy foods? Volunteer with the YWCA Nutrition team this spring and summer to help out in the YW garden space.

Guided Trail Walk
May 22 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
NC Arboretum

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.
Buncombe County Democratic Party Phone Banking
May 22 @ 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Buncombe County Democratic Party HQ

This year’s election will be won by mobilizing voters who want to preserve our democracy and protect the rights of our citizens. Our phone bankers will be reaching out to likely supporters in your precincts who don’t vote on a regular basis. We will also be making separate calls in your precincts to recruit more volunteers for our efforts.

IF YOU HAVE A LAPTOP, PLEASE BE SURE TO BRING IT TO THE PHONE BANK. If you don’t have one, just be sure you bring your personal email login information (User ID & password) and you can use one of our Chromebooks. If you’ve canvassed or phone banked for Democrats in the past, you likely have an Action ID account, so please be sure to bring that login information as well. Of course, you will also need your cell phone.

Phone banking remains one of the best practices for winning elections and our phone banks are designed to reach those voters who rarely pick up their calls. We’ll leave a message on their voice mail, then also text them the same message. When someone does pick up their call, you’ll possibly have a lively conversation because we are targeting supporters!

Thursday, May 23, 2024
Catalyst for Change: Volunteer for a Buncombe County Committee
May 23 all-day
online w /Buncombe County

Your voice matters, help shape a brighter tomorrow by joining one of our committees.

Early Childhood Committee:

The Early Childhood Education and Development Fund is a major driver in assuring every child in Buncombe County has an equal opportunity to thrive during their first 2,000 days. The focus of this initiative is to increase access to quality, affordable early childhood education. As such, Buncombe County’s Early Childhood Committee, featuring 15 total members including 3 County Commissioners, was established to guide how the fund is invested. The purpose of the committee is to engage with community partners, solicit public input, and make policy and funding recommendations to the Board of Commissioners. This committee typically meets monthly, on the 1st Tuesdays from 1:00 to 2:30 pm.

We have multiple vacancies on this committee for a 2-year term beginning 7/1/2024. We are seeking:

  • one (1) business community or economic development professional
  • one (1) funder or community investment professional
  • one (1) pediatrician or medical professional in service to young children
  • one (1) professor or higher education professional
  • one (1) member of the public representing the community at large

Strategic Partnership Grant Committee:

The purpose of the Committee is to make Strategic Partnership Grant investment recommendations to the Board of Commissioners for Buncombe County. Strategic Partnership Grant funding is granted to nonprofit organizations working toward outcomes in alignment with County Commissioner goals. The committee generally meets the first Thursday of every month from 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm, with special meetings as needed.

We have one vacancy on this committee for a 3-year term beginning 7/1/2024. We are seeking members that bring expertise in one or more Strategic Plan Focus Areas (education, environment, well-being, economy) and represent the diversity of the County. Applicants should not have any conflicts of interest with nonprofits applying for Strategic Partnership Grants, to include not currently serving on the Board of Directors or staff of an applicant organization.

More information about both programs is available at www.buncombecounty.org/grants.

If you have any questions about these opportunities, please contact Angelyn Johnson ([email protected]) or Sara Joss ([email protected]).

Apply online: https://boardapplications.buncombecounty.org/

LEAF SUMMER CAMPS registration open
May 23 – May 22 all-day
LEAF Global Arts

LEAF Schools & Streets invites your students to join us at LEAF Global Arts for summer camps, which run June 17-August 23 at 19 Eagle Street downtown. Registration is open!

Most camps are for rising first-graders through rising sixth-graders, with the addition of the ‘Making a Music Video’ and ‘Songwriting and Recording’ camps for middleschoolers and highschoolers.

SUMMER CAMPS

• June 17-21 – World Dance

• June 24-28 – West African Culture: Drumming, Dance, Clothing & Food

• July 8-12 – Blues

• July 15-19 – LEAF International Haiti

• July 22-25 – Making a Music Video: Songwriting, Recording, and Film-Making*

• July 29-August 2 – Stop Motion Animation

• August 12-15 – Songwriting and Recording*

• August 19-23 – World-Changing Visual Art

*middle and high school, all others are rising 1st-6th

Registration Open: Summer Camps at the Wortham Center
May 23 all-day
Diana Wortham Theatre

Imaginative kids can createexplore, and play in Summer Camps at the Wortham Center! With high-energy, low-pressure programs for rising 1st-5th grade campers, week-long camps expand minds, build life skills, and create meaningful friendships through the arts.

Register now online or by calling the Box Office at 828-257-4530. Space is limited.

A limited number of full and partial need-based scholarships are available upon application through Arts for All Kids. Families who qualify for free or reduced lunch are welcome to apply.

Questions? Email Director of Education Anna Kimmell at [email protected].

2024 Creative Arts Summer Camps

CREATIVE ARTS CAMP
Rising 1st-2nd Grades
JUNE 24-28, 2024
 • 9 a.m.-1 p.m.  

Little kids with BIG imaginations can dance, sing, act, create, and collaborate in this high-energy, low-pressure arts camp! With engaging activities rooted in creative play, kids will have so much fun expressing themselves through the arts, they won’t even notice they’re also building confidence, improving physical and emotional awareness, honing listening and focus skills, and learning to work within a group. At the end of the week, campers will celebrate what they’ve learned in an informal sharing for friends and family.

$185 in February ($205 after March 1)

PERFORMING ARTS CAMP
Rising 1st-2nd Grades

JULY 15-19, 2024 • 9 a.m.-1 p.m.  

In this week-long, half-day summer arts camp, students will have fun exploring the fundamentals of acting, music, and movement. Through engaging activities rooted in creative play, kids will make friends, explore the performing arts, discover new tools for expression, and share what they’ve learned in a short performance presented at the end of the week for friends and family.

$185 in February ($205 after March 1)


CREATIVE ARTS CAMP
Rising 3rd-5th Grades

JULY 8-12, 2024 • 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Kids will have fun exercising their imaginations in this week-long camp exploring the creative arts! With daily activities in acting, dance, music, design, technical theatre, and more, this high-energy, low-pressure camp builds life skills, confidence, and friendships through the arts. Kids will leave feeling empowered to take creative risks on stage and off.

$290 in February ($310 after March 1)


PERFORMING ARTS CAMPS
Rising 3rd-5th Grades

JULY 22-26, 2024 • 9 a.m.-3 p.m.  

Kids can connect with other creative thinkers as they write, develop, and perform in their own original show! With an emphasis on self-expression, collaboration, and the creative process, kids will have fun exploring daily activities in acting, movement, creative writing, and improvisation in a low-pressure, supportive environment. At the end of the week, young artists will share their newfound skills in an informal performance for family and friends. No prior performing arts experience is necessary, only an open mind.

$290 in February ($310 after March 1)

The Arts for Schools Grant
May 23 all-day
online

The Arts for Schools Grant supports nonprofit arts organizations and qualified teaching artists in Buncombe County, enabling them to provide arts-focused performances, residencies, workshops, and field trips for students in K-12 public schools. Through 2027, grants will also support arts-focused afterschool programs and camps thanks to an investment from Dogwood Health Trust, which awarded $15 million in multi-year funding grants to support organizations across the region providing high-quality, evidence-based out-of-school-time (OST) programs that have a high impact on young people. Grants for in-school programs range from $500-$2,000, and grants for out-of-school programs (including afterschool and camps) range from $500-$5,000. The application cycle opens May 13 and closes June 17.

Friday, May 24, 2024
DIY River + Road Cleanups
May 24 all-day
Asheville Area

Whenever you want!

 

Supplies available at

2 Sulphur Springs Road

If you need to request supplies for the same or next day, please call 828-254-1776.

Organizing a litter cleanup with your friends, neighbors, co-workers, or other community members is easier than you may think! Asheville GreenWorks provides cleanup supplies and safety information, and will coordinate trash pick up as needed. Available supplies include safety vests, gloves, trash grabbers, trash bags, and SHARPs containers (upon request).

Review the attached guides for instructions and safety information.

Need to know

Please review the attached documents and contact [email protected] with any questions. Your supplies will be available for pickup on the date you’ve requested at Asheville GreenWorks’ office at 2 Sulphur Springs Road, Asheville, NC 28806.

All cleanups should be reported using the online form and supplies should be returned after your cleanup.

LEAF SUMMER CAMPS registration open
May 24 – May 23 all-day
LEAF Global Arts

LEAF Schools & Streets invites your students to join us at LEAF Global Arts for summer camps, which run June 17-August 23 at 19 Eagle Street downtown. Registration is open!

Most camps are for rising first-graders through rising sixth-graders, with the addition of the ‘Making a Music Video’ and ‘Songwriting and Recording’ camps for middleschoolers and highschoolers.

SUMMER CAMPS

• June 17-21 – World Dance

• June 24-28 – West African Culture: Drumming, Dance, Clothing & Food

• July 8-12 – Blues

• July 15-19 – LEAF International Haiti

• July 22-25 – Making a Music Video: Songwriting, Recording, and Film-Making*

• July 29-August 2 – Stop Motion Animation

• August 12-15 – Songwriting and Recording*

• August 19-23 – World-Changing Visual Art

*middle and high school, all others are rising 1st-6th

Registration Open: Fall 2024-Spring 2025 Asheville Junior Theater – School of Dance
May 24 all-day
Asheville Junior Theater

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!

Registration Open: Summer Camps at the Wortham Center
May 24 all-day
Diana Wortham Theatre

Imaginative kids can createexplore, and play in Summer Camps at the Wortham Center! With high-energy, low-pressure programs for rising 1st-5th grade campers, week-long camps expand minds, build life skills, and create meaningful friendships through the arts.

Register now online or by calling the Box Office at 828-257-4530. Space is limited.

A limited number of full and partial need-based scholarships are available upon application through Arts for All Kids. Families who qualify for free or reduced lunch are welcome to apply.

Questions? Email Director of Education Anna Kimmell at [email protected].

2024 Creative Arts Summer Camps

CREATIVE ARTS CAMP
Rising 1st-2nd Grades
JUNE 24-28, 2024
 • 9 a.m.-1 p.m.  

Little kids with BIG imaginations can dance, sing, act, create, and collaborate in this high-energy, low-pressure arts camp! With engaging activities rooted in creative play, kids will have so much fun expressing themselves through the arts, they won’t even notice they’re also building confidence, improving physical and emotional awareness, honing listening and focus skills, and learning to work within a group. At the end of the week, campers will celebrate what they’ve learned in an informal sharing for friends and family.

$185 in February ($205 after March 1)

PERFORMING ARTS CAMP
Rising 1st-2nd Grades

JULY 15-19, 2024 • 9 a.m.-1 p.m.  

In this week-long, half-day summer arts camp, students will have fun exploring the fundamentals of acting, music, and movement. Through engaging activities rooted in creative play, kids will make friends, explore the performing arts, discover new tools for expression, and share what they’ve learned in a short performance presented at the end of the week for friends and family.

$185 in February ($205 after March 1)


CREATIVE ARTS CAMP
Rising 3rd-5th Grades

JULY 8-12, 2024 • 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Kids will have fun exercising their imaginations in this week-long camp exploring the creative arts! With daily activities in acting, dance, music, design, technical theatre, and more, this high-energy, low-pressure camp builds life skills, confidence, and friendships through the arts. Kids will leave feeling empowered to take creative risks on stage and off.

$290 in February ($310 after March 1)


PERFORMING ARTS CAMPS
Rising 3rd-5th Grades

JULY 22-26, 2024 • 9 a.m.-3 p.m.  

Kids can connect with other creative thinkers as they write, develop, and perform in their own original show! With an emphasis on self-expression, collaboration, and the creative process, kids will have fun exploring daily activities in acting, movement, creative writing, and improvisation in a low-pressure, supportive environment. At the end of the week, young artists will share their newfound skills in an informal performance for family and friends. No prior performing arts experience is necessary, only an open mind.

$290 in February ($310 after March 1)

The Arts for Schools Grant
May 24 all-day
online

The Arts for Schools Grant supports nonprofit arts organizations and qualified teaching artists in Buncombe County, enabling them to provide arts-focused performances, residencies, workshops, and field trips for students in K-12 public schools. Through 2027, grants will also support arts-focused afterschool programs and camps thanks to an investment from Dogwood Health Trust, which awarded $15 million in multi-year funding grants to support organizations across the region providing high-quality, evidence-based out-of-school-time (OST) programs that have a high impact on young people. Grants for in-school programs range from $500-$2,000, and grants for out-of-school programs (including afterschool and camps) range from $500-$5,000. The application cycle opens May 13 and closes June 17.

Volunteer: Grace Covenant Community Garden
May 24 all-day
YWCA of Asheville

Spring has sprung, and at the YWCA that means that our talented Nutrition team is cooking up new ways to serve fresh, in-season fruits and vegetables to the children in our Early Learning and Empowerment Child Care programs. We are so grateful to be partnering with the wonderful volunteers who operate Grace Covenant’s Community Garden to receive produce grown specifically for our kitchen! The YWCA has been partnering with Grace Covenant for three years, and we have received over 1000 pounds of healthy, local produce from the garden.

YWCA Nutrition Specialist Melinda Aponte works hard to make the most of the bounty from Grace Covenant, and she also nurtures our own YWCA garden to teach kiddos in our childcare programs healthy habits and get them in the garden. Love the idea of helping to feed children fresh, healthy foods? Volunteer with the YWCA Nutrition team this spring and summer to help out in the YW garden space.