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, September 23, 2021
DIGITAL MARKETING CERTIFICATE
Sep 23 @ 9:00 am – 3:30 pm
WCU Biltmore Park, Asheville
September-November 2021 (6 Thursdays/Fridays)

Digital Marketing and Public RelationsCreate an online marketing communications strategy and powerhouse digital toolbox by completing six, full-day workshops taught by expert marketing and public relations professionals. Gain new insights into PR & marketing strategy, branding, budgeting, online content creation, video creation and use and social media.

Hendersonville Racquet Club Ribbon Cutting
Sep 23 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Hendersonville Racquet Club
Thursday, September 23rd at 10:30 AM
Join us in celebration of Hendersonville Racquet Club!
Join us in celebrating the grand opening of the pickle ball courts at Hendersonville Racquet Club with a Chamber Ribbon Cutting! The celebration begins at 10 am with the ribbon cutting taking place at 10:30 am. Please RSVP, so we know that you plan to attend.
2021 NC CCIM State Conference
Sep 23 @ 3:00 pm – 9:00 pm
DoubleTree by Hilton Asheville-Biltmore
Invested Course: An Investment Crowdfunding Learning Journey
Sep 23 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
online

The State of North Carolina recently passed legislation (NC PACES) making it possible to take on non-accredited investors for your small business. This allows you to raise funds from your friends, family, and broader community and to offer them a stake in – and a return on – the success that they are helping you to build.

Invested: An Investment Crowdfunding Learning Journey will assist a small cohort of interested business owners who are currently experiencing growth opportunities in preparing for, designing, and launching an investment crowdfunding campaign. The full course will entail five 2.5-hour sessions starting Thursday, September 23rd and running through October 21st.

The 7th Cohort of our Invested Course is coming up! The 5-session VIRTUAL COURSE will take place on the following dates:

  • Sep 23 – Session 1: 3-5pm
  • Sep 30 – Session 2: 3-5pm
  • Oct 07 – Session 3: 3-5pm
  • Oct 14 – Session 4: 3-5pm
  • Oct 21 – Session 5: 3-5pm

In between classes, the Invested program includes several one on one technical sessions with facilitators. Following the course, those that decide to execute investment crowdfunding campaigns will move into launch with the assistance of our BizWorks team and specialist partners.

Add your name to the Cohort 7 Interest Formand we will follow up with a brief consultation and informative call on specifications for the course. The course fee is $100 and $25 for additional participants from the same company. We also have an interest list for potential investors (those of us that may want to participate in a local crowdfunding campaign and attend one of the Invested course pitch events) that you can sign up for here.

A big thanks to our partners Jake Farrar (Van Winkle Law Firm), Annie Milroy Price (Birds Eye), and Jeffrey Scott (Metamorphic) who have assisted in developing and delivering this course.

Theatre Dance and Movement Ages 9-12
Sep 23 @ 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Asheville Community Theatre

And a 5-6-7-8! Have you ever wanted to feel confident in a dance audition or learn awesome choreography to your favorite musical numbers? In this class students will learn basic dance styles used in musical theatre and how to act through their dancing. This course will help dancers prepare to ace an audition and pick up choreography quickly and efficiently.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP

Please do not purchase registration prior to applying for a scholarship. Applications must be received by 2:00pm on Thursday, August 26th for consideration.

Free or Nearly Free Marketing Online Marketing
Sep 23 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
online

Small Business Center at Blue Ridge Community College offers FREE Seminars/Workshops to support Small Business

We will explore the feature of well-known e-commerce sites such as an eBay Store, Shopify website, Amazon.com, and Etsy as well as creating your own website as an online store.

  • One way to expand your small business is to sell products online.
  • Developing a revenue stream from online sales is an easy way for small businesses to increase their profits.
  • Learn what sites work best to sell your product or service.

At the end of this session, you will be able to understand whether:

  1. You need to sell online and what are the risks and costs.
  2. Have an understanding of your online store options such as eBay Store, Amazon web store, Shopify, Etsy, or your own website.
  3. Understand the differences between platforms and determine what is right for you.

Speaker(s): Nick Hawks

Co-Sponsor(s): Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, Brevard/Transylvania Chamber of Commerce

Webinar info will be emailed after registration.

City Dance
Sep 23 @ 7:30 pm
Landmark Hal

Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.

Dance Theatre of Harlem
Sep 23 @ 8:00 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

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Born in 1968 at the height of the civil rights movement, Dance Theatre of Harlem conveys a message of empowerment for all through the arts. Its founders, Karel Shook and Arthur Mitchell — the latter of whom made history in 1955 as the first black principal dancer in New York City Ballet, believe that the most impactful art is born in moments of extreme injustice and frustration. Now a singular presence in the ballet world, the 17-member, multi-ethnic company celebrates half a century of dance, performing forward-thinking, impassioned repertoire that celebrates African American culture through the language of ballet. A powerful vision for ballet in the 21st century, Dance Theatre of Harlem recently appeared on The Ellen Show after finding viral fame on Twitter, amassing 8.5 million views for a colorful outdoor performance video shot across various New York City locales.

Engage deeper with the art and artists
Pre-show discussions at 7pm in Henry LaBrun Studio

Dance Theatre of Harlem’s website

Salsa Night Thursday
Sep 23 @ 9:30 pm – Sep 24 @ 2:00 am
Asheville Beauty Academy

Spice up your life with Latin sounds by local DJs Nex Millen & Mtn Vibez every Thursday.

Super bonus if you come early and get Dance Lessons from our knowladable instructors and get your body ready with sabor for the night. NO COVER All events 21+

Friday, September 24, 2021
Asheville Area Arts Council JOB BOARD
Sep 24 all-day
online

Job Board

Make sure to check out all the great job postings and arts opportunities listed on the arts council’s website.

Do you have a job opening you would like us to share? Please email us a link to your listing at [email protected].

Festivals + Cultural Events Grant Opportunity
Sep 24 all-day
Online

Background and Goals of the Festivals & Cultural Events Program

The Festivals & Cultural Events Support Fund Grant Program was launched in 2016 by the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) and is designed to provide financial support for events that both serve the residents of Buncombe County and the visitors who travel to the Asheville area for the sense of authenticity and welcoming spirit that the destination exudes.

The primary purposes of this fund are to:

  • Support and preserve cultural identity within Buncombe County;
  • Stimulate the creation of new, or expansion of existing, festivals and cultural events; and
  • Contribute to the financial viability and long-term sustainability of the area’s festivals and cultural events.

Explore Asheville CVB is offering grants for Festivals & Cultural Events ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, not to exceed 50% of the total event budget. Application deadline is Sept 29th at 5 pm.

New Benefits for Arts Businesses!
Sep 24 all-day
online

Add your arts business and upcoming events to the Asheville Area Arts Council website by becoming an Arts Business Member! Benefits include:

  • Login access to the arts council’s website to edit your directory listing and add events (new perk!)
  • Submit jobs and calls for artists to be shared on AAAC’s website
  • Ability for you and your staff to serve on the Arts Coalition
  • Discounted rates for you and your staff on tickets to the Creative Sector Summit (happening Nov. 2021)
  • Option to add something to the Creative Sector Summit swag bag
  • Local arts sector representation & advocacy
  • And so much more!
YMI Cultural Center Business Incubation
Sep 24 all-day
online

_MG_0157_edited.jpg

YMICC is committed to economic development and entrepreneurship for Black individuals and communities. Through this program entrepreneurs will receive six (6) months to one (1) year of business incubation support that will include business development training, startup and capacity building funding, as well as, mentorship opportunities. We are interested in you and your business ideas.

YMI Cultural Center Workforce Development Program
Sep 24 all-day
online

The “HMMM” (Hospitality, Medical, Manufacturing, Municipality) workforce training initiative and business development program is designed to support participants with training to build technical and workforce skills. The expansion of this program is “Operation Gateway” which provides a “circle of support” that addresses barriers to successful employment.  In this program participants will receive wraparound services along their pathway to the workplace. This circle of services includes childcare, transportation, financial support, guidance, and re-entry skill development (e.g., resume-building and interviewing).

2021 NC CCIM State Conference
Sep 24 @ 7:00 am – 12:00 pm
DoubleTree by Hilton Asheville-Biltmore
DIGITAL MARKETING CERTIFICATE
Sep 24 @ 9:00 am – 3:30 pm
WCU Biltmore Park, Asheville
September-November 2021 (6 Thursdays/Fridays)

Digital Marketing and Public RelationsCreate an online marketing communications strategy and powerhouse digital toolbox by completing six, full-day workshops taught by expert marketing and public relations professionals. Gain new insights into PR & marketing strategy, branding, budgeting, online content creation, video creation and use and social media.

Financial Series
Sep 24 @ 10:00 am – 12:30 pm
online

Take advantage of a discounted Financial Series Pass.

Our Financial Series is made up of two distinct classes that, when taken in order, comprehensively cover the basic financial skills and tools that every entrepreneur needs to start and run a successful business.

Tickets for each class can be purchased individually, but if you know you want to attend both classes, we recommend purchasing a discounted Financial Series Pass.

Classes included in the Financial Series:

Financial Tools, September 10 + 17 – Financial Tools will introduce you to the tools to understand the basics of business finance so you can make informed decisions on how to organize and manage your business finances. Topics discussed are record keeping; bookkeeping; accounting; creating, understanding and using financial statements and reports. Individual Price: $50

Intro to QuickBooks Online, September 24 + October 1 – this class provides an overview of QuickBooks and the different subscription levels, and will teach you how to navigate the dashboard and explore the reporting feature to generate reports that can be customized to your needs. When you complete this class, you’ll know the best ways to get around, enter day-to-day transactions, get the information you need out of QuickBooks, and powerful report tools that’ll help your business make good decisions. Individual Price: $25

Financial Series Pass: $60

12th annual Dirty Dancing Festival 2021 Kick-Off Party
Sep 24 @ 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Lake Lure

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Experience The Time of Your Life at the 12th annual Dirty Dancing Festival in Lake Lure, NC!

Whether you have been coming for years, or always wanted to see what the hype is all about, we have a chance for you to WIN a weekend getaway to the namesake film’s backdrop where It’s all Crazy for Swayze.

Join us for singalongs, watermelon carrying, Lift Scenes, lots and lots of dancing, and much more on September 24-25, 2021. Proceeds benefit the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and festival organizers, The Chamber of Hickory Nut Gorge.

Show-stopping Dance Performances

Live Music  by The Soul Psychedelique Orchestra

The return of Hot Lake Lure Nights dance lessons
hosted by Coach Natalie Foreverland

A Message from PanCAN

Nighttime Lakeside Screening of Dirty Dancing

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Everybody Free Dance Party
Sep 24 @ 10:00 pm – Sep 25 @ 2:00 am
Asheville Beauty Academy

DJ Dance Party with Meseret & Zati 🎧 Every Friday Nigh it’s you, it’s dark house and the dance floor. NO COVER 21+

Saturday, September 25, 2021
Asheville Area Arts Council JOB BOARD
Sep 25 all-day
online

Job Board

Make sure to check out all the great job postings and arts opportunities listed on the arts council’s website.

Do you have a job opening you would like us to share? Please email us a link to your listing at [email protected].

Festivals + Cultural Events Grant Opportunity
Sep 25 all-day
Online

Background and Goals of the Festivals & Cultural Events Program

The Festivals & Cultural Events Support Fund Grant Program was launched in 2016 by the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) and is designed to provide financial support for events that both serve the residents of Buncombe County and the visitors who travel to the Asheville area for the sense of authenticity and welcoming spirit that the destination exudes.

The primary purposes of this fund are to:

  • Support and preserve cultural identity within Buncombe County;
  • Stimulate the creation of new, or expansion of existing, festivals and cultural events; and
  • Contribute to the financial viability and long-term sustainability of the area’s festivals and cultural events.

Explore Asheville CVB is offering grants for Festivals & Cultural Events ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, not to exceed 50% of the total event budget. Application deadline is Sept 29th at 5 pm.

New Benefits for Arts Businesses!
Sep 25 all-day
online

Add your arts business and upcoming events to the Asheville Area Arts Council website by becoming an Arts Business Member! Benefits include:

  • Login access to the arts council’s website to edit your directory listing and add events (new perk!)
  • Submit jobs and calls for artists to be shared on AAAC’s website
  • Ability for you and your staff to serve on the Arts Coalition
  • Discounted rates for you and your staff on tickets to the Creative Sector Summit (happening Nov. 2021)
  • Option to add something to the Creative Sector Summit swag bag
  • Local arts sector representation & advocacy
  • And so much more!
YMI Cultural Center Business Incubation
Sep 25 all-day
online

_MG_0157_edited.jpg

YMICC is committed to economic development and entrepreneurship for Black individuals and communities. Through this program entrepreneurs will receive six (6) months to one (1) year of business incubation support that will include business development training, startup and capacity building funding, as well as, mentorship opportunities. We are interested in you and your business ideas.

YMI Cultural Center Workforce Development Program
Sep 25 all-day
online

The “HMMM” (Hospitality, Medical, Manufacturing, Municipality) workforce training initiative and business development program is designed to support participants with training to build technical and workforce skills. The expansion of this program is “Operation Gateway” which provides a “circle of support” that addresses barriers to successful employment.  In this program participants will receive wraparound services along their pathway to the workplace. This circle of services includes childcare, transportation, financial support, guidance, and re-entry skill development (e.g., resume-building and interviewing).

12th annual Dirty Dancing Festival 2021
Sep 25 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Lake Lure

Experience The Time of Your Life at the 12th annual Dirty Dancing Festival in Lake Lure, NC!

Whether you have been coming for years, or always wanted to see what the hype is all about, we have a chance for you to WIN a weekend getaway to the namesake film’s backdrop where It’s all Crazy for Swayze.

Join us for singalongs, watermelon carrying, Lift Scenes, lots and lots of dancing, and much more on September 24-25, 2021. Proceeds benefit the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and festival organizers, The Chamber of Hickory Nut Gorge.

Picture

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Professional Dance Lessons to the Original
Movie Soundtrack

Film-Inspired Dance Performances by the Asheville Ballet

Top-notch  Live Music by  DJ Michael Sprouse,  Envision, and ACE Party Band.

Watermelon Races for PanCAN

Selfie  Portraits with scenes from Dirty Dancing filmed here in Lake Lure

A Car Show featuring the 1957 Chevy Bel Air “Swayze” look-alike car

A variety of Movie-inspired Games

The Lake Lift Competition

And much more!

 

Mountain Heritage Day
Sep 25 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
WCU's Intramural Field

dancing in front of stage

Enjoy one of the top 20 events in the Southeast with live entertainment, 130+ food and craft vendors, tons of family-friendly activities, interactive kids area, along with performances and demonstrations celebrating the Southern Appalachian mountain culture. Mountain Heritage Day is diligently working to create a safe environment for everyone, whereby booths and seating are spaced for physical distancing.

Heart and Soul Dance Company presents Flesh and Conflict Rescheduled
Sep 25 @ 7:30 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

This performance has been rescheduled in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Previously purchased tickets will be honored for the rescheduled date. 

Flesh & Conflict is a modern dance portrayal of the scarring effects that societal norms can have on people facing different major adversities. From depression of body image and Sexual Orientation to domestic violence and suicide, Flesh & Conflict is created to initiate positive, productive, and constructive conversations to create a community of understanding and support! We are stronger together than we are separate!

Heart+ Soul Dance Co. presents Flesh + Conflict
Sep 25 @ 7:30 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

Heart & Soul Dance Co. presents Flesh & Conflict

This performance has been rescheduled in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Previously purchased tickets will be honored for the rescheduled date.

Flesh & Conflict is a modern dance portrayal of the scarring effects that societal norms can have on people facing different major adversities. From depression of body image and Sexual Orientation to domestic violence and suicide, Flesh & Conflict is created to initiate positive, productive, and constructive conversations to create a community of understanding and support! We are stronger together than we are separate!

Sunday, September 26, 2021
Equinox ~ In Person Outdoor Dance Wave!
Sep 26 @ 10:00 am
Carrier Park

Equinox

COVID AGREEMENTS
We are practicing Covid-conscious protocols which follow North Carolina law.
Per NC guidelines.

Please respect each other’s choices.

Physical distancing is encouraged.

Please no alcohol, weapons, tobacco, or shaming!

Individuals, or pods of 2-10 people, will be asked to mark out their space with string, rope, blankets etc. Bring these items if you want !

Honor your needs and take care of yourself. Respect individual and energetic boundaries of whatever distance other folks need – check in and seek consent!

If you have symptoms in the 5 days before the event, please stay home and take care of yourself, and come to the next one! Let us know.

Award-Winning Nashville Songwriter Jesse Daniel Edwards
Sep 26 @ 5:00 pm
Grey Eagle

Jesse Daniel Edwards brings his particular brand of clever writing to the Grey Eagle’s patio: Sunday, September 26, 2021 at 5pm.