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.

Thursday, May 28, 2020
Urge Support for H1068 and Arts Funding During COVID-19
May 28 all-day
online

New NC Arts Funding Bill Needs Support

Joint Caucus on Arts and Arts Education Co-Chairs Rep. Becky Carney and Rep. Jeffrey Elmore are joined by Rep. Michele Presnell and Rep. Susan Fisher as primary sponsors of H1068, the new legislation that would allocate $3 million to arts organizations negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic through the NC Arts Council.
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!
Armchair Adventure Book Club: Untamed
May 28 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Blue Ridge Hiking Co. via Zoom
Online Writing Workshop with Seema Reza
May 28 @ 12:00 pm – 1:30 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.
Friday, May 29, 2020
Asheville Art Museum Summer Art Camp To Go!
May 29 all-day
online classes

Summer Art Camp To Go!

Join us for Summer Art Camp To Go! Sessions are available for K–12 students. Each weekly session includes several age-appropriate art projects using a variety of materials to engage students in an exploration of art through creativity and imagination. Enrollment is limited, and registration is required.Registration includes instructional videos for each project, art materials, and daily virtual classes. Virtual classes—beginning at 10am via Zoom—include time for inspiration, Q&A, and sharing. Streaming instructional videos and creative challenges are designed to provide hours of creative engagement at your own pace each day. All art materials necessary for each session are available for curbside pickup at the Museum the week before each session begins; if you prefer to ship materials to your home, then two weeks’ advance registration is required. Registration starts this Monday. For more information, email Sharon McRorie, education programs manager, or call 828.253.3227 x124.

Members: $85, Non-Members: $95 (additional charge for shipping materials)

Grant Opportunities for the Crafts
May 29 all-day
online
The Craft Futures Fund will fund up to $30,000 each month from May 2020 – October 2020 to support craft-based education projects. These one-time, unrestricted grants of $5,000 will be disbursed to craft-based education projects that envision and build new futures for craft.
Have You Taken Our Reopening Survey Yet? Asheville Art Museum
May 29 all-day
online
North Carolina Arts Council NEA Stimulus Fund Grants Deadline May 29
May 29 all-day
online

North Carolina Arts Council NEA Stimulus Fund Grants ( Application Deadline May 29) These federal grants are designed to help arts organizations remain operational during the pandemic crisis with an emphasis on job protection and overhead costs such as facility mortgage or rental. It is anticipated that grant amounts will range from $1,500 to $7,500, depending upon organizational budget size

Reopening Resources for the Creative Sector
May 29 all-day
online

Asheville Area Arts Council

In addition to our COVID resources page, AAAC has a new Reopening Resources page to assist the creative sector with the reopening process. We will continue to add to this page as more information becomes available.
Reopening the Arts in North Carolina Guideline
May 29 all-day
online

Last Monday, Arts NC and the North Carolina Arts Council shared a new reopening guide for the arts in NC. The purpose of this document is to provide recommendations for arts organizations as they respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and develop plans for reopening to the public. A webinar (recording above) was also held on Wednesday to go over the document and address questions.

South Arts Sustainability Grants Arts Organizations
May 29 all-day
online

In response to COVID-19, grants between $5,000 and $20,000 are available to statewide or regional arts and cultural service organizations.

Important Dates & Deadlines

  • Applications must be submitted on or before June 10, 2020.
  • Applicants will be notified by email within three weeks of the deadline.
  • Funded expenses must occur between July 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021.
Urge Support for H1068 and Arts Funding During COVID-19
May 29 all-day
online

New NC Arts Funding Bill Needs Support

Joint Caucus on Arts and Arts Education Co-Chairs Rep. Becky Carney and Rep. Jeffrey Elmore are joined by Rep. Michele Presnell and Rep. Susan Fisher as primary sponsors of H1068, the new legislation that would allocate $3 million to arts organizations negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic through the NC Arts Council.
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!
Online Journaling Meditation Workshop
May 29 @ 12:00 pm – 12:45 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.
Slow Art Fridays Asheville Art Museum
May 29 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Asheville Art Museum via Zoom

SLOW ART FRIDAYS

Each Friday at 12pm while the Museum is closed, docents lead virtual, in-depth conversations about a few artworks in our Collection or special exhibitions. The goal is simple: slow down, discover the joy of looking at art, and talk about the experience with others. Topics, artworks, and self-guided questions are posted on the Museum’s website in advance for participants, or for those wishing to have a self-guided experience on their own. Space is limited; to register, email Kristi McMillan, director of learning & engagement, or call 828.253.3227 x122.

FILLS Quickly —register early in week.

Still Life – VIRTUAL Asheville Art Museum
May 29 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Asheville Art Museum Online

Richard C. Karwoski, Breeze Hill series, circa 1983, watercolor, 22 1/4 × 30 inches. Gift of Richard H. Steinman, 1984.6.22.

Still Life – VIRTUAL

DATE:
Friday, May 29, 2020
TIME:
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
COST:
Free; registration required

This virtual program takes place via Zoom. Scroll down to below images for registration information.

Join Michelle Dorf, touring docent, for an interactive conversation about three artworks in our Collection. Before the discussion, find a quiet space. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and let it out slowly. Now open your eyes, and engage with the artworks in the image gallery; click on the thumbnail for a larger image, and spend about 15 minutes looking slowly at each.

  • What time period is the artist trying to show? What do you see that makes you say that?
  • What thoughts, emotions, or mood does the artist convey? How?
  • How does this artwork make you feel? Why?

SLOW ART FRIDAYS

Each Friday at 12pm while the Museum is closed, docents lead virtual, in-depth conversations about a few artworks in our Collection or special exhibitions. The goal is simple: slow down, discover the joy of looking at art, and talk about the experience with others. Topics, artworks, and self-guided questions are posted on the Museum’s website in advance for participants, or for those wishing to have a self-guided experience on their own. Space is limited; to register up to one week in advance, email Kristi McMillan, director of learning & engagement, or call 828.253.3227 x122.

Formal Friday, a fancy online comedy show
May 29 @ 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Online

 

Image may contain: possible text that says 'Modelface Comedy Presents Formal Friday Instagram Live 8pm EST @ModelfaceComedy Venmo @modelface-comed comedy All donations will be shared Join a group of the best dressed comedians for a fancy night of high-clas -class laughs'

A fancy formal live comedy show on the internet featuring 10 very well dressed comedians!

Live streaming on Instagram on @ModelfaceComedy
The show is free but tips are appreciated and will be divided among all the comics on the show.
Paypal [email protected]
Venmo @modelface-comedy

Saturday, May 30, 2020
Asheville Art Museum Summer Art Camp To Go!
May 30 all-day
online classes

Summer Art Camp To Go!

Join us for Summer Art Camp To Go! Sessions are available for K–12 students. Each weekly session includes several age-appropriate art projects using a variety of materials to engage students in an exploration of art through creativity and imagination. Enrollment is limited, and registration is required.Registration includes instructional videos for each project, art materials, and daily virtual classes. Virtual classes—beginning at 10am via Zoom—include time for inspiration, Q&A, and sharing. Streaming instructional videos and creative challenges are designed to provide hours of creative engagement at your own pace each day. All art materials necessary for each session are available for curbside pickup at the Museum the week before each session begins; if you prefer to ship materials to your home, then two weeks’ advance registration is required. Registration starts this Monday. For more information, email Sharon McRorie, education programs manager, or call 828.253.3227 x124.

Members: $85, Non-Members: $95 (additional charge for shipping materials)

Grant Opportunities for the Crafts
May 30 all-day
online
The Craft Futures Fund will fund up to $30,000 each month from May 2020 – October 2020 to support craft-based education projects. These one-time, unrestricted grants of $5,000 will be disbursed to craft-based education projects that envision and build new futures for craft.
Have You Taken Our Reopening Survey Yet? Asheville Art Museum
May 30 all-day
online
Reopening Resources for the Creative Sector
May 30 all-day
online

Asheville Area Arts Council

In addition to our COVID resources page, AAAC has a new Reopening Resources page to assist the creative sector with the reopening process. We will continue to add to this page as more information becomes available.
Reopening the Arts in North Carolina Guideline
May 30 all-day
online

Last Monday, Arts NC and the North Carolina Arts Council shared a new reopening guide for the arts in NC. The purpose of this document is to provide recommendations for arts organizations as they respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and develop plans for reopening to the public. A webinar (recording above) was also held on Wednesday to go over the document and address questions.

South Arts Sustainability Grants Arts Organizations
May 30 all-day
online

In response to COVID-19, grants between $5,000 and $20,000 are available to statewide or regional arts and cultural service organizations.

Important Dates & Deadlines

  • Applications must be submitted on or before June 10, 2020.
  • Applicants will be notified by email within three weeks of the deadline.
  • Funded expenses must occur between July 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021.
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!

Urge Support for H1068 and Arts Funding During COVID-19
May 30 all-day
online

New NC Arts Funding Bill Needs Support

Joint Caucus on Arts and Arts Education Co-Chairs Rep. Becky Carney and Rep. Jeffrey Elmore are joined by Rep. Michele Presnell and Rep. Susan Fisher as primary sponsors of H1068, the new legislation that would allocate $3 million to arts organizations negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic through the NC Arts Council.
17th Annual Montford Music and Arts Festival RESCHEDULED
May 30 @ 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Historic Montford District

Great food, artist displays and fun activities while mingling with their neighbors.”

 

Perhaps the most family friendly street festival in western North Carolina, the Montford Music & Arts Festival features a special children’s area for face painting, interactive displays, sidewalk chalk art contest and other fun activities.

 

Located on Montford Ave. between Chestnut and Waneta Streets just down the street from downtown Asheville, the Asheville Visitors Center and Chamber of the Commerce, the all-day event will also feature a music stage with another attractive lineup in 2020.   Comprised solely of local musicians, the performing schedule will be announced shortly.

 

Attendees will also be treated to a wide variety of specialty cuisine, courtesy of food booths and food trucks.  In addition, more than 100 booth vendors will be on hand, with various artists, crafts people and nursery plant purveyors selling their merchandise.

 

Featuring turn-of-the-century “Victorian” homes and several bed-and-breakfast inns, a portion of Montford is proclaimed a National Register Historic District.  Many of today’s Montford historic homes were designed by the same architect hired by the Vanderbilt Family to create the Biltmore Estate.

 

World famous authors Thomas Wolfe and O. Henry are buried in Montford at the nearby Riverside Cemetery, while the community’s rich history also dates back to the once thriving African-American community of Stumptown, which ended in the 1960’s.

 

The very first Montford festival was presented as strictly an arts event in 2004, held inside of Pyper’s Place, which is now Nine Mile Restaurant, and Sweet Heaven Ice Cream Shop, now a real estate office.

 

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.

Sunday, May 31, 2020
Reopening Resources for the Creative Sector
May 31 all-day
online

Asheville Area Arts Council

In addition to our COVID resources page, AAAC has a new Reopening Resources page to assist the creative sector with the reopening process. We will continue to add to this page as more information becomes available.
Urge Support for H1068 and Arts Funding During COVID-19
May 31 all-day
online

New NC Arts Funding Bill Needs Support

Joint Caucus on Arts and Arts Education Co-Chairs Rep. Becky Carney and Rep. Jeffrey Elmore are joined by Rep. Michele Presnell and Rep. Susan Fisher as primary sponsors of H1068, the new legislation that would allocate $3 million to arts organizations negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic through the NC Arts Council.
SoulCollage®: Build Your Practice at Home (Online Workshop)
May 31 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
online

Instructor: Marcia Gleason, LCSW

Skill Level: All

Materials & Tools Needed: To make this workshops accessible to women under stay-at-home orders, students will use materials commonly available at home: three pieces of 8” x 5” paper (the heavier, the better; cardstock, cardboard, and matboard are ideal, but regular paper will work), magazines or books with lots of images (that you’re willing to cut up!), scissors (small, sharp scissors are ideal, but any regular scissors will work), and glue (rubber cement or glue sticks are ideal, but any glue will work). If students have SoulCollage® materials, they are encouraged to bring them to the class.

During this period of sheltering, we are offering a unique opportunity to tap into your creativity to inspire and guide your personal journey. Uncertain times invite us to slow down and use our intuition and creativity to explore our lives.

SoulCollage® was developed by Seena Frost, M. Div., M.A., in the 1980’s as a way to learn about oneself through the collage process. Cards are made by tearing or cutting pictures from magazines or old picture books. The process itself is simple, yet engaging, and the results are oftentimes profound.

In this workshop, SoulCollage® facilitator, Marcia Gleason, LCSW, will explain (or review if you already have a SoulCollage® practice) the fundamental principles of Soul Collage® and, then, show you how to create and access wisdom through your own deck of cards.

No artistic experience necessary!

Already have a SoulCollage® practice? Please consider joining us as well for some focused creative time—and a new perspective on your cards! You’ll continue gaining insights at each workshop!

For more information about SoulCollage®, visit Marcia’s SoulCollage® website and the official SoulCollage® website.

​​Note: These workshops will be conducted using Zoom, an online meeting tool. You must have access to a computer, tablet, smart phone, or other internet-accessible device, as well as the internet. Instructions for accessing the workshop will be provided after registration.​