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.

Tuesday, February 16, 2021
Valentine’s Cookie Decorating Class #2
Feb 16 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Catawba Brewing Company - South Slope
Sip on a Catawba beer and learn how to decorate cookies like a pro with Jackie from 3-eggs Cakery on Tuesday, Feb. 16th! At the end of the class, you’ll be able to show off 12 beautifully decorated cookies to your family members at home!
Tickets must be purchased in advance. Tickets are for one person. Only 16 tickets available so grab them soon! Groups can be no larger than 6 people. Tables will be spaced 6ft apart and masks are required at all times unless you are actively sipping or eating.
Sunday, February 21, 2021
Herring Chamber Ensemble – Winter Concert
Feb 21 @ 3:00 pm
DANIEL CHAPEL, FURMAN UNIVERSITY
20-chorale-660-3.jpg
THE GREENVILLE CHORALE

The 24 professional voices of the Herring Chamber Ensemble, joined by our professional chamber orchestra, perform the monumental Bach “B-minor Mass.” Bach’s greatest work, assembled near the end of his life and even though Bach never heard it himself, has been the benchmark for choral-orchestral music since 1750. This intimate performance in Daniel Chapel at Furman will be a memorable and lasting experience for all.

Wednesday, March 17, 2021
St. Patrick’s Day at Red Stag Grill
Mar 17 @ 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
Red Stag Grill
Sip and savor St. Patrick’s Day spirit with us at Red Stag Grill. We’re serving up Irish classics all day long including Cured Brass Town Corned Beef ($20) and Irish Lamb Guinness Stew ($18).
Cheers to new memories with discounted drinks, from $5 draft beer to $8 Jameson cocktails, and embrace the luck of the Irish.
St. Patrick’s Day at WXYZ bar
Mar 17 @ 3:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Aloft Asheville Downtown

Eat, Drink, and be Irish for the day at WXYZ bar as we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with live music, great food, and drink specials!
7pm-10pm: Live Music by DJ Phantom Pantone & Friends
For the safety of guests and employees, wearing a mask is required while walking or standing at WXYZ bar.
Saint Patrick’s Day at Catawba Brewery
Mar 17 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Catawba Brewing Co

May be an image of text that says 'SAINT PATRICK'S DAY AT CATAWBA May your heart be peaceful and happy always!'

Join us for a small Paddy’s Day celebration on March 17th!

– We’ll have live trad/bluegrass music from Mike Martin and the Beautiful Mess from 4-8pm

– 2 Irish beers on tap: A traditional Irish Stout and an Irish Red!

– A little game of giveaways. Find a 4 leaf clover in the tasting room, receive a prize at the bar!

St. Patty’s Shindig with Matt Waters +The Recipe
Mar 17 @ 6:00 pm
One World Brewing West

May be an image of 3 people, people playing musical instruments, guitar and text that says 'St. Patricks Day ONE WORLD BREWING ASHEVILLE NC ETHE WATERS ITSONOR BATERS STARTS AT 6:00 ONE WORLD WEST (828) (828)575-9992 575-9992 $5 COVER CHARGE'

We are going to celebrate with Irish food & live music. Umami Mami Food Truck will be serving up Irish classics and Matt Waters & The Recipe always puts on a fun show. $5 cover
———————
Matt Waters is a soul artist from Cincinnati, OH. A unique blend of an acoustic songwriter & funk frontman, Waters began his career at age fourteen as a young guitarist searching for every opportunity to step onto the stage. He soon discovered his voice, and began stepping out as a solo artist.
Waters quickly progressed as an entertainer & songwriter, by his early 20’s had already opened for acts such as Luke Combs, AJR, Judah & the Lion, and Tim Reynolds. As Matt continued to grow, so did the performances. From the local dives that he played as a teenager to jam-packed stadiums with over fifteen thousand listeners, Waters refined his craft as an entertainer with incessant touring of the US.
During 2019, Waters played over 270 shows across the country from the ocean side bars of Laguna Beach, CA to the coffee shops of Burlington, VT and all the way back to Hilton Head, SC where it all began almost a decade prior. Waters’ live show ranges from a one-man band looping performance to a jam packed 8-piece funk band.
Waters is currently working on music from his home studio in Cincinnati, where he is accompanied by his band, “the Recipe” who perform with him on his studio & live performances. They plan to release music throughout 2021 to accompany their touring schedule, and Waters continues to write material for the future.
St. Patrick’s Day Paint Party
Mar 17 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Painting with a Twist

Happy St. Pats! Come out and paint Emerald Forest with us! 16+ welcome. BYOB for 21+. Folks who register together will have a table for their group. Masks required but painters can take breaks for sipping!

St. Patrick Is Dead at The One Stop!
Mar 17 @ 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm
The One Stop at Asheville Music Hall
The One Stop at Asheville Music Hall


Limited capacity, mask required
21+

A St. Patrick’s Day celebration including an Irish/drinking themed set and a tribute to the Grateful Dead!!
Friday, April 2, 2021
The Bunny Hopper Express Easter Train
Apr 2 @ 10:30 am – 3:00 pm
Bryson City Depot Great Smokey Mountains Railroad

New for 2021 – The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad introduces The Bunny Hopper Express Easter Train April 2 & 3! This 4 and half-hour round trip special event train departs the historic Bryson City Depot at 10:30am, and will travel along the Nantahala Gorge River to our picturesque layover destination, for Easter themed activities and Egg Hunt.

  • Passengers will be on the lookout for those train hopping bunnies who have snuck on to take a free ride! Festivities include an Easter egg hunt with prizes, a give away bag with activities to enjoy during the train ride, and a yummy Easter treat for our junior railroaders to enjoy at the layover. There will also be plenty of opportunities for pictures with our bunny hoppers, so do not forget your camera! BOOKING IS AVAILABLE!
Sunday, April 4, 2021
Virtual 65th Annual Easter Sunrise Service
Apr 4 @ 7:00 am – 7:30 am
Online w/ Chimney Rock State Park

Please Note: This year’s service will be streamed virtually on our Facebook page. Please tune in at 7 am on April 4 to celebrate our 65th Annual Easter Sunrise Service.

Celebrate the glory of Easter with song, scripture and spiritual music as a spectacular sunrise ascends over Lake Lure. Chimney Rock’s nondenominational Annual Easter Sunrise Service has become a legendary event in western North Carolina.

Easter Day Buffet
Apr 4 @ 10:30 am – 2:00 pm
Highland Lake Inn & Resort
Highland-Lake-Inn-Resort-Flat-Rock-1

Join us for an authentic dining experience at one of our signature events:

Sunday, April 4
$55.00 per person, $27.50 Children 6-11 / 5 and under free
10% senior discount. For reservations, please call (828) 696-9094
VIEW MENU

The Bunny Hopper Express Easter Train
Apr 4 @ 10:30 am – 3:00 pm
Bryson City Depot Great Smokey Mountains Railroad

New for 2021 – The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad introduces The Bunny Hopper Express Easter Train April 2 & 3! This 4 and half-hour round trip special event train departs the historic Bryson City Depot at 10:30am, and will travel along the Nantahala Gorge River to our picturesque layover destination, for Easter themed activities and Egg Hunt.

  • Passengers will be on the lookout for those train hopping bunnies who have snuck on to take a free ride! Festivities include an Easter egg hunt with prizes, a give away bag with activities to enjoy during the train ride, and a yummy Easter treat for our junior railroaders to enjoy at the layover. There will also be plenty of opportunities for pictures with our bunny hoppers, so do not forget your camera! BOOKING IS AVAILABLE!
Sunday, April 11, 2021
WNC Farmers Market Easter Demos
Apr 11 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
WNC Farmers Market

Ideas shared using ingredients from the Market – local eggs, natural dyes, Easter, décor, Easter treats.

NCDA&CS - Marketing Division - Western North Carolina Farmers Market

Saturday, April 24, 2021
Celebrate Earth Day with a Cleanup at Lake Julian Park
Apr 24 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Lake Julian Park

Individuals, community organizations, and other groups of volunteers are invited to help clean up Lake Julian Park (37 Lake Julian Rd. in Arden) and along Heywood Road on Saturday, Apr. 24. Projects include roadside trash removal, landscaping, wetland remediation, lake surface litter skimming, and more. The park-wide cleanup celebrates Earth Day and the growing global movement to restore ecosystems and forests, conserve and rebuild soils, improve farming practices, protect wildlife populations, and rid waterways of plastics.

“Buncombe County parks saw record-breaking visitation in 2020,” according to Peyton O’Conner, Director of Buncombe County Recreation Services. “As the coronavirus pandemic shut everything down, the one avenue for maintaining peoples’ physical and mental wellbeing were parks, open spaces, greenways, and trails. Hopefully, this increased usage will lead to increased advocacy. Our citizens are the best defense in preserving our unique collection of outdoor spaces for current and future generations of Buncombians against pollution and natural disasters caused by climate change.”

Advance registration is required. This is a free event, but space is limited in accordance with current North Carolina guidelines to slow the spread of COVID-19. All attendees are expected to follow public health guidance during the event.

Volunteers will be provided with cleanup supplies, but should wear clothes that can get dirty. Volunteers who bring their own watercraft will be allowed to skim trash from the lake surface.

Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

To receive the I Heart Parks monthly newsletter, sign up online. Follow Buncombe County Recreation on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.

 

Friday, April 30, 2021
Trees for Tots–Celebrate Arbor Day
Apr 30 all-day
Western Carolina Community Action

April 30th is Arbor Day – a nationally recognized day to celebrate the beauty of nature and plant a
tree in support of the environment. To commemorate the day, the children of WCCA’s Head Start
and Early Head Start programs will be busy planting over 250 White Pine seedlings with a little
help from their families and the staff!

Sunday, May 9, 2021
Mothers Day- Moms Climb Treetops/ Zip KidZip for Free
May 9 all-day
The Adventure Center Asheville

Book an Adventure at the Treetops Adventure Park or KidZip and Mom will climb/zip for free with paying family members.  Use code “mom” when booking online.

Mother’s Day Buffet
May 9 @ 10:30 am – 2:00 pm
Highland Lake Inn & Resort
Wednesday, May 12, 2021
Buncombe County Board of Commissioners Adds Juneteenth as County Holiday
May 12 all-day
Buncombe County

News article image

At the May 4 meeting, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners voted to add Juneteenth as an additional County holiday following a public hearing.

Juneteenth, also known as “Jubilee Day,” “Freedom Day,” “Emancipation Day,” or “Liberation Day,” honors the day that enslaved people in Galveston, Texas learned that the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed by President Abraham Lincoln. That signing happened almost two years earlier, but Union soldiers did not arrive with the news until June 19, 1865. That day, known as Juneteenth, is a day of celebration of liberation, emancipation, and freedom for African Americans. Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.

“I think it should be celebrated by our staff and the County, because it is an important date in history,” said Commissioner Al Whitesides. “Hopefully this will help us start the conversation and correct some of what’s happened the last 400 years. We’re saying a lot not only to our employees, but to our community.”

Currently, Wake, Northampton, Bertie, and Orange Counties offer Juneteenth as a paid holiday, as do the cities of Apex, Carrboro, Chapel Hill, Durham, Greensboro, Hillsborough, Princeville, Raleigh, and Winston-Salem. The Orange Water and Sewer Authority also offers Juneteenth as a paid holiday.

The Board voted unanimously to approve the staff recommendation to add Juneteenth as an additional County holiday. The County will celebrate Juneteenth on the Friday that falls closest to or on June 19. This year, Buncombe County Government administrative offices will be closed on Friday, June 18 in observance of Juneteenth. Emergency and public safety services will remain open.

Thursday, May 13, 2021
Buncombe County Board of Commissioners Adds Juneteenth as County Holiday
May 13 all-day
Buncombe County

News article image

At the May 4 meeting, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners voted to add Juneteenth as an additional County holiday following a public hearing.

Juneteenth, also known as “Jubilee Day,” “Freedom Day,” “Emancipation Day,” or “Liberation Day,” honors the day that enslaved people in Galveston, Texas learned that the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed by President Abraham Lincoln. That signing happened almost two years earlier, but Union soldiers did not arrive with the news until June 19, 1865. That day, known as Juneteenth, is a day of celebration of liberation, emancipation, and freedom for African Americans. Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.

“I think it should be celebrated by our staff and the County, because it is an important date in history,” said Commissioner Al Whitesides. “Hopefully this will help us start the conversation and correct some of what’s happened the last 400 years. We’re saying a lot not only to our employees, but to our community.”

Currently, Wake, Northampton, Bertie, and Orange Counties offer Juneteenth as a paid holiday, as do the cities of Apex, Carrboro, Chapel Hill, Durham, Greensboro, Hillsborough, Princeville, Raleigh, and Winston-Salem. The Orange Water and Sewer Authority also offers Juneteenth as a paid holiday.

The Board voted unanimously to approve the staff recommendation to add Juneteenth as an additional County holiday. The County will celebrate Juneteenth on the Friday that falls closest to or on June 19. This year, Buncombe County Government administrative offices will be closed on Friday, June 18 in observance of Juneteenth. Emergency and public safety services will remain open.

Friday, May 14, 2021
Buncombe County Board of Commissioners Adds Juneteenth as County Holiday
May 14 all-day
Buncombe County

News article image

At the May 4 meeting, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners voted to add Juneteenth as an additional County holiday following a public hearing.

Juneteenth, also known as “Jubilee Day,” “Freedom Day,” “Emancipation Day,” or “Liberation Day,” honors the day that enslaved people in Galveston, Texas learned that the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed by President Abraham Lincoln. That signing happened almost two years earlier, but Union soldiers did not arrive with the news until June 19, 1865. That day, known as Juneteenth, is a day of celebration of liberation, emancipation, and freedom for African Americans. Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.

“I think it should be celebrated by our staff and the County, because it is an important date in history,” said Commissioner Al Whitesides. “Hopefully this will help us start the conversation and correct some of what’s happened the last 400 years. We’re saying a lot not only to our employees, but to our community.”

Currently, Wake, Northampton, Bertie, and Orange Counties offer Juneteenth as a paid holiday, as do the cities of Apex, Carrboro, Chapel Hill, Durham, Greensboro, Hillsborough, Princeville, Raleigh, and Winston-Salem. The Orange Water and Sewer Authority also offers Juneteenth as a paid holiday.

The Board voted unanimously to approve the staff recommendation to add Juneteenth as an additional County holiday. The County will celebrate Juneteenth on the Friday that falls closest to or on June 19. This year, Buncombe County Government administrative offices will be closed on Friday, June 18 in observance of Juneteenth. Emergency and public safety services will remain open.

Saturday, May 15, 2021
Buncombe County Board of Commissioners Adds Juneteenth as County Holiday
May 15 all-day
Buncombe County

News article image

At the May 4 meeting, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners voted to add Juneteenth as an additional County holiday following a public hearing.

Juneteenth, also known as “Jubilee Day,” “Freedom Day,” “Emancipation Day,” or “Liberation Day,” honors the day that enslaved people in Galveston, Texas learned that the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed by President Abraham Lincoln. That signing happened almost two years earlier, but Union soldiers did not arrive with the news until June 19, 1865. That day, known as Juneteenth, is a day of celebration of liberation, emancipation, and freedom for African Americans. Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.

“I think it should be celebrated by our staff and the County, because it is an important date in history,” said Commissioner Al Whitesides. “Hopefully this will help us start the conversation and correct some of what’s happened the last 400 years. We’re saying a lot not only to our employees, but to our community.”

Currently, Wake, Northampton, Bertie, and Orange Counties offer Juneteenth as a paid holiday, as do the cities of Apex, Carrboro, Chapel Hill, Durham, Greensboro, Hillsborough, Princeville, Raleigh, and Winston-Salem. The Orange Water and Sewer Authority also offers Juneteenth as a paid holiday.

The Board voted unanimously to approve the staff recommendation to add Juneteenth as an additional County holiday. The County will celebrate Juneteenth on the Friday that falls closest to or on June 19. This year, Buncombe County Government administrative offices will be closed on Friday, June 18 in observance of Juneteenth. Emergency and public safety services will remain open.

Sunday, May 16, 2021
Buncombe County Board of Commissioners Adds Juneteenth as County Holiday
May 16 all-day
Buncombe County

News article image

At the May 4 meeting, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners voted to add Juneteenth as an additional County holiday following a public hearing.

Juneteenth, also known as “Jubilee Day,” “Freedom Day,” “Emancipation Day,” or “Liberation Day,” honors the day that enslaved people in Galveston, Texas learned that the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed by President Abraham Lincoln. That signing happened almost two years earlier, but Union soldiers did not arrive with the news until June 19, 1865. That day, known as Juneteenth, is a day of celebration of liberation, emancipation, and freedom for African Americans. Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.

“I think it should be celebrated by our staff and the County, because it is an important date in history,” said Commissioner Al Whitesides. “Hopefully this will help us start the conversation and correct some of what’s happened the last 400 years. We’re saying a lot not only to our employees, but to our community.”

Currently, Wake, Northampton, Bertie, and Orange Counties offer Juneteenth as a paid holiday, as do the cities of Apex, Carrboro, Chapel Hill, Durham, Greensboro, Hillsborough, Princeville, Raleigh, and Winston-Salem. The Orange Water and Sewer Authority also offers Juneteenth as a paid holiday.

The Board voted unanimously to approve the staff recommendation to add Juneteenth as an additional County holiday. The County will celebrate Juneteenth on the Friday that falls closest to or on June 19. This year, Buncombe County Government administrative offices will be closed on Friday, June 18 in observance of Juneteenth. Emergency and public safety services will remain open.

Mother’s Day Plant Sale
May 16 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Online w/ GreenWorks

Native trees, grasses and bushes are a wonderful gift for mom or Mother Earth! If you don’t have room to plant a tree in your own space, you may still purchase one to donate to one of our various restoration projects. When it’s planted, we’ll send you a picture of it and where you can find it!

 

At Asheville GreenWorks, we dream of more trees, less trash, and a better quality of life for all — we work together with communities across WNC to address local environmental challenges in and around our urban spaces. All proceeds for this sale go directly towards supporting local projects in waste reduction, litter prevention, and urban forestry. Thank you for your generous support!

 

All plants must be picked up between 10am and 2pm on Sunday, May 16th at our Sand Hill Nursery located in Buncombe County Sports Park (24 Apac Cir, Asheville).

Monday, May 17, 2021
Buncombe County Board of Commissioners Adds Juneteenth as County Holiday
May 17 all-day
Buncombe County

News article image

At the May 4 meeting, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners voted to add Juneteenth as an additional County holiday following a public hearing.

Juneteenth, also known as “Jubilee Day,” “Freedom Day,” “Emancipation Day,” or “Liberation Day,” honors the day that enslaved people in Galveston, Texas learned that the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed by President Abraham Lincoln. That signing happened almost two years earlier, but Union soldiers did not arrive with the news until June 19, 1865. That day, known as Juneteenth, is a day of celebration of liberation, emancipation, and freedom for African Americans. Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.

“I think it should be celebrated by our staff and the County, because it is an important date in history,” said Commissioner Al Whitesides. “Hopefully this will help us start the conversation and correct some of what’s happened the last 400 years. We’re saying a lot not only to our employees, but to our community.”

Currently, Wake, Northampton, Bertie, and Orange Counties offer Juneteenth as a paid holiday, as do the cities of Apex, Carrboro, Chapel Hill, Durham, Greensboro, Hillsborough, Princeville, Raleigh, and Winston-Salem. The Orange Water and Sewer Authority also offers Juneteenth as a paid holiday.

The Board voted unanimously to approve the staff recommendation to add Juneteenth as an additional County holiday. The County will celebrate Juneteenth on the Friday that falls closest to or on June 19. This year, Buncombe County Government administrative offices will be closed on Friday, June 18 in observance of Juneteenth. Emergency and public safety services will remain open.

Tuesday, May 18, 2021
Buncombe County Board of Commissioners Adds Juneteenth as County Holiday
May 18 all-day
Buncombe County

News article image

At the May 4 meeting, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners voted to add Juneteenth as an additional County holiday following a public hearing.

Juneteenth, also known as “Jubilee Day,” “Freedom Day,” “Emancipation Day,” or “Liberation Day,” honors the day that enslaved people in Galveston, Texas learned that the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed by President Abraham Lincoln. That signing happened almost two years earlier, but Union soldiers did not arrive with the news until June 19, 1865. That day, known as Juneteenth, is a day of celebration of liberation, emancipation, and freedom for African Americans. Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.

“I think it should be celebrated by our staff and the County, because it is an important date in history,” said Commissioner Al Whitesides. “Hopefully this will help us start the conversation and correct some of what’s happened the last 400 years. We’re saying a lot not only to our employees, but to our community.”

Currently, Wake, Northampton, Bertie, and Orange Counties offer Juneteenth as a paid holiday, as do the cities of Apex, Carrboro, Chapel Hill, Durham, Greensboro, Hillsborough, Princeville, Raleigh, and Winston-Salem. The Orange Water and Sewer Authority also offers Juneteenth as a paid holiday.

The Board voted unanimously to approve the staff recommendation to add Juneteenth as an additional County holiday. The County will celebrate Juneteenth on the Friday that falls closest to or on June 19. This year, Buncombe County Government administrative offices will be closed on Friday, June 18 in observance of Juneteenth. Emergency and public safety services will remain open.

Wednesday, May 19, 2021
Buncombe County Board of Commissioners Adds Juneteenth as County Holiday
May 19 all-day
Buncombe County

News article image

At the May 4 meeting, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners voted to add Juneteenth as an additional County holiday following a public hearing.

Juneteenth, also known as “Jubilee Day,” “Freedom Day,” “Emancipation Day,” or “Liberation Day,” honors the day that enslaved people in Galveston, Texas learned that the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed by President Abraham Lincoln. That signing happened almost two years earlier, but Union soldiers did not arrive with the news until June 19, 1865. That day, known as Juneteenth, is a day of celebration of liberation, emancipation, and freedom for African Americans. Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.

“I think it should be celebrated by our staff and the County, because it is an important date in history,” said Commissioner Al Whitesides. “Hopefully this will help us start the conversation and correct some of what’s happened the last 400 years. We’re saying a lot not only to our employees, but to our community.”

Currently, Wake, Northampton, Bertie, and Orange Counties offer Juneteenth as a paid holiday, as do the cities of Apex, Carrboro, Chapel Hill, Durham, Greensboro, Hillsborough, Princeville, Raleigh, and Winston-Salem. The Orange Water and Sewer Authority also offers Juneteenth as a paid holiday.

The Board voted unanimously to approve the staff recommendation to add Juneteenth as an additional County holiday. The County will celebrate Juneteenth on the Friday that falls closest to or on June 19. This year, Buncombe County Government administrative offices will be closed on Friday, June 18 in observance of Juneteenth. Emergency and public safety services will remain open.

Thursday, May 20, 2021
Buncombe County Board of Commissioners Adds Juneteenth as County Holiday
May 20 all-day
Buncombe County

News article image

At the May 4 meeting, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners voted to add Juneteenth as an additional County holiday following a public hearing.

Juneteenth, also known as “Jubilee Day,” “Freedom Day,” “Emancipation Day,” or “Liberation Day,” honors the day that enslaved people in Galveston, Texas learned that the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed by President Abraham Lincoln. That signing happened almost two years earlier, but Union soldiers did not arrive with the news until June 19, 1865. That day, known as Juneteenth, is a day of celebration of liberation, emancipation, and freedom for African Americans. Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.

“I think it should be celebrated by our staff and the County, because it is an important date in history,” said Commissioner Al Whitesides. “Hopefully this will help us start the conversation and correct some of what’s happened the last 400 years. We’re saying a lot not only to our employees, but to our community.”

Currently, Wake, Northampton, Bertie, and Orange Counties offer Juneteenth as a paid holiday, as do the cities of Apex, Carrboro, Chapel Hill, Durham, Greensboro, Hillsborough, Princeville, Raleigh, and Winston-Salem. The Orange Water and Sewer Authority also offers Juneteenth as a paid holiday.

The Board voted unanimously to approve the staff recommendation to add Juneteenth as an additional County holiday. The County will celebrate Juneteenth on the Friday that falls closest to or on June 19. This year, Buncombe County Government administrative offices will be closed on Friday, June 18 in observance of Juneteenth. Emergency and public safety services will remain open.

Friday, May 21, 2021
Buncombe County Board of Commissioners Adds Juneteenth as County Holiday
May 21 all-day
Buncombe County

News article image

At the May 4 meeting, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners voted to add Juneteenth as an additional County holiday following a public hearing.

Juneteenth, also known as “Jubilee Day,” “Freedom Day,” “Emancipation Day,” or “Liberation Day,” honors the day that enslaved people in Galveston, Texas learned that the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed by President Abraham Lincoln. That signing happened almost two years earlier, but Union soldiers did not arrive with the news until June 19, 1865. That day, known as Juneteenth, is a day of celebration of liberation, emancipation, and freedom for African Americans. Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.

“I think it should be celebrated by our staff and the County, because it is an important date in history,” said Commissioner Al Whitesides. “Hopefully this will help us start the conversation and correct some of what’s happened the last 400 years. We’re saying a lot not only to our employees, but to our community.”

Currently, Wake, Northampton, Bertie, and Orange Counties offer Juneteenth as a paid holiday, as do the cities of Apex, Carrboro, Chapel Hill, Durham, Greensboro, Hillsborough, Princeville, Raleigh, and Winston-Salem. The Orange Water and Sewer Authority also offers Juneteenth as a paid holiday.

The Board voted unanimously to approve the staff recommendation to add Juneteenth as an additional County holiday. The County will celebrate Juneteenth on the Friday that falls closest to or on June 19. This year, Buncombe County Government administrative offices will be closed on Friday, June 18 in observance of Juneteenth. Emergency and public safety services will remain open.

Saturday, May 22, 2021
Buncombe County Board of Commissioners Adds Juneteenth as County Holiday
May 22 all-day
Buncombe County

News article image

At the May 4 meeting, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners voted to add Juneteenth as an additional County holiday following a public hearing.

Juneteenth, also known as “Jubilee Day,” “Freedom Day,” “Emancipation Day,” or “Liberation Day,” honors the day that enslaved people in Galveston, Texas learned that the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed by President Abraham Lincoln. That signing happened almost two years earlier, but Union soldiers did not arrive with the news until June 19, 1865. That day, known as Juneteenth, is a day of celebration of liberation, emancipation, and freedom for African Americans. Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.

“I think it should be celebrated by our staff and the County, because it is an important date in history,” said Commissioner Al Whitesides. “Hopefully this will help us start the conversation and correct some of what’s happened the last 400 years. We’re saying a lot not only to our employees, but to our community.”

Currently, Wake, Northampton, Bertie, and Orange Counties offer Juneteenth as a paid holiday, as do the cities of Apex, Carrboro, Chapel Hill, Durham, Greensboro, Hillsborough, Princeville, Raleigh, and Winston-Salem. The Orange Water and Sewer Authority also offers Juneteenth as a paid holiday.

The Board voted unanimously to approve the staff recommendation to add Juneteenth as an additional County holiday. The County will celebrate Juneteenth on the Friday that falls closest to or on June 19. This year, Buncombe County Government administrative offices will be closed on Friday, June 18 in observance of Juneteenth. Emergency and public safety services will remain open.

Monday, May 31, 2021
Buncombe County and City of Asheville Host Virtual Memorial Day Ceremony
May 31 @ 11:00 am – 11:50 pm
Online

News article image

 

Because of the continued need for physical distance posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s Asheville-Buncombe Memorial Day Ceremony will again be held as a virtual ceremony.

The keynote speaker will be USMC Veteran John Mason, who was awarded two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star Medal for Valor during his time in Vietnam 1968 to 1969 as an Infantry First Lieutenant with the United States Marine Corps. A longtime Asheville lawyer, Mason helped form Veterans Treatment Court in Buncombe County as well as North Carolina Veterans Writing Alliance Foundation, a 501 (C)(3), dedicated to the healing of Veterans who have served their country.

The ceremony, planned in concert by the City of Asheville Mayor’s Committee for Veterans Affairs and  Buncombe County Veterans Council, will be streamed live from Asheville City Hall. Tune into the City of Asheville’s YouTube channel on Memorial Day, Monday, May 31, at 11 a.m.,  to view the ceremony live in real time. Following the ceremony, it will be archived for later viewing on the City’s YouTube channel.

Expected to last about 50 minutes, the ceremony will serve in place of both the City and the State Veterans Cemetery in-person events. There will be no attendees other than the individuals with active roles in the program. The program will consist of the following:

  • Introductory remarks: US Air Force Veteran Alllan Perkal, Vietnam, Master of Ceremony, Chair Buncombe County Veterans Council; Board of Directors, Vietnam Veterans of America, North Carolina State Council.
  • National Anthem: Ric Ledford, USMC
  • Pledge of Allegiance: Steve Henderson, USMC, Vietnam
  • Greeting from City of Asheville and Buncombe County: Esther E. Mannheimer, Mayor, City of Asheville; Brownie Newman, Chair, Buncombe County Board of Commissioners
  • Presenter: Dr. Angela Williams, Acting Director, Charles George VA Medical Center
  • Keynote Speaker: Asheville Attorney John Mason, who served his Country in Vietnam 1968 to 1969 as an Infantry First Lieutenant with the United States Marine Corps.
  • Readings from Brothers and Sisters Like These: A Veterans writing group that promotes healing the wounds of war.
  • Closing remarks: Allan Perkal, Master of Ceremony

The City of Asheville and Buncombe County encourage all residents to tune in to this virtual Memorial Day Ceremony in remembrance of the fallen, those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.