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.
Join the circle: the Asheville Women’s Breathwork Circle! This monthly two hour in-person event is designed exclusively for women, providing a safe and supportive space to explore the transformative power of breathwork with the strength and healing of sisterhood.
Join us where the rhythmic dance of breathing unites us in the journey of inner peace and harmony, healing, growth, and profound self-discovery.
A sanctuary for your evolution as a woman, we’ll gather in community to connect with ourselves and one another and breathe into our true nature (hello, the real you!), so that we can go on living a more joyful, happy, free life that we love.
During breathwork, you’ll release stress, quiet the chatter of your mind, increase self-awareness, and cultivate a deeper connection with yourself and others.
To maintain the intimacy of this event, space is limited to 15 women. No prior experience is necessary. Must be 18+.
Whether you’re just getting into craft beer or we’re on your brewery bucket list, a Mills River tour is for you — so we recommend you reserve a spot! Our interactive tours offer everything from hop handling to nature hikes to — what you really came for — beer sampling.
Space on each tour is limited, and reservations are strongly encouraged. Make yours below. Looking to book a private tour? Fill out the private tour form, and we’ll get it organized. See you soon!
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library impacts the pre-literacy skills and school readiness of children under the age of 5 in Buncombe County. The program mails a new, free, age-appropriate book to registered children each month until they turn five years old. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library creates a home library of up to 60 books and instills a love of books and reading from an early age. If you have any questions about the program, please send an email to [email protected].
A national panel of educators selects the Imagination Library titles, which include: The Little Engine that Could, Last Stop on Market Street, Violet the Pilot, As an Oak Tree Grows, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, Llama Llama Red Pajama, Look Out Kindergarten, here I come, and many more (take a look at all the titles).
Register your child now!
Program Launch and Expansions
Literacy Together became a Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library affiliate in November 2015 with support from the Buncombe Partnership for Children. Through this program, registered children in Buncombe County receive a free book in the mail each month. Their parents also have the opportunity to attend workshops to learn how to build their children’s early literacy skills. Parents in need of literacy assistance are encouraged to receive tutoring through Literacy Together’s adult programming.
The program served 200 children during the 2015/16 fiscal year. The program expanded to serve 400 children in July 2016, and 600 in August 2017. In July 2018, capacity increased to 1,900 thanks to a special allocation in the North Carolina state budget. We’re now serving 4,600 kids in Buncombe County.
The Goombay Festival was created in 1982 to celebrate the richness and diversity of the African diaspora and Asheville’s African American community.
The YMI Cultural Center is proud to be the host of this weekend festival attracting thousands to downtown Asheville each year. This free, family event connects community, and showcases Black culture, art, food and entertainment.
Come enjoy our most popular Asheville tour!
Duration
1 hour and 30 minutes
About
Bachelorette/Bachelor Parties are not permitted on this tour. The Fender Bender Bus is bachelorette/bachelor friendly!
Historical and hysterical, The Hey Asheville tour features outrageously entertaining tour guides, outlandish comedy skits complete with special appearances and loads of Asheville information. You’ll get to see the best of downtown Asheville and the rarely seen but stunningly beautiful Montford neighborhood, not to mention the burgeoning River Arts District! You’ve never had a ride like this. It’s like a vaudeville show on wheels!
Find out what makes Asheville so unique on LaZoom’s City Comedy Tour. It’s the perfect mix of history, comedy, and entertainment. Our guides are trained professional actors working with an original script. It’s like a theatre on wheels! The tour highlights downtown Asheville, historic neighborhoods, the South Slope, and the River Arts District.
Age Restrictions
13 and up. No exceptions.
Stops
10 minute beer & bathroom break at Green Man Brewery
What’s Included
Guided tour of Asheville on a Purple Bus
Funny actors, fun bits
Actual History about Asheville
Green Man Brewery Stop
What’s Not Included
Beer/Wine (Must be purchased from LaZoom or the Brewery Stop)
Cash! You’ll want to tip the guides for changing your life for the better.
The Event Support Grant covers qualifying City of Asheville fees for free nonprofit events held on city-owned public property, providing a competitive process for organizations to receive financial support. Grants typically range from $3,000-$10,000 but may fall outside of that range depending on the event. Proposals that increase exposure to the arts and promote a high quality of life for residents will receive special consideration. This is the second year ArtsAVL will facilitate the grant after unanimous approval from City Council. The application opens September 9 and closes October 14.
Birding: For the birdwatchers, there will be monthly bird excursions at Lake Julian Park. The birding events will occur at 8:30 a.m. on the last Saturday of every month from March through October. These events allow participants to enjoy the beautiful sights and sounds of various avian species in Buncombe county. Fun fact: Lake Julian Park is home to a successfully paired eagle couple that has raised at least 6 eaglets over the past 3 years! Admission is free. Pre-registration is required.
Eliada’s 2024 Fall Festival & Corn Maze will be open from Friday, September 20th through Sunday, October 27th on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Fridays: 3 pm – 7 pm | Saturdays: 10 am – 7 pm | Sundays: 10 am – 6 pm
Come out and bring the family, friends, and neighbors too. Come out to enjoy the following events and have a great time.
Corn Cannons
Spider Climber
Custom Corn Maze
Lawn Games
Hay Rides
Pumpkins for purchase of all shapes and sizes!
Food Trucks and so much MORE! See you there!
100% of the proceeds benefit the children at Eliada! Not only does your ticket purchase come with access to family-friendly fun, but it directly aids in the growth and success of Eliada’s kids!
Saturdays from 10:30 AM – 12 PM
Join us for a North Carolina winery tour and celebrate a date night, bachelorette party, retirement, family, or a weekend away while sampling our favorite local beverages along the way. Our standard tour includes visits to three Asheville area vineyards. With safe and reliable transportation provided, you can sit back, relax and just have fun.
Included:
- Round trip transportation*
- Three vineyard visits
- Tastings at two of your three stops. Let’s just say that the pours at the first couple of locations are generous so we like to leave the third-stop beverage choice up to you.
- Time commitment = up to 5 hours
Want to include specific vineyards on your Asheville wine tours? If you have “must-see” wineries in mind or want to craft a full day catered to your group’s interests, we’re always happy to create a custom experience. Reach out any time!
Come and experience the joy and community spirit at the Friends of the Gorge Festival in 2024! Get ready to immerse yourself in a day full of live music, delicious food, and thrilling water activities at the Nantahala Outdoor Center.
You can also explore the artisan village, engage in kids’ nature demonstrations, and take advantage of special local paddling deals.
Don’t miss the chance to celebrate the best of the Upper Nantahala and Cascade water releases with fellow paddlers and nature enthusiasts.
Come and make unforgettable memories with us!
🍁 Embrace the autumn vibes at our 1st Happy Fall Y’all Art and Framers Market in beautiful Asheville, NC! 🎨✨ Enter our pumpkin carving contest for a chance to win ‘vendor bucks’ redeemable at any booth! 🎃🛍️ Enjoy live music, delicious food, adult beverages, and more. Join the fall fun with us! 🍂🎶
September, 28th (10AM-5PM)
A-B Tech Conference Center
340 Victoria Road Asheville, NC 28801
Visit LEAF Global Arts every Saturday for an in-house cultural exchange with Adama Dembele. Experience the Ivory Coast with our Culture Keeper from the House of Djembe.
FrondFest is our epic annual community event that brings together local businesses, music, educators and families to celebrate FernLeaf and strengthen our community!
For FrondFest 2024 we will have a live DJ playing your favorite dance music, as well as face painting & temporary tattoos, a family fun polaroid photo booth, bouncy houses and obstacle courses, craft activities, family bingo tent, basketball knockout competitions and more – ALL INCLUDED in your wristband cost.
FernLeaf’s Food Truck as well as Milk & Honey and Paperhouse Pizza Food Trucks will be open with a menu sourced from local farms and vendors. A selection of local craft beer and cider (thanks to our amazing donors!) as well as plenty of non-alcoholic options will also be available for purchase. ALL PROCEEDS GO TO FERNLEAF’S GENERAL FUND! Thanks for supporting our school!
🌿FernLeaf is a K-12th grade public charter school located in Fletcher, NC. FernLeaf’s Four Fundamentals of learning include: high quality academic instruction, rich learning environments, social and emotional learning and an incredible community & culture.
NOTE: Wristbands are ONE PRICE for all ages. All people attending FrondFest require a wristband for entrance. Babies in a stroller or carrier who will not be participating in activities do not require a wristband. Thank you SO much for supporting our school and all of these local vendors!
We can’t wait to party with you!
SPECIAL ALL NERD NITE BOSS SHOW! When someone asks if you want to hear a fun fact, is your response “Heck yeah”? Congratulations, nerd! There’s an event just for you! Join us at The River Arts District Brewing Company for a night of outrageously fun facts and tasty beverages.
Nerd Nite is a monthly event held in 100+ cities around the world featuring fun-yet-informative presentations across a variety of subjects. Asheville was chosen to be the destination of the 2024 Nerd Nite Boss retreat, and so we will be hosting 20 bosses* from other Nerd Nite cities! Our September show will be a Boss-stravaganza on a Saturday night, instead of our usual Thursday show.
Featuring:
– Farming without a Farm (Von Barnes, urban farmer and boss of Nerd Nites in Kentucky)
– The Rabble Rousing Mary Dyer (Cat Aboudara, descendent of Mary Dyer and former boss of Nerd Nite DC)
– Weird and Potentially Breakable World Records (Matt Wasowski, Nerd Nite co-founder and host of Nerd Nite NYC)
– Plus very special guest EXTRA LIVES: a fully narrated, musical choose-your-own-adventure game where you are the main character.
Read full descriptions of this month’s presentations on our website, asheville.nerdnite.com
Doors 6pm, show 7pm sharp. Early arrival strongly recommended. Pre-sale tickets $10, door $15. 18+. RAD Brewing Co. 13 Mystery St, Asheville, NC 28801
Food truck, freshly brewed drinks, and free popcorn! Be there and be square!
* “Boss” is the term for the nerd who runs a Nerd Nite show. A group of Nerd Nite Bosses is called a “Well, Actually” of bosses.
The Arts Council of Henderson County presents the 65th annual Art on Main fine art / fine craft festival on September 28 & 29, 2024, 10-5pm both days, on Downtown Hendersonville, NC’s Main Street.
Art on Main is a juried and judged fine art and fine craft show which brings high quality local and regional artist vendors to Hendersonville, NC, with works in clay, fiber, glass, jewelry, metal, wood, painting, photography, and more.
Enjoy meeting the artists, and shopping for fine art and exquisite craft in Hendersonville, NC, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina. Watch live demonstrations of various artist’s creative processes while discovering Hendersonville’s charming and historic Main Street, with its own unique shops and restaurants.
Free and open to the public.
ASAP (Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project) has released a survey to learn more about how people in Western North Carolina shop for food and why they choose the food they do. The survey, part of a three-year project by ASAP’s Local Food Research Center, is for any resident of Western North Carolina over the age of 18, no matter where or how they shop for food. It can be completed online at surveymonkey.com/r/WNCFoodASAP or over the phone by calling ASAP at 828-236-1282. It should take approximately 8 to 12 minutes to complete and will be open through Oct. 31, 2024. Respondents are encouraged to share the survey widely with families, friends, and co-workers.
“By completing this survey, you are helping local farmers understand and connect with consumers,” said Amy Marion, ASAP Associate Director and lead researcher. “The challenges of our food system are constantly evolving. Improving it requires active participation from all community members. With this research we can better understand consumer values and the barriers they face, and help farmers and food producers improve communications with their customers and their communities.”
The survey is part of a three-year research project, “Connections in Direct Markets: Assessing the feedback loop between consumer values and farmers’ marketing strategies,” which will examine and improve communication and alignment between farmers and consumers in Western North Carolina. The research phase will also employ consumer focus groups, farmer interviews and case studies, and more targeted surveying. The broad consumer survey provides an update to the last consumer survey conducted by the Local Food Research Center in 2014. Results from the current research project will be shared in 2025.
ASAP founded the Local Food Research Center in 2011 to study the economic, environmental, and social impacts of localizing food systems. From its inception, ASAP’s programs and services have been grounded in research and evaluation, adjusting based on a strong feedback loop and observation of current conditions in the food system.
This project is supported in part by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under award number 2022-38640-37488 through the Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program under subaward number LS23-382. USDA is an equal opportunity employer and service provider.
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.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library impacts the pre-literacy skills and school readiness of children under the age of 5 in Buncombe County. The program mails a new, free, age-appropriate book to registered children each month until they turn five years old. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library creates a home library of up to 60 books and instills a love of books and reading from an early age. If you have any questions about the program, please send an email to [email protected].
A national panel of educators selects the Imagination Library titles, which include: The Little Engine that Could, Last Stop on Market Street, Violet the Pilot, As an Oak Tree Grows, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, Llama Llama Red Pajama, Look Out Kindergarten, here I come, and many more (take a look at all the titles).
Register your child now!
Program Launch and Expansions
Literacy Together became a Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library affiliate in November 2015 with support from the Buncombe Partnership for Children. Through this program, registered children in Buncombe County receive a free book in the mail each month. Their parents also have the opportunity to attend workshops to learn how to build their children’s early literacy skills. Parents in need of literacy assistance are encouraged to receive tutoring through Literacy Together’s adult programming.
The program served 200 children during the 2015/16 fiscal year. The program expanded to serve 400 children in July 2016, and 600 in August 2017. In July 2018, capacity increased to 1,900 thanks to a special allocation in the North Carolina state budget. We’re now serving 4,600 kids in Buncombe County.
The Goombay Festival was created in 1982 to celebrate the richness and diversity of the African diaspora and Asheville’s African American community.
The YMI Cultural Center is proud to be the host of this weekend festival attracting thousands to downtown Asheville each year. This free, family event connects community, and showcases Black culture, art, food and entertainment.
Come enjoy our most popular Asheville tour!
Duration
1 hour and 30 minutes
About
Bachelorette/Bachelor Parties are not permitted on this tour. The Fender Bender Bus is bachelorette/bachelor friendly!
Historical and hysterical, The Hey Asheville tour features outrageously entertaining tour guides, outlandish comedy skits complete with special appearances and loads of Asheville information. You’ll get to see the best of downtown Asheville and the rarely seen but stunningly beautiful Montford neighborhood, not to mention the burgeoning River Arts District! You’ve never had a ride like this. It’s like a vaudeville show on wheels!
Find out what makes Asheville so unique on LaZoom’s City Comedy Tour. It’s the perfect mix of history, comedy, and entertainment. Our guides are trained professional actors working with an original script. It’s like a theatre on wheels! The tour highlights downtown Asheville, historic neighborhoods, the South Slope, and the River Arts District.
Age Restrictions
13 and up. No exceptions.
Stops
10 minute beer & bathroom break at Green Man Brewery
What’s Included
Guided tour of Asheville on a Purple Bus
Funny actors, fun bits
Actual History about Asheville
Green Man Brewery Stop
What’s Not Included
Beer/Wine (Must be purchased from LaZoom or the Brewery Stop)
Cash! You’ll want to tip the guides for changing your life for the better.
The Event Support Grant covers qualifying City of Asheville fees for free nonprofit events held on city-owned public property, providing a competitive process for organizations to receive financial support. Grants typically range from $3,000-$10,000 but may fall outside of that range depending on the event. Proposals that increase exposure to the arts and promote a high quality of life for residents will receive special consideration. This is the second year ArtsAVL will facilitate the grant after unanimous approval from City Council. The application opens September 9 and closes October 14.
Eliada’s 2024 Fall Festival & Corn Maze will be open from Friday, September 20th through Sunday, October 27th on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Fridays: 3 pm – 7 pm | Saturdays: 10 am – 7 pm | Sundays: 10 am – 6 pm
Come out and bring the family, friends, and neighbors too. Come out to enjoy the following events and have a great time.
Corn Cannons
Spider Climber
Custom Corn Maze
Lawn Games
Hay Rides
Pumpkins for purchase of all shapes and sizes!
Food Trucks and so much MORE! See you there!
100% of the proceeds benefit the children at Eliada! Not only does your ticket purchase come with access to family-friendly fun, but it directly aids in the growth and success of Eliada’s kids!
Join us for a North Carolina winery tour and celebrate a date night, bachelorette party, retirement, family, or a weekend away while sampling our favorite local beverages along the way. Our standard tour includes visits to three Asheville area vineyards. With safe and reliable transportation provided, you can sit back, relax and just have fun.
Included:
- Round trip transportation*
- Three vineyard visits
- Tastings at two of your three stops. Let’s just say that the pours at the first couple of locations are generous so we like to leave the third-stop beverage choice up to you.
- Time commitment = up to 5 hours
Want to include specific vineyards on your Asheville wine tours? If you have “must-see” wineries in mind or want to craft a full day catered to your group’s interests, we’re always happy to create a custom experience. Reach out any time!
Jack’s Bluegrass Brunch kicks off every Sunday at 12 noon — with lively bluegrass tunes courtesy of The Jack of the Wood Bluegrass Brunch Boys from 1-3pm. Sip a Bloody Mary or Mimosa or a warm Irish coffee. Tasty brunch specials alongside our regular menu and 18 taps of rotating craft brews! Sláinte, y’all!
As the leaves begin to change color in the Autumn breeze is in the air, what better way to usher in the new season then the wonderful afternoon of music! We hope you’ll join us for September strings! Playing a selection of classical and pop favorites! The quartet is comprised of four accomplished musicians who forged their friendship while serving as members of the Blue ridge orchestra in Asheville North carolina. Originating from a shared passion for chamber and small ensemble string compositions, the quartet has diversified its repertoire to incompass both classical masterpieces and contemporary renditions of popular works, including a selection of original compositions.
Jack’s long-running Traditional Irish Music Session is the perfect way to enjoy the Celtic-influenced sounds of talented pluckers from all over WNC & further afield! Stop in to enjoy a pint or afternoon Irish coffee with the music! Sláinte!
ASAP (Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project) has released a survey to learn more about how people in Western North Carolina shop for food and why they choose the food they do. The survey, part of a three-year project by ASAP’s Local Food Research Center, is for any resident of Western North Carolina over the age of 18, no matter where or how they shop for food. It can be completed online at surveymonkey.com/r/WNCFoodASAP or over the phone by calling ASAP at 828-236-1282. It should take approximately 8 to 12 minutes to complete and will be open through Oct. 31, 2024. Respondents are encouraged to share the survey widely with families, friends, and co-workers.
“By completing this survey, you are helping local farmers understand and connect with consumers,” said Amy Marion, ASAP Associate Director and lead researcher. “The challenges of our food system are constantly evolving. Improving it requires active participation from all community members. With this research we can better understand consumer values and the barriers they face, and help farmers and food producers improve communications with their customers and their communities.”
The survey is part of a three-year research project, “Connections in Direct Markets: Assessing the feedback loop between consumer values and farmers’ marketing strategies,” which will examine and improve communication and alignment between farmers and consumers in Western North Carolina. The research phase will also employ consumer focus groups, farmer interviews and case studies, and more targeted surveying. The broad consumer survey provides an update to the last consumer survey conducted by the Local Food Research Center in 2014. Results from the current research project will be shared in 2025.
ASAP founded the Local Food Research Center in 2011 to study the economic, environmental, and social impacts of localizing food systems. From its inception, ASAP’s programs and services have been grounded in research and evaluation, adjusting based on a strong feedback loop and observation of current conditions in the food system.
This project is supported in part by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under award number 2022-38640-37488 through the Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program under subaward number LS23-382. USDA is an equal opportunity employer and service provider.
Whether you’re just getting into craft beer or we’re on your brewery bucket list, a Mills River tour is for you — so we recommend you reserve a spot! Our interactive tours offer everything from hop handling to nature hikes to — what you really came for — beer sampling.
Space on each tour is limited, and reservations are strongly encouraged. Make yours below. Looking to book a private tour? Fill out the private tour form, and we’ll get it organized. See you soon!