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.
What do you do when you find you’re facing an insurmountable pile of unfinished creative work? An entire digital archive of ‘maybes?’
To use an Appalachian metaphor, you pan your dirt for gemstones.
This workshop explores what it means to run creative writing through an objective sieve. It provides a framework for tackling the current pile of unfinished work, as well as addressing the indefinite ‘maybes’ of tomorrow.
Learn to sift your mounds of incomplete material, develop self-editing skills, readjust your critical lens, and polish, refine, and complete your precious pieces.
Among peers and in the safety of a validating creative space, writers can anticipate the delight of creative collaboration, the usefulness of constructive feedback, and the thrill of showcasing the rarity and purity of their finest gemstones.
Saturdays from 10:30 AM – 12 PM
- On several days throughout the year, tours of the Sandburg Home are free! Advance reservations are not available for tour free days. Tickets will be available first come, first serve on the day of, from the Visitor Center/Park Store in the Sandburg Home.
- Saturday, March 23, 2024 (First Saturday of local school spring break)
- Saturday, June 15, 2024 (Sandburgs’ wedding anniversary)
- Saturday and Sunday, October 19 and 20, 2024 Weekend closest to Carl Sandburg Home NHS October 17, 1968, Anniversary)
CORE Programming
Buncombe County Parks & Recreation is proud to offer Community Outreach and Recreational Experiences (CORE) programming, which consists of free and engaging activities geared towards youth ages 5-15. CORE travels to parks and community centers around Buncombe County. The program takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.
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.
Saturdays from 10:30 AM – 12 PM
Immerse yourself with the healing vibrations of a Sound Bath!
Join your host Kristin Hillegas, for a one-hour Serenity Sound Bath and experience a deeply immersive, full-body sound and vibrational experience. A sound bath can cleanse your soul, restore your balance, surround you with peace and tranquility and stimulate healing.
Note: Please bring a yoga mat/pillow/blanket since you will be lying on the floor. Wear warm, comfortable, and flexible clothing.
The Sound Bath will take place upstairs in the Education Building. Choose your space starting at 1:00 PM, doors close promptly at 1:15 PM.
This service is being offered on a Love Offering basis.(Suggested Value $25) Donations allow us to continue to provide these immersive experiences.
Accessible parking is available in the Center for Spiritual Living Asheville upper parking lot. The entrance to the upper parking lot is off of S. Bear Creek Rd between Science of Mind Way and Sand Hill Rd.
There is a boardwalk walk-way from the upper parking lot to the building entrance.
Registration is now open for The North Carolina Writers’ Network 2024 Fall Conference. The conference will open on Friday, November 1, with a keynote address by Ron Rash, author of The Caretaker, Serena, and The World Made Straight.
The Fall Conference takes place November 1-3, 2024 at the DoubleTree Asheville in Biltmore Village. The organization’s biannual conferences are hosted in different North Carolina cities each year. The last time the conference took place in Asheville was 2019. This weekend event, designed to deepen meaningful connections among attendees, is a three-day celebration of North Carolina’s literary craft with talks, workshops, panels, and resources.
Join over 200 other writers and literature enthusiasts!
The conference welcomes attendees to experience two sides of literary craft: the evolving publishing environment for North Carolina writers, as well as craft technique that makes good writing endure through the ages. Ron Rash will be joined on the conference faculty by more than three dozen award-winning and acclaimed writers, editors, and publicists leading classes on the craft and business of writing.
Saturdays from 10:30 AM – 12 PM
Time to recalibrate our nervous systems to peace and harmony!
Join your host Kristin Hillegas, for a one-hour Serenity Sound Bath and experience a deeply immersive, full-body sound and vibrational experience. A sound bath can cleanse your soul, restore your balance, surround you with peace and tranquility and stimulate healing.
Note: Please bring a yoga mat/pillow/blanket since you will be lying on the floor. Wear warm, comfortable, and flexible clothing.
The Sound Bath will take place upstairs in the Education Building. Choose your space starting at 1:00 PM, doors close promptly at 1:15 PM.
This service is being offered on a Love Offering basis. (Retail Value $25) Donations allow us to continue to provide these immersive experiences.
*NOTE ON DIRECTIONS* Due to a bridge out on S Bear Creek Rd, you can access Center for Spiritual Living Asheville off Sand Hill Rd & Bear Creek Rd. There is access to upper parking lot from the other side of S. Bear Cr Rd.
There is a boardwalk from the upper parking lot to the building entrance.
We’ve heard your valuable feedback, and now you don’t have to hear us! Beginning May 4, 2021, the period between 8 and 10 a.m. on the first Tuesday morning of every month will be reserved for “Meditative Mornings,” a pause for quiet time in our gardens and on our trails. During this time, our working garden crew will abstain from using leaf blowers, mowers and other equipment so you can be sure to enjoy the sounds of birds and the wind in the trees.
Take advantage of half-price parking on the first Tuesday of every month and come out to the Arboretum to enjoy a Meditative Morning!
Saturdays from 10:30 AM – 12 PM
The North Carolina Writers Network and The Brandy Bar + Cocktails present
KATHY SMITH BOWERS & LEE STOCKDALE as next in their series “In the Company of Writers.”
The program offers a series of personal and conversational dialogues featuring guest writers/poets followed by an open mic forum that occurs the 2nd Wednesday of each month. These inspirational gatherings will elucidate and entertain those attending. The guest author speaks from 7-8 PM with an open mic from 8 -9 PM. The Chicago blues music of “Hollywood Johnny Cosgrove” (accompanied by Charlie Wilkinson) welcomes you, continues during intermission, and closes the evening. Sign-ups for the open are available at the entrance.
Cathy Smith Bowers, a former Poet-Laureate of North Carolina, lives in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The North Carolina Writers Network and The Brandy Bar + Cocktails present
KATHY SMITH BOWERS & LEE STOCKDALE as next in their series “In the Company of Writers”
The program offers a series of personal and conversational dialogues featuring guest writers/poets followed by an open mic forum that occurs the 2nd Wednesday of each month. These inspirational gatherings will elucidate and entertain those attending. The guest author speaks from 7-8 PM with an open mic from 8 -9 PM. The Chicago blues music of “Hollywood Johnny Cosgrove” (accompanied by Charlie Wilkinson) welcomes you, continues during intermission, and closes the evening. Sign-ups for the open are available at the entrance.
Cathy Smith Bowers, a former Poet-Laureate of North Carolina, lives in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Winter Lights is a spectacular open-air walk-through light show made from over one million lights! Located at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, North Carolina, this year’s event features favorites like the famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden, along with enchanting new details designed to delight and surprise. All prices are per vehicle. No pets allowed.
Winter Lights features live entertainment nightly and food and beverages from the Bent Creek Bistro, the Cocoa Shack and the Cocoa Cabin! Open nightly from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Saturdays from 10:30 AM – 12 PM
Winter Lights is a spectacular open-air walk-through light show made from over one million lights! Located at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, North Carolina, this year’s event features favorites like the famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden, along with enchanting new details designed to delight and surprise. All prices are per vehicle. No pets allowed.
Winter Lights features live entertainment nightly and food and beverages from the Bent Creek Bistro, the Cocoa Shack and the Cocoa Cabin! Open nightly from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Immerse yourself with the healing vibrations of a Sound Bath!
Join your host Kristin Hillegas, for a one-hour Serenity Sound Bath and experience a deeply immersive, full-body sound and vibrational experience. A sound bath can cleanse your soul, restore your balance, surround you with peace and tranquility and stimulate healing.
Note: Please bring a yoga mat/pillow/blanket since you will be lying on the floor. Wear warm, comfortable, and flexible clothing.
The Sound Bath will take place upstairs in the Education Building. Choose your space starting at 9:15 AM, doors close promptly at 9:30 AM.
This service is being offered on a Love Offering basis.(Suggested Value $25) Donations allow us to continue to provide these immersive experiences.
Accessible parking is available in the Center for Spiritual Living Asheville upper parking lot. The entrance to the upper parking lot is off of S. Bear Creek Rd between Science of Mind Way and Sand Hill Rd.
There is a boardwalk walk-way from the upper parking lot to the building entrance.
Winter Lights is a spectacular open-air walk-through light show made from over one million lights! Located at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, North Carolina, this year’s event features favorites like the famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden, along with enchanting new details designed to delight and surprise. All prices are per vehicle. No pets allowed.
Winter Lights features live entertainment nightly and food and beverages from the Bent Creek Bistro, the Cocoa Shack and the Cocoa Cabin! Open nightly from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Winter Lights is a spectacular open-air walk-through light show made from over one million lights! Located at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, North Carolina, this year’s event features favorites like the famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden, along with enchanting new details designed to delight and surprise. All prices are per vehicle. No pets allowed.
Winter Lights features live entertainment nightly and food and beverages from the Bent Creek Bistro, the Cocoa Shack and the Cocoa Cabin! Open nightly from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Winter Lights is a spectacular open-air walk-through light show made from over one million lights! Located at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, North Carolina, this year’s event features favorites like the famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden, along with enchanting new details designed to delight and surprise. All prices are per vehicle. No pets allowed.
Winter Lights features live entertainment nightly and food and beverages from the Bent Creek Bistro, the Cocoa Shack and the Cocoa Cabin! Open nightly from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Winter Lights is a spectacular open-air walk-through light show made from over one million lights! Located at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, North Carolina, this year’s event features favorites like the famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden, along with enchanting new details designed to delight and surprise. All prices are per vehicle. No pets allowed.
Winter Lights features live entertainment nightly and food and beverages from the Bent Creek Bistro, the Cocoa Shack and the Cocoa Cabin! Open nightly from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Winter Lights is a spectacular open-air walk-through light show made from over one million lights! Located at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, North Carolina, this year’s event features favorites like the famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden, along with enchanting new details designed to delight and surprise. All prices are per vehicle. No pets allowed.
Winter Lights features live entertainment nightly and food and beverages from the Bent Creek Bistro, the Cocoa Shack and the Cocoa Cabin! Open nightly from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Winter Lights is a spectacular open-air walk-through light show made from over one million lights! Located at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, North Carolina, this year’s event features favorites like the famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden, along with enchanting new details designed to delight and surprise. All prices are per vehicle. No pets allowed.
Winter Lights features live entertainment nightly and food and beverages from the Bent Creek Bistro, the Cocoa Shack and the Cocoa Cabin! Open nightly from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Saturdays from 10:30 AM – 12 PM
Winter Lights is a spectacular open-air walk-through light show made from over one million lights! Located at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, North Carolina, this year’s event features favorites like the famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden, along with enchanting new details designed to delight and surprise. All prices are per vehicle. No pets allowed.
Winter Lights features live entertainment nightly and food and beverages from the Bent Creek Bistro, the Cocoa Shack and the Cocoa Cabin! Open nightly from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Enjoy a whole day of free wellness practices and therapies at the Madison County Wellness Day, from 10 AM to 4 PM at the Prama Wellness Center, located at 161 Wellness Way, Marshall, NC 28753. This event aims to honor and support the local community in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, providing essential wellness services free of charge.
This Wellness Day will offer a variety of services designed to promote healing and recovery. Attendees can enjoy the following holistic health modalities for free:
Acupuncture
Massage Therapy
Yoga and Meditation
Counseling
Herbalism
And much more!
A free vegetarian/vegan lunch will be served.
WHERE: Prama Wellness Center and Neohumanist College of Asheville – 161 & 160 Wellness Way, Marshall N.C.
WHEN: November 24, 10 AM – 4 PM
Winter Lights is a spectacular open-air walk-through light show made from over one million lights! Located at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, North Carolina, this year’s event features favorites like the famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden, along with enchanting new details designed to delight and surprise. All prices are per vehicle. No pets allowed.
Winter Lights features live entertainment nightly and food and beverages from the Bent Creek Bistro, the Cocoa Shack and the Cocoa Cabin! Open nightly from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Winter Lights is a spectacular open-air walk-through light show made from over one million lights! Located at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, North Carolina, this year’s event features favorites like the famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden, along with enchanting new details designed to delight and surprise. All prices are per vehicle. No pets allowed.
Winter Lights features live entertainment nightly and food and beverages from the Bent Creek Bistro, the Cocoa Shack and the Cocoa Cabin! Open nightly from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.