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.

Saturday, May 23, 2020
ASAP Farmers Markets: AB Tech’s Main Campus
May 23 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
AB Tech's Main Campus

ASAP Farmers Market map

Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to noon, beginning March 21.

The market will operate for as long as necessary, possibly expanding to other locations and days of the week as opportunity and demand allows.

Market Rules

  • No customers or vendors exhibiting symptoms may enter the market.
  • Maintain 6 feet of social distance at all times.
  • One customer at a time for each vendor table.
  • Only handle product you are purchasing. Products will be pre-packaged or bunched.
  • Children, if they must attend with adult shoppers, must be closely supervised.

Anyone failing to comply with these conditions will be directed to leave the market.

Asheville-Blue Ridge Rose Society Exhibition POSTPONED
May 23 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

 

This annual exhibition features award-winning roses of every color and size. Experts from the Asheville-Blue Ridge Rose Society will be on hand to answer questions and provide information about the selection, care, and history of roses. Educational programs will be offered throughout the weekend.

Garden Jubilee Tour
May 23 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Henderson County

A New Twist on Garden Jubilee: a county-wide tour instead of Main St crowds.
We will NOT participate as a group, but you may participate with your level of conscientious caution. (smile).

The brochure/map, that is mentioned, is the following links:
https://www.visithendersonvillenc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020-Garden-Jubilee-NurseriesOrchard-Tour.pdf
https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1oJcvwJQXxO-5pnjpIAVQQLLKn5LJEhgp&ll=35.31185148226706%2C-82.49178584999999&z=12

The Garden Jubilee 2020 Nurseries & Orchard Tour will run from May 22 – 25, Friday through Monday of Memorial Day Weekend. This year’s Garden Jubilee Nurseries & Orchard Tour will be sending the public out to the local nurseries and orchards throughout Henderson County to prevent the gathering of the usual large crowds experienced on Main Street. Gardening is one of America’s favorite pastimes and the Blue Ridge Mountains provide a healthy environment for growing a vast variety of flowers and plants.
For detailed info; Goto:
https://www.visithendersonvillenc.org/garden-jubilee

Blooms & Brews: The North Carolina Arboretum POSTPONED
May 23 @ 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Tip a glass to the plants that make your home, house – and beer – unique! The North Carolina Arboretum is excited to host its first annual “Blooms & Brews” floral and beer festival, which will be held on Saturday, May 23, and Sunday, May 24, from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.. Participants can visit various beer tasting stations, featuring botanically-influenced craft brews placed throughout the Arboretum’s gardens, create botanical wearables and attend educational programs. Visitors can also experience live floral demonstrations and exhibits, including the Asheville-Blue Ridge Rose Society’s annual Rose Show.

Admission into Blooms & Brews is free; however, standard parking fees apply to non-members. Separate beer tasting packages can be purchased on-site.

Story Time for Kids: Constance Lombardo livestream event
May 23 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
online

Constance Lombardo livestream event

Toddler – (ages 18 mos.-2 yrs.), Preschool – (ages 3-5), School Age – (grades K-5), Family – (children of all ages)

Please join author Constance Lombardo for a very special virtual program presented by Buncombe County Libraries. Ms. Lombardo will read from her new book “Everybody Says Meow” and then teach you how to draw you very own kittens! And rumor has it that some silly puppets might even make an appearance. Afterwards there will be a short Q&A session where you can ask her a question!

Storytime Live with Constance Lombardo
May 23 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
zoom

Please join author Constance Lombardo for a very special virtual program presented by Buncombe County Libraries. Ms. Lombardo will read from her new book “Everybody Says Meow” and then teach you how to draw your very own kittens! Rumor has it that some silly puppets might even make an appearance. Afterwards there will be a short Q&A session where you can ask her a question!

The program will be presented via ZOOM on Saturday, May the 23rd at 4pm.
Link: https://zoom.us/j/97333483725
Password: puffball

Sunday, May 24, 2020
12-Month, Farmer-Led Training Program Organic Growers School
May 24 all-day
 Southwestern Community College

Want to farm?

12-Month, Farmer-Led Training Program

Many skills are required to start and expand a successful farm business: passion, clear goals, production experience, financial and marketing know-how, and more. Farm Beginnings® will help you build these skills through one year of farmer-led training, mentoring, and networking. Using a holistic management frame, farmer-led classroom sessions, on-farm tours, and an extensive farmer network, Farm Beginnings® will help you clarify your goals and strengths, establish a strong enterprise plan, and start building a profitable and sustainable operation. Although students do not need to own land, some farming or production experience is required to get the most out of the program. As we know, farming is more critical than ever. Apply to this program and be prepared when crisis hits!

200+ Hours of Training


Curriculum & Schedule

Farm Beginnings® Course Schedule & Descriptions 2020-2021


Location of Winter Whole-Farm Business Planning Courses 2020-2021

The locations for the 2020-2021 class will be at the Small Business Center at We will keep our website updated if we shift to online classes.

 

GreenWorks: Plant of the Month is Sweetshrub (Calycanthus floridus)
May 24 all-day
online

Plant of the Month

Our plant of the month is Sweetshrub (Calycanthus floridus), a beautiful, native shrub that can reach 6-9 feet in height. Sweetshrub is also known as Spicebush and Carolina Allspice, due to its fragrant leaves, twigs and flowers. This beautiful shrub is a good choice for planting along stream banks that are prone to erosion. The roots help keep soil in place and the characteristics of the plant make it well suited to most soil types, as well as partial shade to full sun. Sweetshrub is in bloom right now in our area, so keep your eyes out for these stunning, sweet smelling flowers!

VOTE for The Literacy Council of Buncombe County
May 24 all-day
Online
Readers Are Leaders

Vote for us every day until May 29!

We are excited to announce that we have been selected as a finalist in the Kudzu Brands Brand New Start 10k Brand Giveaway! This means we are eligible to win a complete brand development to help our organization pivot, adjust, and succeed, but we need YOUR VOTE to win. To vote for us, simply go to www.kudzubrands.com/brand-new-start-giveaway-voting and select our business as your choice for the most deserving of this amazing opportunity. Also, you can vote for us EVERY DAY. The deadline for votes is May 29, so please VOTE and SHARE!
Asheville-Blue Ridge Rose Society Exhibition POSTPONED
May 24 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

 

This annual exhibition features award-winning roses of every color and size. Experts from the Asheville-Blue Ridge Rose Society will be on hand to answer questions and provide information about the selection, care, and history of roses. Educational programs will be offered throughout the weekend.

Garden Jubilee Tour
May 24 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Henderson County

A New Twist on Garden Jubilee: a county-wide tour instead of Main St crowds.
We will NOT participate as a group, but you may participate with your level of conscientious caution. (smile).

The brochure/map, that is mentioned, is the following links:
https://www.visithendersonvillenc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020-Garden-Jubilee-NurseriesOrchard-Tour.pdf
https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1oJcvwJQXxO-5pnjpIAVQQLLKn5LJEhgp&ll=35.31185148226706%2C-82.49178584999999&z=12

The Garden Jubilee 2020 Nurseries & Orchard Tour will run from May 22 – 25, Friday through Monday of Memorial Day Weekend. This year’s Garden Jubilee Nurseries & Orchard Tour will be sending the public out to the local nurseries and orchards throughout Henderson County to prevent the gathering of the usual large crowds experienced on Main Street. Gardening is one of America’s favorite pastimes and the Blue Ridge Mountains provide a healthy environment for growing a vast variety of flowers and plants.
For detailed info; Goto:
https://www.visithendersonvillenc.org/garden-jubilee

Blooms & Brews: The North Carolina Arboretum POSTPONED
May 24 @ 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Tip a glass to the plants that make your home, house – and beer – unique! The North Carolina Arboretum is excited to host its first annual “Blooms & Brews” floral and beer festival, which will be held on Saturday, May 23, and Sunday, May 24, from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.. Participants can visit various beer tasting stations, featuring botanically-influenced craft brews placed throughout the Arboretum’s gardens, create botanical wearables and attend educational programs. Visitors can also experience live floral demonstrations and exhibits, including the Asheville-Blue Ridge Rose Society’s annual Rose Show.

Admission into Blooms & Brews is free; however, standard parking fees apply to non-members. Separate beer tasting packages can be purchased on-site.

Monday, May 25, 2020
VOTE for The Literacy Council of Buncombe County
May 25 all-day
Online
Readers Are Leaders

Vote for us every day until May 29!

We are excited to announce that we have been selected as a finalist in the Kudzu Brands Brand New Start 10k Brand Giveaway! This means we are eligible to win a complete brand development to help our organization pivot, adjust, and succeed, but we need YOUR VOTE to win. To vote for us, simply go to www.kudzubrands.com/brand-new-start-giveaway-voting and select our business as your choice for the most deserving of this amazing opportunity. Also, you can vote for us EVERY DAY. The deadline for votes is May 29, so please VOTE and SHARE!
Garden Jubilee Tour
May 25 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Henderson County

A New Twist on Garden Jubilee: a county-wide tour instead of Main St crowds.
We will NOT participate as a group, but you may participate with your level of conscientious caution. (smile).

The brochure/map, that is mentioned, is the following links:
https://www.visithendersonvillenc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020-Garden-Jubilee-NurseriesOrchard-Tour.pdf
https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1oJcvwJQXxO-5pnjpIAVQQLLKn5LJEhgp&ll=35.31185148226706%2C-82.49178584999999&z=12

The Garden Jubilee 2020 Nurseries & Orchard Tour will run from May 22 – 25, Friday through Monday of Memorial Day Weekend. This year’s Garden Jubilee Nurseries & Orchard Tour will be sending the public out to the local nurseries and orchards throughout Henderson County to prevent the gathering of the usual large crowds experienced on Main Street. Gardening is one of America’s favorite pastimes and the Blue Ridge Mountains provide a healthy environment for growing a vast variety of flowers and plants.
For detailed info; Goto:
https://www.visithendersonvillenc.org/garden-jubilee

Tuesday, May 26, 2020
VOTE for The Literacy Council of Buncombe County
May 26 all-day
Online
Readers Are Leaders

Vote for us every day until May 29!

We are excited to announce that we have been selected as a finalist in the Kudzu Brands Brand New Start 10k Brand Giveaway! This means we are eligible to win a complete brand development to help our organization pivot, adjust, and succeed, but we need YOUR VOTE to win. To vote for us, simply go to www.kudzubrands.com/brand-new-start-giveaway-voting and select our business as your choice for the most deserving of this amazing opportunity. Also, you can vote for us EVERY DAY. The deadline for votes is May 29, so please VOTE and SHARE!
Online Kids Storytelling Workshop with Seema Reza
May 26 @ 2:00 pm – 2:30 pm
online

New registration process for online workshops!

  1. Register for any workshop (except for May 1st, children’s workshops on May 12th and 26th, and our monthly workshop with the Strathmore) by clicking here.
  2. Wait for your registration to be approved, then follow the instructions in your email.
Storytime with the Unicorn Princess
May 26 @ 3:30 pm – 3:45 pm
online

Image may contain: 1 person, outdoor

Be sure to ‘like’ and ‘follow’ Songs Sealed Delivered Party Entertainment and join us LIVE on Facebook for a FREE Storytime with our very own Uni the Unicorn Princess.

You may also schedule a private chat or Zoom Party for up to 8 kids on this day for the discounted pricing listed on our virtual services menu.

Wednesday, May 27, 2020
VOTE for The Literacy Council of Buncombe County
May 27 all-day
Online
Readers Are Leaders

Vote for us every day until May 29!

We are excited to announce that we have been selected as a finalist in the Kudzu Brands Brand New Start 10k Brand Giveaway! This means we are eligible to win a complete brand development to help our organization pivot, adjust, and succeed, but we need YOUR VOTE to win. To vote for us, simply go to www.kudzubrands.com/brand-new-start-giveaway-voting and select our business as your choice for the most deserving of this amazing opportunity. Also, you can vote for us EVERY DAY. The deadline for votes is May 29, so please VOTE and SHARE!
Thursday, May 28, 2020
VOTE for The Literacy Council of Buncombe County
May 28 all-day
Online
Readers Are Leaders

Vote for us every day until May 29!

We are excited to announce that we have been selected as a finalist in the Kudzu Brands Brand New Start 10k Brand Giveaway! This means we are eligible to win a complete brand development to help our organization pivot, adjust, and succeed, but we need YOUR VOTE to win. To vote for us, simply go to www.kudzubrands.com/brand-new-start-giveaway-voting and select our business as your choice for the most deserving of this amazing opportunity. Also, you can vote for us EVERY DAY. The deadline for votes is May 29, so please VOTE and SHARE!
ASAP Farmers Markets: AB Tech’s Main Campus
May 28 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
AB Tech's Main Campus

ASAP Farmers Market map

Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to noon, beginning March 21.

The market will operate for as long as necessary, possibly expanding to other locations and days of the week as opportunity and demand allows.

Market Rules

  • No customers or vendors exhibiting symptoms may enter the market.
  • Maintain 6 feet of social distance at all times.
  • One customer at a time for each vendor table.
  • Only handle product you are purchasing. Products will be pre-packaged or bunched.
  • Children, if they must attend with adult shoppers, must be closely supervised.

Anyone failing to comply with these conditions will be directed to leave the market.

Armchair Adventure Book Club: Untamed
May 28 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Blue Ridge Hiking Co. via Zoom
Friday, May 29, 2020
12-Month, Farmer-Led Training Program Organic Growers School
May 29 all-day
 Southwestern Community College

Want to farm?

12-Month, Farmer-Led Training Program

Many skills are required to start and expand a successful farm business: passion, clear goals, production experience, financial and marketing know-how, and more. Farm Beginnings® will help you build these skills through one year of farmer-led training, mentoring, and networking. Using a holistic management frame, farmer-led classroom sessions, on-farm tours, and an extensive farmer network, Farm Beginnings® will help you clarify your goals and strengths, establish a strong enterprise plan, and start building a profitable and sustainable operation. Although students do not need to own land, some farming or production experience is required to get the most out of the program. As we know, farming is more critical than ever. Apply to this program and be prepared when crisis hits!

200+ Hours of Training


Curriculum & Schedule

Farm Beginnings® Course Schedule & Descriptions 2020-2021


Location of Winter Whole-Farm Business Planning Courses 2020-2021

The locations for the 2020-2021 class will be at the Small Business Center at We will keep our website updated if we shift to online classes.

 

GreenWorks: Plant of the Month is Sweetshrub (Calycanthus floridus)
May 29 all-day
online

Plant of the Month

Our plant of the month is Sweetshrub (Calycanthus floridus), a beautiful, native shrub that can reach 6-9 feet in height. Sweetshrub is also known as Spicebush and Carolina Allspice, due to its fragrant leaves, twigs and flowers. This beautiful shrub is a good choice for planting along stream banks that are prone to erosion. The roots help keep soil in place and the characteristics of the plant make it well suited to most soil types, as well as partial shade to full sun. Sweetshrub is in bloom right now in our area, so keep your eyes out for these stunning, sweet smelling flowers!

VOTE for The Literacy Council of Buncombe County
May 29 all-day
Online
Readers Are Leaders

Vote for us every day until May 29!

We are excited to announce that we have been selected as a finalist in the Kudzu Brands Brand New Start 10k Brand Giveaway! This means we are eligible to win a complete brand development to help our organization pivot, adjust, and succeed, but we need YOUR VOTE to win. To vote for us, simply go to www.kudzubrands.com/brand-new-start-giveaway-voting and select our business as your choice for the most deserving of this amazing opportunity. Also, you can vote for us EVERY DAY. The deadline for votes is May 29, so please VOTE and SHARE!
Saturday, May 30, 2020
12-Month, Farmer-Led Training Program Organic Growers School
May 30 all-day
 Southwestern Community College

Want to farm?

12-Month, Farmer-Led Training Program

Many skills are required to start and expand a successful farm business: passion, clear goals, production experience, financial and marketing know-how, and more. Farm Beginnings® will help you build these skills through one year of farmer-led training, mentoring, and networking. Using a holistic management frame, farmer-led classroom sessions, on-farm tours, and an extensive farmer network, Farm Beginnings® will help you clarify your goals and strengths, establish a strong enterprise plan, and start building a profitable and sustainable operation. Although students do not need to own land, some farming or production experience is required to get the most out of the program. As we know, farming is more critical than ever. Apply to this program and be prepared when crisis hits!

200+ Hours of Training


Curriculum & Schedule

Farm Beginnings® Course Schedule & Descriptions 2020-2021


Location of Winter Whole-Farm Business Planning Courses 2020-2021

The locations for the 2020-2021 class will be at the Small Business Center at We will keep our website updated if we shift to online classes.

 

Application Open for Farm Beginnings 2020/2021
May 30 all-day
Organic growers School

 

Organic Growers School’s Farm Beginnings® Farmer Training is entering its sixth year offering a year long farmer training. Organic Growers School has graduated 61 farmers in the last 5 years and will graduate 76  by September 2020.  Farm Beginnings® is a 12-month training that uses a mix of farmer-led classroom sessions, on-farm tours, mentorship, and an extensive farmer network, tapping into the  knowledge of the most innovative & skilled farmers in Western NC. During this current pandemic, the role of farmers and how food gets to our tables has been more at the forefront of conversations. Many individuals right now are expressing interest in growing their own food and developing more self sufficiency and land based skills. If you want to farm, it has never been easy and if you want to get into farming now, it is time to do so with the right support and training on how to be adaptive and resilient, like our Farm Beginnings training.

GreenWorks: Plant of the Month is Sweetshrub (Calycanthus floridus)
May 30 all-day
online

Plant of the Month

Our plant of the month is Sweetshrub (Calycanthus floridus), a beautiful, native shrub that can reach 6-9 feet in height. Sweetshrub is also known as Spicebush and Carolina Allspice, due to its fragrant leaves, twigs and flowers. This beautiful shrub is a good choice for planting along stream banks that are prone to erosion. The roots help keep soil in place and the characteristics of the plant make it well suited to most soil types, as well as partial shade to full sun. Sweetshrub is in bloom right now in our area, so keep your eyes out for these stunning, sweet smelling flowers!

Summer Reading Program 2020: Imagine Your Story
May 30 all-day
Online

Libraries are currently closed to the public but your local librarians are working hard to provide resources and programs to keep you entertained from home.

Check out the BCPL Summer Reading Program website for virtual programs, activities you can do from home, links to get you started with e-books, e-audiobooks, and more. Be sure to keep checking back throughout the summer. We are coming up with new ideas every day!

We would love to see what you are up to this summer. Tell us about the books you’ve been reading or share pictures of the projects and activities you are doing from home! Tag Buncombe libraries on Facebook or Instagram using our hashtag #yourstorymatters. You can also email photos and stories to [email protected]. We miss you and look forward to seeing your faces and hearing your stories when we reopen. In the meantime, be safe, be kind, and keep reading!

ASAP Farmers Markets: AB Tech’s Main Campus
May 30 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
AB Tech's Main Campus

ASAP Farmers Market map

Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to noon, beginning March 21.

The market will operate for as long as necessary, possibly expanding to other locations and days of the week as opportunity and demand allows.

Market Rules

  • No customers or vendors exhibiting symptoms may enter the market.
  • Maintain 6 feet of social distance at all times.
  • One customer at a time for each vendor table.
  • Only handle product you are purchasing. Products will be pre-packaged or bunched.
  • Children, if they must attend with adult shoppers, must be closely supervised.

Anyone failing to comply with these conditions will be directed to leave the market.

Curbside Hold Pick Up Now Available at the Library
May 30 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Buncombe County Libraries

Curbside hold pickup is now available at the library. You can pick up your holds on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 1-5 p.m. at the North Asheville Library, West Asheville Library, South Buncombe/Skyland Library, and the Black Mountain Library. Park in the library parking lot, have your library card handy, and call the phone number on the sign posted at your parking space. A librarian will bring your books out to the hold table and leave them for you to pick up. Your books will be checked out to you and ready to go.

You can place holds online using the library catalog link on the library webpage. You can also call (828) 250-4700 or email [email protected] for assistance placing or transferring holds.

Bookdrops are open

All library book drops are open. You may return your materials to any library book drop.  No fines will be charged while the library is closed.

If you need a library card, email [email protected].

We look forward to seeing you at the library!

While library programs are on hold, our Children’s Librarians are hosting online storytimes for kids of all ages on all library Facebook pages and YouTube. We also have a collection of stories you can listen to anytime on our StoryLine. Just call (828) 250-KIDS (5437) and hear a story read by your favorite librarian.

Since you can’t come to us while the libraries are closed, we are bringing some of our programs to you using Facebook live and ZOOM broadcasts.

Buncombe County Public Libraries have free wifi hotspots available outside any library building. To use the wifi, look for the LibraryGuest network and use the password readmore.

While the libraries are closed, you can call Ask-A-Librarian at 828-250-4700 with any questions you may have about library materials, digital services, or reference assistance. Librarians will be staffing the phones Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. to connect you with all the resources we have available.