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.
Many things make a good neighborhood: sidewalks, shady trees and manageable car traffic come to mind. But most of all, it’s the people who take time to know each other, who care about the health, safety and rights of their neighbors, who help and look out for children, elders and others in need. These are the neighbors who show they care by maintaining their homes, gardens and public spaces, who participate and are connected to organizations that focus on neighborhoods.
And these are the extraordinary people the City of Asheville wants to honor as the Neighborhood Advisory Committee seeks submissions to recognize individuals or groups who have made a difference in their neighborhood during 2019. The recipient or recipients will be recognized at an Asheville City Council meeting and be featured in the neighborhood news throughout the year.
So help us find that outstanding person or group and nominate them for Asheville’s Neighborhood Hero Award
Share with us the good work going on in your neighborhood! Nominate a deserving recipient. The deadline is Jan. 31, 2020.
“Dressing for the Occasion” offers visitors a window into the style, culture, and feel of mid-century America. The family’s clothing and accessories weave together the roles of Carl Sandburg as a prominent writer, celebrity, father, and husband. This temporary exhibit offers an exciting opportunity for the public to view objects that are normally in storage or in the possession of Sandburg family members. Tours of the Sandburg Home are offered daily from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Tickets are available first come, first served, each day from the visitor information area in the ground level of the Sandburg Home.
Nearly every room in the historically furnished house museum will be included in the exhibit. Visitors will see the characteristic scarves Carl Sandburg wore as he played his guitar and sang folk songs to entertain his family and guests, the dress Lilian Sandburg wore to meet President Lyndon B. Johnson, and many other mid-century pieces worn by the Sandburgs and their daughters. Historic photographs, paired with the clothing, will provide context.
So many amazing new comics have popped up in Asheville in the last year and we want to celebrate the best way possible, with a giant new faces showcase!!!
Join Kenny Stempien, Derek Boskovich, Marlene Thompson, Corey Smathers, Ben Atkins, Kelsey Rosen and so many more!!!
Sponsored by BRÖÖ Craft Beer Hair
Tickets $10 advance, $12 day of
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-year-new-crew-local-comedy-showcase-tickets-83489257617
“Dressing for the Occasion” offers visitors a window into the style, culture, and feel of mid-century America. The family’s clothing and accessories weave together the roles of Carl Sandburg as a prominent writer, celebrity, father, and husband. This temporary exhibit offers an exciting opportunity for the public to view objects that are normally in storage or in the possession of Sandburg family members. Tours of the Sandburg Home are offered daily from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Tickets are available first come, first served, each day from the visitor information area in the ground level of the Sandburg Home.
Nearly every room in the historically furnished house museum will be included in the exhibit. Visitors will see the characteristic scarves Carl Sandburg wore as he played his guitar and sang folk songs to entertain his family and guests, the dress Lilian Sandburg wore to meet President Lyndon B. Johnson, and many other mid-century pieces worn by the Sandburgs and their daughters. Historic photographs, paired with the clothing, will provide context.
“Dressing for the Occasion” offers visitors a window into the style, culture, and feel of mid-century America. The family’s clothing and accessories weave together the roles of Carl Sandburg as a prominent writer, celebrity, father, and husband. This temporary exhibit offers an exciting opportunity for the public to view objects that are normally in storage or in the possession of Sandburg family members. Tours of the Sandburg Home are offered daily from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Tickets are available first come, first served, each day from the visitor information area in the ground level of the Sandburg Home.
Nearly every room in the historically furnished house museum will be included in the exhibit. Visitors will see the characteristic scarves Carl Sandburg wore as he played his guitar and sang folk songs to entertain his family and guests, the dress Lilian Sandburg wore to meet President Lyndon B. Johnson, and many other mid-century pieces worn by the Sandburgs and their daughters. Historic photographs, paired with the clothing, will provide context.
Bring your current needle project and work while socializing with other like-minded crafters
9:00 am – 10:30 am
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
| Asheville Mardi Gras Parade February 23 |
 The 13th annual Asheville Mardi Gras parade will take place on February 23 in South Slope and we’re looking for parade day volunteers. The Asheville Mardi Gras parade is an all-inclusive, family friendly, full-color spectacle that is fun, entertaining, full of music, floats, dancing and celebrating. Spectators receive beads and candy and the photo opportunities are always amazing.
Details include: * About 20-25 volunteers needed for this rain or shine event. There will be 2 shifts, estimated to be from approx. 11a to 2/3p, and 2p to 5/6p.
*Setting up, manning and breaking down street barricades
*Assisting with krewe and float line up and timing as the parade begins
*Identifying parked cars that might need to be towed and checking for obstacles to smooth crowd control along the parade route.
*Coordinating with the Parade Logistics manager and city police
*Carrying 1 or 2 parade banners (Costumes optional but always encouraged!)
*Assisting with end of parade float disbursement
*Trash pick up following the parade set up and marching route. This is mostly paper trash and beads. It’s rarely more than a few bags total.
Returning barricades, cones, etc. to the post-parade collection point
Confirmed Volunteer perks include $10 gift card to Vortex Donuts & Coffee and a free beer at Catawba. Possibly more perks to come!
Email Dane if you’re interested in helping out, [email protected]
AMG is also seeking a Parade Day Logistics Manager as a PAID POSITION for Sunday, Feb. 23. Ideal person should have outdoor event coordination experience, flexibility and a good sense of humor. Duties include coordinating volunteers, ensuring cones and barricades are in place at all check points, answering any traffic/parked car/pedestrian concerns, acting as parade day primary contact for police and security and Mardi Gras leadership, coordinating compliance with City parade permit requirements, and helping ensure a timely start and finish to the parade. Candidate could plan to cover the parade route via bicycle or scooter or use walkie talkies to accomplish oversight of the .5 mile parade route. This position pays $125 for the day. More details available to any interested candidate. Email Dane if you’re interested in the position, [email protected]
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9:00 am – 10:30 am
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Asheville City Council recently approved a temporary moratorium on the approval of new hotels. To move the process forward, the City will host a community conversation on Jan. 9 titled “Impacts of Hotels: A Community Discussion.” The Urban Land Institute (ULI) of Charlotte will facilitate the conversation, and then come back on Jan. 30 to present their findings to the community.
Following the public process and analysis, City staff will provide Council with recommendations for development and approval of appropriate land use policies, strategies, tools and regulations. The public can anticipate these recommendations in the summer of 2020.
Description
Help shape the themes, content, design and route of Asheville’s first African American Heritage Trail
We use stories to make sense of the world. How will Asheville tell an inclusive story of its history?
Dina Bailey has explored that question. She’s an expert on inclusive history. Her experience includes work with the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience.
In January she’ll lead talks about Asheville’s first African American Heritage Trail. The community is invited to help shape the themes, content, design and route of the trail by participating in one of the sessions led by Bailey.
Attend one of four free community listening workshop sessions
Join one of four free community listening sessions to discuss how and what to feature on Asheville’s first African American Heritage Trail. Choose from one of the following sessions:
- Friday, January 10, 12:00 – 1:30 p.m., at Stephens-Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
- Friday, January 10, 3:00 – 4:30 p.m., at Stephens-Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
- Saturday, January 11, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m., at the Explore Asheville offices (former Allen High School, across from Berry Temple), 27 College Place, Asheville, NC 28801
Free childcare, refreshments and parking are offered at all locations.
More about this project
In addition to attending a listening session, the public is invited to complete an online survey.
The sessions and survey are part of an engagement process with community advocate Kimberly Hunter of Asheville. The trail was featured at the Creative Sector Summit kickoff at the YMI Cultural Center in May and at the African Americans in South Appalachia Conference at UNC Asheville in October. Design and construction are slated for 2020-2021.
The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) is funding the project through its Tourism Product Development Fund grant program. River Front Development Group, an African American founded nonprofit, submitted the grant application in 2018. BCTDA will maintain the trail markers as part of its Wayfinding Signage Program. For more information, visit: ashevillecvb.com/african-american-heritage-project.
Beautiful Gorges State Park near Cashiers was narrowly spared from hydroelectric projects planned to create pumped storage for use by Duke Energy. Bill Thomas, former Chair of the North Carolina Chapter of Sierra Club, is widely credited with leading the successful campaign to halt the projects. He was also essential in the creation of Dupont State Forest and the Horsepasture Scenic River. Come see his beautiful photos of the wonders in Gorges, learn how it was preserved and help us recognize a true environmental hero.
Bill will be introduced by Will Harlan, editor of Blue Ridge Outdoors, and by Dan Dewitt, author of “How Gorges was Saved” in the August edition.
Gorges State Park and Bill are also honored in the current issue of The Laurel of Asheville.
Would you like to learn more about how literacy changes our students’ lives?
Please join us for coffee and a one-hour tour of the Literacy Council.
UPCOMING TOUR DATES for 2020
Friday, January 10 – 9am | Monday, February 10 – 4pm | Friday, March 13 – 9am
Monday, April 13 – 4pm | Friday, May 8 – 9am | Monday, June 8 – 4pm
Description
Help shape the themes, content, design and route of Asheville’s first African American Heritage Trail
We use stories to make sense of the world. How will Asheville tell an inclusive story of its history?
Dina Bailey has explored that question. She’s an expert on inclusive history. Her experience includes work with the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience.
In January she’ll lead talks about Asheville’s first African American Heritage Trail. The community is invited to help shape the themes, content, design and route of the trail by participating in one of the sessions led by Bailey.
Attend one of four free community listening workshop sessions
Join one of four free community listening sessions to discuss how and what to feature on Asheville’s first African American Heritage Trail. Choose from one of the following sessions:
- Friday, January 10, 3:00 – 4:30 p.m., at Stephens-Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
- Saturday, January 11, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m., at the Explore Asheville offices (former Allen High School, across from Berry Temple), 27 College Place, Asheville, NC 28801
Free childcare, refreshments and parking are offered at all locations.
More about this project
In addition to attending a listening session, the public is invited to complete an online survey.
The sessions and survey are part of an engagement process with community advocate Kimberly Hunter of Asheville. The trail was featured at the Creative Sector Summit kickoff at the YMI Cultural Center in May and at the African Americans in South Appalachia Conference at UNC Asheville in October. Design and construction are slated for 2020-2021.
The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) is funding the project through its Tourism Product Development Fund grant program. River Front Development Group, an African American founded nonprofit, submitted the grant application in 2018. BCTDA will maintain the trail markers as part of its Wayfinding Signage Program. For more information, visit: ashevillecvb.com/african-american-heritage-project.
Help shape the themes, content, design and route of Asheville’s first African American Heritage Trail
We use stories to make sense of the world. How will Asheville tell an inclusive story of its history?
Dina Bailey has explored that question. She’s an expert on inclusive history. Her experience includes work with the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience.
In January she’ll lead talks about Asheville’s first African American Heritage Trail. The community is invited to help shape the themes, content, design and route of the trail by participating in one of the sessions led by Bailey.
Attend one of four free community listening workshop sessions
Join one of four free community listening sessions to discuss how and what to feature on Asheville’s first African American Heritage Trail. Choose from one of the following sessions:
- Saturday, January 11, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m., at the Explore Asheville offices (former Allen High School, across from Berry Temple), 27 College Place, Asheville, NC 28801
Free childcare, refreshments and parking are offered at all locations.
More about this project
In addition to attending a listening session, the public is invited to complete an online survey.
The sessions and survey are part of an engagement process with community advocate Kimberly Hunter of Asheville. The trail was featured at the Creative Sector Summit kickoff at the YMI Cultural Center in May and at the African Americans in South Appalachia Conference at UNC Asheville in October. Design and construction are slated for 2020-2021.
The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) is funding the project through its Tourism Product Development Fund grant program. River Front Development Group, an African American founded nonprofit, submitted the grant application in 2018. BCTDA will maintain the trail markers as part of its Wayfinding Signage Program. For more information, visit: ashevillecvb.com/african-american-heritage-project.
Pack Memorial Library is hosting an oral history exhibition that explores the history of substance use and recovery in Southern Appalachia. The exhibition was created by documentary filmmaker John Kennedy who spent the past two years collecting oral histories from individuals who are currently using substances or are in recovery.
“Let Us Now Listen” will feature recorded oral histories, portraits by professional photographers, and a “living library” of peers who will be on hand to share their stories and answer questions. The exhibition is a partnership between Kennedy, Pack Memorial Library, Buncombe County Government, and Mountain Area Health Education Center.
Kennedy has collected 53 stories to date with a goal of 100 stories representing a diverse group of men and women who are active or former substance users from across Western North Carolina. These stories explore the intersections between drug use, mental health, sex work, and trauma. The collection also explores the empowerment and hope that can be found in community-based services, peer support, and treatment.
The opening for the exhibit will be Friday, January 10 from 6-8pm at Pack Memorial Library. The exhibit will be at the library for the month of January. These events are free and everyone is invited
The Vanishing Wheelchair’s performers invite friends and family to a unique “Magic, Mirth & Meaning” performance to celebrate the non-profit’s founder Ricky D. Boone’s sixtieth birthday. The family-friendly, hour-long show features story tellers, singers, jugglers. All proceeds help the non-profit The Vanishing Wheelchair, Inc.
Diagnosed with a rare bone disorder, Morgani’s Syndrome, Ricky D. Boone, local magician and magic shop owner, was never supposed to live past the age of four – on January 13 he will turn sixty. Through the years he has survived brain surgery and a heart attach from a rare virus, yet he not only has survived, but thrived. Boone’s magic shop, Magic Central, is one of the last standing brick and mortar stores in the country, he has had a successful performing business, is a motivational speaker, has been on all four major television networks, appeared on NPR, and has had a book written about his life, not to mention has won numerous awards from his performances including two Emmy awards for a story about his life on WLOS. Yet Boone admits his greatest achievement is helping people with disabilities find their passion in life through teaching them skills in the arts through his 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity The Vanishing Wheelchair, Inc.
This show marks the eighth season in which “Magic, Mirth & Meaning” has appeared on a monthly basis in Asheville. The show features numerous talents of people with disabilities and those who wish to help them. At any given show, an audience may see singing, story telling, and of course magic.
Come support and see what The Vanishing Wheelchair is all about. Tickets may be available at the door, but advanced reservations are strongly encouraged since seating is limited. Purchase tickets online at www.VanishingWheelchair.org, or contact Magic Central, 175 Weaverville Highway, Suite L, Asheville, North Carolina 28804, or call 828-645-2941.
| Asheville Mardi Gras Parade February 23 |
| The 13th annual Asheville Mardi Gras parade will take place on February 23 in South Slope and we’re looking for parade day volunteers. The Asheville Mardi Gras parade is an all-inclusive, family friendly, full-color spectacle that is fun, entertaining, full of music, floats, dancing and celebrating. Spectators receive beads and candy and the photo opportunities are always amazing.
Details include: * About 20-25 volunteers needed for this rain or shine event. There will be 2 shifts, estimated to be from approx. 11a to 2/3p, and 2p to 5/6p.
*Setting up, manning and breaking down street barricades
*Assisting with krewe and float line up and timing as the parade begins
*Identifying parked cars that might need to be towed and checking for obstacles to smooth crowd control along the parade route.
*Coordinating with the Parade Logistics manager and city police
*Carrying 1 or 2 parade banners (Costumes optional but always encouraged!)
*Assisting with end of parade float disbursement
*Trash pick up following the parade set up and marching route. This is mostly paper trash and beads. It’s rarely more than a few bags total.
Returning barricades, cones, etc. to the post-parade collection point
Confirmed Volunteer perks include $10 gift card to Vortex Donuts & Coffee and a free beer at Catawba. Possibly more perks to come!
Email Dane if you’re interested in helping out, [email protected]
AMG is also seeking a Parade Day Logistics Manager as a PAID POSITION for Sunday, Feb. 23. Ideal person should have outdoor event coordination experience, flexibility and a good sense of humor. Duties include coordinating volunteers, ensuring cones and barricades are in place at all check points, answering any traffic/parked car/pedestrian concerns, acting as parade day primary contact for police and security and Mardi Gras leadership, coordinating compliance with City parade permit requirements, and helping ensure a timely start and finish to the parade. Candidate could plan to cover the parade route via bicycle or scooter or use walkie talkies to accomplish oversight of the .5 mile parade route. This position pays $125 for the day. More details available to any interested candidate. Email Dane if you’re interested in the position, [email protected]
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Applications are due Feb. 21.
The Asheville Police Department (APD) is now inviting residents to apply for the spring semester of the Citizen’s Police Academy (CPA). Participants in this free course will learn about the daily work and operations of APD, while also giving the department an opportunity to obtain valuable feedback from the community.
The course will begin on March 5. Sessions are held each Thursday from 5:30 to 9 p.m. for 12 weeks. The course is held at the Municipal Building, 100 Court Plaza, in downtown Asheville. Dinner is provided.
The course consists of basic classroom instruction, presentations and demonstrations of topics such as criminal investigations, constitutional and criminal law, use of force, departmental structure and defensive tactics. Participants will also be given the opportunity to ride along with an officer.
Those wishing to participate must apply and be accepted. You can submit an application online at this link. Applications are due Feb. 21.
Many things make a good neighborhood: sidewalks, shady trees and manageable car traffic come to mind. But most of all, it’s the people who take time to know each other, who care about the health, safety and rights of their neighbors, who help and look out for children, elders and others in need. These are the neighbors who show they care by maintaining their homes, gardens and public spaces, who participate and are connected to organizations that focus on neighborhoods.
And these are the extraordinary people the City of Asheville wants to honor as the Neighborhood Advisory Committee seeks submissions to recognize individuals or groups who have made a difference in their neighborhood during 2019. The recipient or recipients will be recognized at an Asheville City Council meeting and be featured in the neighborhood news throughout the year.
So help us find that outstanding person or group and nominate them for Asheville’s Neighborhood Hero Award
Share with us the good work going on in your neighborhood! Nominate a deserving recipient. The deadline is Jan. 31, 2020.
Help shape the themes, content, design and route of Asheville’s first African American Heritage Trail
We use stories to make sense of the world. How will Asheville tell an inclusive story of its history?
Dina Bailey has explored that question. She’s an expert on inclusive history. Her experience includes work with the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience.
In January she’ll lead talks about Asheville’s first African American Heritage Trail. The community is invited to help shape the themes, content, design and route of the trail by participating in one of the sessions led by Bailey.
In addition to attending a listening session, the public is invited to complete an online survey.
The sessions and survey are part of an engagement process with community advocate Kimberly Hunter of Asheville. The trail was featured at the Creative Sector Summit kickoff at the YMI Cultural Center in May and at the African Americans in South Appalachia Conference at UNC Asheville in October. Design and construction are slated for 2020-2021.
The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) is funding the project through its Tourism Product Development Fund grant program. River Front Development Group, an African American founded nonprofit, submitted the grant application in 2018. BCTDA will maintain the trail markers as part of its Wayfinding Signage Program. For more information, visit: ashevillecvb.com/african-american-heritage-project.
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In Her Shoes is a program to inspire young women to be future leaders! In Her Shoes will provide an opportunity for young ladies to hear from local women that are leaders in their male dominated careers. The event includes the program, refreshments and the Furman Lady Paladins Basketball game on January 11.
In Her Shoes is a program to inspire young women to be future leaders! In Her Shoes will provide an opportunity for young ladies to hear from local women that are leaders in their male dominated careers. The event includes the program, refreshments and the Furman Lady Paladins Basketball game. Tickets are available for purchase at the GSP International Airport Box Office at Bon Secours Wellness Arena and HERE, using the password LEADER.
| Asheville Mardi Gras Parade February 23 |
| The 13th annual Asheville Mardi Gras parade will take place on February 23 in South Slope and we’re looking for parade day volunteers. The Asheville Mardi Gras parade is an all-inclusive, family friendly, full-color spectacle that is fun, entertaining, full of music, floats, dancing and celebrating. Spectators receive beads and candy and the photo opportunities are always amazing.
Details include: * About 20-25 volunteers needed for this rain or shine event. There will be 2 shifts, estimated to be from approx. 11a to 2/3p, and 2p to 5/6p.
*Setting up, manning and breaking down street barricades
*Assisting with krewe and float line up and timing as the parade begins
*Identifying parked cars that might need to be towed and checking for obstacles to smooth crowd control along the parade route.
*Coordinating with the Parade Logistics manager and city police
*Carrying 1 or 2 parade banners (Costumes optional but always encouraged!)
*Assisting with end of parade float disbursement
*Trash pick up following the parade set up and marching route. This is mostly paper trash and beads. It’s rarely more than a few bags total.
Returning barricades, cones, etc. to the post-parade collection point
Confirmed Volunteer perks include $10 gift card to Vortex Donuts & Coffee and a free beer at Catawba. Possibly more perks to come!
Email Dane if you’re interested in helping out, [email protected]
AMG is also seeking a Parade Day Logistics Manager as a PAID POSITION for Sunday, Feb. 23. Ideal person should have outdoor event coordination experience, flexibility and a good sense of humor. Duties include coordinating volunteers, ensuring cones and barricades are in place at all check points, answering any traffic/parked car/pedestrian concerns, acting as parade day primary contact for police and security and Mardi Gras leadership, coordinating compliance with City parade permit requirements, and helping ensure a timely start and finish to the parade. Candidate could plan to cover the parade route via bicycle or scooter or use walkie talkies to accomplish oversight of the .5 mile parade route. This position pays $125 for the day. More details available to any interested candidate. Email Dane if you’re interested in the position, [email protected]
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On Sunday, January 12th, 2020 1 PM – 5 PM we will gather at Penny Cup Coffee (River Arts District) for a Townsend & Roney Canvass Blitz. With a short primary season before the March 3rd primary, we need your help knocking on doors. At this canvas blitz, we will hold a canvass training followed by boots on the ground door knocking. For more information and to RSVP, use the following link: https://actionnetwork.org/events/townsend-roney-canvass-blitz
In order to get the Asheville we all deserve, we must work together. We hope you and your neighbors will join us in 2020.