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 26, 2022
Buncombe County Opens Its First Dog Park
May 26 @ 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Buncombe County Sports Park

It can be ruff out there for our canine companions, but we have pawsitively great news. Buncombe County’s first-ever dog park is now open at our Sports Park in Candler. While this is a soft open, the park features two fenced-in play areas; one for large dogs and one for smaller pups. “We do have plans to add other amenities and water fountains,” exclaims Recreation Services Program Coordinator Mac Stanley. “People are very excited about this new opportunity. Since it was announced, we have gotten letters of support as well as many emails questioning when will the project be completed.”

So join us in a round of apaws as we celebrate the opening of this new venue for hot dogs and cool people. “It’s an amazing place to bring your dog to run free without a leash and interact with other dogs,” says Stanley. “One of my favorite aspects of this new dog park is being able to cultivate a community. Hopefully, this dog park will be instrumental in connecting dogs as well as people within the community.” Paw-yeah, sounds great.

Location: Buncombe County Sports Park, 58 Apac Circle

Hours of operation: Monday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. (same as the Sports Park)

Dog park drools rules
Dogs must be:

  • On a leash at all times until safely in the fenced-in dog park area
  • Vaccinated, licensed, and in good health
  • At least four months old to enter
  • Wearing a collar with ID tags
  • Under voice control of their human and not aggressive

Humans must:

  • Be with dogs at all times
  • Remove dogs at first sign of aggression
  • Pick up poop and dispose of it in receptacles provided
  • Be liable for any and all injuries caused by their dogs

Not Allowed:

  • Pronged, spike or choke collars
  • Aggressive dogs, aggressive humans, or dogs in heat
  • Unsupervised children 12 years of age or younger
Volunteers needed for Afghan Asylum Project
May 26 @ 8:30 am – 9:00 am
Pisgah Legal
Pisgah Legal Services is partnering with Catholic Charities and Lutheran Services Corporation to assist 50 Afghan asylum seekers in our community to complete their asylum applications. We are relying on 25 volunteer attorneys, along with Pisgah Legal’s immigration law staff, to make this happen on a very tight timeline to meet many clients’ August 2022 deadlines to submit their applications.

We need volunteers to provide food and drinks for our clients and volunteers who will meet at legal clinics to complete these complex applications. If you’d like to help, please sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080e45a8a72ea2f49-volunteers.

Volunteers to Help with Food @ Afghan Asylum Clinics

We are looking for volunteers to coordinate food and drinks for Afghan clients and volunteer attorneys at upcoming legal clinics. Rather than have individual volunteers sign up here to bring various items, we are looking for “lead volunteers” to sign up to be responsible for a particular date and coordinate with friends to get the items needed. Here are food and drinks that are appreciated by our Afghan clients:

  • Dates
  • Nuts
  • Baklava or other pastries (A volunteer ordered pastries from this Middle Eastern bakery for an earlier event and our Afghan clients were completely thrilled: Shatila Bakery, https://shatila.com/)
  • Fresh fruit
  • Seltzer water
  • Fruit juices

Our volunteer attorneys appreciate any typical American snacks & drinks (coffee! :-).

We anticipate 12-24 people on Thursdays and up to 30 people on Saturdays. Once you sign up we will send you more details about dropping off the food and drinks and confirm the number of people.

THANK YOU so much for supporting our efforts to help Afghan newcomers in our community to secure asylum.

Thursday Produce Sorting/Box Prep with Bounty + Soul
May 26 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Bounty + Soul

Before you even begin thinking about volunteering, ask yourself – Am I well enough to volunteer?

Your safety and limiting the spread of COVID-19 is everyone’s main priority. We encourage you to review and adhere to the recommendations on the Buncombe County readiness site on how best to avoid COVID-19 and what to do if you think you might have it.


Bounty & Soul is a community-based non-profit with a mission to connect people to food, education and each other.

This opportunity involves sorting and inspecting produce donations from local grocers and placing them into food boxes that are distributed at weekly drive-thru markets. 

Time Commitment:

  • Thursdays 10am-12pm
  • Thursdays 1-3pm

Requirements:

  • Volunteers should agree to adhere to all the safety measures implemented
  • Ability to lift 25 lbs.
  • Bending, stooping, and twisting may be required
  • Closed toed shoes

Health/Safety:

  • We are asking volunteers to wear/bring their own face covering when delivering items
    • Cloth covering nose and mouth
    • Fabric or disposable face mask
  • Asking volunteers to maintain physical distance of 6 feet or more when possible
    • Note: there are times when the volunteer task requires volunteers to engage closer than 6 feet. Please do not sign up if you feel uncomfortable.

 

1 and older
Is Family Friendly
Is Not Outdoors
Is Wheelchair Accessible
Cook and Serve Meals – ABCCM Transformation Village
May 26 @ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Transformation Village

Cook teams of 4-6 individuals are invited to bring ingredients and prepare meals onsite or bring meals that have been prepared elsewhere.  To meet our dietary standards, we ask that each meal provides a meat, vegetable and starch.

Requirements:

  • Background Check
  • Brief orientation prior to service
  • Ability to Multi-Task
  • Friendly Demeanor

Health & Safety:

  • We are asking volunteers to wear/bring their own face mask if you have not been fully vaccinated
  • Temperatures will be checked and a COVID-19 disclosure will be signed at the volunteer entrance
  • Before you even begin thinking about volunteering, ask yourself – Am I well enough to volunteer?

    Your safety and limiting the spread of COVID-19 is everyone’s main priority. We encourage you to review and adhere to the recommendations on the Buncombe County readiness site on how best to avoid COVID-19 and what to do if you think you might have it.


    ABCCM Transformation Village provides up to 100 beds of transitional housing and will provide emergency shelter beds, post Covid-19.  Transforming lives is through four developmental phases called Steps to Success including stabilization, life skills, education and reintegration.  We are honored to report that 8 out of 10 leave us with a living wage job and permanent housing.

    Transformation Village gives hope, healing, health and a home to single women, mothers with children, and female Veterans experiencing homelessness.  We provide residents a fresh start and a place to heal surrounded and supported by Christian love, trust, education and companionship.

    We are seeking energetic volunteers to prepare and serve meals for our residents for lunch and dinner. This opportunity provides you with the chance to prepare meals in our commercial kitchen alongside our trained staff while serving the women and children of Transformation Village. 

Thursday Produce Sorting/Box Prep with Bounty + Soul
May 26 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Bounty + Soul

Before you even begin thinking about volunteering, ask yourself – Am I well enough to volunteer?

Your safety and limiting the spread of COVID-19 is everyone’s main priority. We encourage you to review and adhere to the recommendations on the Buncombe County readiness site on how best to avoid COVID-19 and what to do if you think you might have it.


Bounty & Soul is a community-based non-profit with a mission to connect people to food, education and each other.

This opportunity involves sorting and inspecting produce donations from local grocers and placing them into food boxes that are distributed at weekly drive-thru markets. 

Time Commitment:

  • Thursdays 10am-12pm
  • Thursdays 1-3pm

Requirements:

  • Volunteers should agree to adhere to all the safety measures implemented
  • Ability to lift 25 lbs.
  • Bending, stooping, and twisting may be required
  • Closed toed shoes

Health/Safety:

  • We are asking volunteers to wear/bring their own face covering when delivering items
    • Cloth covering nose and mouth
    • Fabric or disposable face mask
  • Asking volunteers to maintain physical distance of 6 feet or more when possible
    • Note: there are times when the volunteer task requires volunteers to engage closer than 6 feet. Please do not sign up if you feel uncomfortable.

 

1 and older
Is Family Friendly
Is Not Outdoors
Is Wheelchair Accessible
Youth Literacy Tutors Needed!
May 26 @ 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Asheville

Before you even begin thinking about volunteering, ask yourself – Am I well enough to volunteer?

Your safety and limiting the spread of COVID-19 is everyone’s main priority. We encourage you to review and adhere to the recommendations on the Buncombe County readiness site on how best to avoid COVID-19 and what to do if you think you might have it.


Literacy Together (formerly the Literacy Council of Buncombe County) is a nonprofit organization working with children, youth, and adults to increase comprehensive literacy and English language skills through access to literacy resources and specialized instruction by trained volunteer tutors. Literacy Together relies on volunteer tutors to offer students personal instruction and high-quality materials through various programs.

The Youth Literacy Program is seeking tutors to meet with students K-5 twice a week for 50 minutes, between 3:30 pm and 5:30 pm. The Youth Literacy Program works with two after-school programs that primarily serve youth of color.  The two locations are in Asheville.

Youth Literacy tutors work with children from low-income families who read, write, and/or spell below their grade level. Tutors in this program complete an initial orientation and a 16-20 hours training, which includes some pre-course work and/or homework (short articles to read, short videos to watch). They then receive follow-up support and the option to attend in-service training throughout their tutoring commitment. Youth Literacy tutors commit to working with their students for at least one school year.

Time Commitment:

  • Twice a week for 50-minute sessions between 3:30 pm and 5:30 pm.
  • Youth Literacy tutors commit to working with their students for at least one school year.

Requirements: 

  • GED or High School diploma
  • Excellent customer service skills
  • Ability to work patiently with various levels of literacy skills
  • Access to reliable internet
  • Ability to navigate virtual meetings with minimal distractions
  • Complete a background check

Training:

  • Tutors must complete 16-20 hours of training prior to being assigned a student
Reading Buddy – Project Lighten Up – Shiloh
May 26 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Project Lighten Up

Before you even begin thinking about volunteering, ask yourself – Am I well enough to volunteer?

Your safety and limiting the spread of COVID-19 is everyone’s main priority. We encourage you to review and adhere to the recommendations on the Buncombe County readiness site on how best to avoid COVID-19 and what to do if you think you might have it.


Getting Back to the Basics/Project Lighten Up is a unique summer and afterschool educational opportunity for low-income and minority youth that supports students’ recreational and educational learning. We provide meaningful educational support and develop self-esteem in a positive environment through mentoring and enriching activities.

Project Lighten Up is seeking in-person volunteers to assist students attending the afterschool program during the school year with spelling and reading 1-2 times a week for 1 hour.  

Time Commitment:

  • Commitment to a 5-week session
  • Volunteers are asked to commit to a minimum of 1 shift per week
  • Volunteers choose from one, 1-hour session per week OR two, 30-minute sessions per week
  • Volunteer shifts are Tuesdays & Thursdays between 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
  • Please arrive 15 minutes prior to shift start for health screening and transition time

Requirements/Training:

  • Respond above to the opportunity
  • Answer all health/safety and opportunity related questions prior to submitting your response
  • Phone interview with the program director
  • Volunteer application
  • Complete a background check
  • Attend training by program staff
  • Adheres to all CDC guidelines and safety protocols

Skillset: 

  • Enjoys working with youth in different grade levels
  • Enjoys working in a learning environment
  • Remains patient and calm with students experiencing technical or learning challenges
  • Demonstrates a positive attitude and empathy for students and Lighten Up team
  • Non-judgmental, fair, firm, and friendly
  • Models excellent verbal and non-verbal communication

Health/Safety:

  • Health and safety screening prior to every shift start:
    • List of health and safety questions asked
    • Temperatures taken
  • We are asking volunteers to wear/bring their own face covering (masks available upon request)
    • Fabric or disposable face mask
  • Asking volunteers to maintain a physical distance of 6 feet or more when possible
    • Note: there are times when the volunteer task requires volunteers to engage with students closer than 6 feet. Please do not sign up if you feel uncomfortable.
  • Volunteers will be asked to adhere to proper hand hygiene
Volunteers Needed for Griffin Awards
May 26 @ 4:00 pm
Preservation Society of Asheville & Buncombe County
Want to help out at Griffin Awards on Thursday May 26th? We need volunteers for house docents, bartenders and general set up/clean up. Click here to sign up, and give us a call at 254-2343 if you have any questions!
Cook and Serve Meals – ABCCM Transformation Village
May 26 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Transformation Village

Cook teams of 4-6 individuals are invited to bring ingredients and prepare meals onsite or bring meals that have been prepared elsewhere.  To meet our dietary standards, we ask that each meal provides a meat, vegetable and starch.

Requirements:

  • Background Check
  • Brief orientation prior to service
  • Ability to Multi-Task
  • Friendly Demeanor

Health & Safety:

  • We are asking volunteers to wear/bring their own face mask if you have not been fully vaccinated
  • Temperatures will be checked and a COVID-19 disclosure will be signed at the volunteer entrance
  • Before you even begin thinking about volunteering, ask yourself – Am I well enough to volunteer?

    Your safety and limiting the spread of COVID-19 is everyone’s main priority. We encourage you to review and adhere to the recommendations on the Buncombe County readiness site on how best to avoid COVID-19 and what to do if you think you might have it.


    ABCCM Transformation Village provides up to 100 beds of transitional housing and will provide emergency shelter beds, post Covid-19.  Transforming lives is through four developmental phases called Steps to Success including stabilization, life skills, education and reintegration.  We are honored to report that 8 out of 10 leave us with a living wage job and permanent housing.

    Transformation Village gives hope, healing, health and a home to single women, mothers with children, and female Veterans experiencing homelessness.  We provide residents a fresh start and a place to heal surrounded and supported by Christian love, trust, education and companionship.

    We are seeking energetic volunteers to prepare and serve meals for our residents for lunch and dinner. This opportunity provides you with the chance to prepare meals in our commercial kitchen alongside our trained staff while serving the women and children of Transformation Village. 

City Dance
May 26 @ 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.

Friday, May 27, 2022
Volunteer with the YWCA
May 27 all-day
YWCA of Asheville

At the YWCA of Asheville, we eliminate racism and empower women by providing programs and advocacy for over 3,000 community members annually in Western North Carolina with services that support families, promote holistic wellness, and advance racial justice.

Thank you for wanting to share your time and talents with the YWCA! As a volunteer, you are integral to the YWCA fulfilling our mission, and we simply couldn’t do it without your help and support.

YWCA Asheville has volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups. We can design volunteer assignments to fit your schedule, experience, and team-building goals.

Buncombe County Opens Its First Dog Park
May 27 @ 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Buncombe County Sports Park

It can be ruff out there for our canine companions, but we have pawsitively great news. Buncombe County’s first-ever dog park is now open at our Sports Park in Candler. While this is a soft open, the park features two fenced-in play areas; one for large dogs and one for smaller pups. “We do have plans to add other amenities and water fountains,” exclaims Recreation Services Program Coordinator Mac Stanley. “People are very excited about this new opportunity. Since it was announced, we have gotten letters of support as well as many emails questioning when will the project be completed.”

So join us in a round of apaws as we celebrate the opening of this new venue for hot dogs and cool people. “It’s an amazing place to bring your dog to run free without a leash and interact with other dogs,” says Stanley. “One of my favorite aspects of this new dog park is being able to cultivate a community. Hopefully, this dog park will be instrumental in connecting dogs as well as people within the community.” Paw-yeah, sounds great.

Location: Buncombe County Sports Park, 58 Apac Circle

Hours of operation: Monday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. (same as the Sports Park)

Dog park drools rules
Dogs must be:

  • On a leash at all times until safely in the fenced-in dog park area
  • Vaccinated, licensed, and in good health
  • At least four months old to enter
  • Wearing a collar with ID tags
  • Under voice control of their human and not aggressive

Humans must:

  • Be with dogs at all times
  • Remove dogs at first sign of aggression
  • Pick up poop and dispose of it in receptacles provided
  • Be liable for any and all injuries caused by their dogs

Not Allowed:

  • Pronged, spike or choke collars
  • Aggressive dogs, aggressive humans, or dogs in heat
  • Unsupervised children 12 years of age or younger
Volunteer with Flat Rock Playhouse
May 27 @ 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse
Flat Rock Playhouse Supporting
            Players

Flat Rock Playhouse believes in the power of collaboration, community, and connection. Over the years, volunteers have made it possible for our production seasons to thrive and grow.

Volunteers are deeply valued team members that support the arts at Flat Rock Playhouse on a powerful and poignant level by:

Maintaining and developing our beautiful gardens and grounds

Welcoming or sending off actors at the airport

Guiding guests and supporting FRP staff members as parkers

Preparing food for college-age apprentices

Attending to patrons as ushers at each performance

As we return to a full season of live productions, we want YOU to be a part of the magic.

Volunteers support the arts at Flat Rock Playhouse through gifts of time and resources, and they have the incredible opportunity to peek behind-the-scenes, learn more about how our hand-crafted productions come together, and connect with artists, staff members, and fellow volunteers. We hope you’ll join the team at Flat Rock Playhouse this season as a part of our volunteer community, Supporting Players!

Know someone who might be interested? Feel free to forward this email to your friends and family!

To learn more about how to get involved, visit our website or contact us at [email protected].

Cook and Serve Meals – ABCCM Transformation Village
May 27 @ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Transformation Village

Cook teams of 4-6 individuals are invited to bring ingredients and prepare meals onsite or bring meals that have been prepared elsewhere.  To meet our dietary standards, we ask that each meal provides a meat, vegetable and starch.

Requirements:

  • Background Check
  • Brief orientation prior to service
  • Ability to Multi-Task
  • Friendly Demeanor

Health & Safety:

  • We are asking volunteers to wear/bring their own face mask if you have not been fully vaccinated
  • Temperatures will be checked and a COVID-19 disclosure will be signed at the volunteer entrance
  • Before you even begin thinking about volunteering, ask yourself – Am I well enough to volunteer?

    Your safety and limiting the spread of COVID-19 is everyone’s main priority. We encourage you to review and adhere to the recommendations on the Buncombe County readiness site on how best to avoid COVID-19 and what to do if you think you might have it.


    ABCCM Transformation Village provides up to 100 beds of transitional housing and will provide emergency shelter beds, post Covid-19.  Transforming lives is through four developmental phases called Steps to Success including stabilization, life skills, education and reintegration.  We are honored to report that 8 out of 10 leave us with a living wage job and permanent housing.

    Transformation Village gives hope, healing, health and a home to single women, mothers with children, and female Veterans experiencing homelessness.  We provide residents a fresh start and a place to heal surrounded and supported by Christian love, trust, education and companionship.

    We are seeking energetic volunteers to prepare and serve meals for our residents for lunch and dinner. This opportunity provides you with the chance to prepare meals in our commercial kitchen alongside our trained staff while serving the women and children of Transformation Village. 

Youth Literacy Tutors Needed!
May 27 @ 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Asheville

Before you even begin thinking about volunteering, ask yourself – Am I well enough to volunteer?

Your safety and limiting the spread of COVID-19 is everyone’s main priority. We encourage you to review and adhere to the recommendations on the Buncombe County readiness site on how best to avoid COVID-19 and what to do if you think you might have it.


Literacy Together (formerly the Literacy Council of Buncombe County) is a nonprofit organization working with children, youth, and adults to increase comprehensive literacy and English language skills through access to literacy resources and specialized instruction by trained volunteer tutors. Literacy Together relies on volunteer tutors to offer students personal instruction and high-quality materials through various programs.

The Youth Literacy Program is seeking tutors to meet with students K-5 twice a week for 50 minutes, between 3:30 pm and 5:30 pm. The Youth Literacy Program works with two after-school programs that primarily serve youth of color.  The two locations are in Asheville.

Youth Literacy tutors work with children from low-income families who read, write, and/or spell below their grade level. Tutors in this program complete an initial orientation and a 16-20 hours training, which includes some pre-course work and/or homework (short articles to read, short videos to watch). They then receive follow-up support and the option to attend in-service training throughout their tutoring commitment. Youth Literacy tutors commit to working with their students for at least one school year.

Time Commitment:

  • Twice a week for 50-minute sessions between 3:30 pm and 5:30 pm.
  • Youth Literacy tutors commit to working with their students for at least one school year.

Requirements: 

  • GED or High School diploma
  • Excellent customer service skills
  • Ability to work patiently with various levels of literacy skills
  • Access to reliable internet
  • Ability to navigate virtual meetings with minimal distractions
  • Complete a background check

Training:

  • Tutors must complete 16-20 hours of training prior to being assigned a student
Cook and Serve Meals – ABCCM Transformation Village
May 27 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Transformation Village

Cook teams of 4-6 individuals are invited to bring ingredients and prepare meals onsite or bring meals that have been prepared elsewhere.  To meet our dietary standards, we ask that each meal provides a meat, vegetable and starch.

Requirements:

  • Background Check
  • Brief orientation prior to service
  • Ability to Multi-Task
  • Friendly Demeanor

Health & Safety:

  • We are asking volunteers to wear/bring their own face mask if you have not been fully vaccinated
  • Temperatures will be checked and a COVID-19 disclosure will be signed at the volunteer entrance
  • Before you even begin thinking about volunteering, ask yourself – Am I well enough to volunteer?

    Your safety and limiting the spread of COVID-19 is everyone’s main priority. We encourage you to review and adhere to the recommendations on the Buncombe County readiness site on how best to avoid COVID-19 and what to do if you think you might have it.


    ABCCM Transformation Village provides up to 100 beds of transitional housing and will provide emergency shelter beds, post Covid-19.  Transforming lives is through four developmental phases called Steps to Success including stabilization, life skills, education and reintegration.  We are honored to report that 8 out of 10 leave us with a living wage job and permanent housing.

    Transformation Village gives hope, healing, health and a home to single women, mothers with children, and female Veterans experiencing homelessness.  We provide residents a fresh start and a place to heal surrounded and supported by Christian love, trust, education and companionship.

    We are seeking energetic volunteers to prepare and serve meals for our residents for lunch and dinner. This opportunity provides you with the chance to prepare meals in our commercial kitchen alongside our trained staff while serving the women and children of Transformation Village. 

Saturday, May 28, 2022
Apple Festival Races Volunteers Needed
May 28 all-day
Pardee Hospital Parking 800 N Justice St, Hendersonville, NC
And for the Kids? They’ll love the Chick-fil-A Mini Moo Mile!
This fun run starts just after the 8K & 5K and each child will receive a finisher’s prize.

A race is only as good as the volunteers and you’re a good one! Let us know if you can help!

Buncombe County Opens Its First Dog Park
May 28 @ 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Buncombe County Sports Park

It can be ruff out there for our canine companions, but we have pawsitively great news. Buncombe County’s first-ever dog park is now open at our Sports Park in Candler. While this is a soft open, the park features two fenced-in play areas; one for large dogs and one for smaller pups. “We do have plans to add other amenities and water fountains,” exclaims Recreation Services Program Coordinator Mac Stanley. “People are very excited about this new opportunity. Since it was announced, we have gotten letters of support as well as many emails questioning when will the project be completed.”

So join us in a round of apaws as we celebrate the opening of this new venue for hot dogs and cool people. “It’s an amazing place to bring your dog to run free without a leash and interact with other dogs,” says Stanley. “One of my favorite aspects of this new dog park is being able to cultivate a community. Hopefully, this dog park will be instrumental in connecting dogs as well as people within the community.” Paw-yeah, sounds great.

Location: Buncombe County Sports Park, 58 Apac Circle

Hours of operation: Monday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. (same as the Sports Park)

Dog park drools rules
Dogs must be:

  • On a leash at all times until safely in the fenced-in dog park area
  • Vaccinated, licensed, and in good health
  • At least four months old to enter
  • Wearing a collar with ID tags
  • Under voice control of their human and not aggressive

Humans must:

  • Be with dogs at all times
  • Remove dogs at first sign of aggression
  • Pick up poop and dispose of it in receptacles provided
  • Be liable for any and all injuries caused by their dogs

Not Allowed:

  • Pronged, spike or choke collars
  • Aggressive dogs, aggressive humans, or dogs in heat
  • Unsupervised children 12 years of age or younger
Asheville’s Parks + Recreation Spring Volunteer Events
May 28 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Southside Community Center

Spring Volunteer Events

We are thrilled to be partnering with Asheville’s Parks & Recreation Department to host litter cleanups in the Southside Community, once per month in April and May. Last month’s cleanup along Oakland Road resulted in a huge collection of trash! Please join us as we continue to tidy up the streets of the Southside Community.

Work days are scheduled for April 23 and May 28. For each, we will meet at the Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center (285 Livingston St, Asheville, NC 28801) at 10:00 AM, working until around 12:00 PM.

Volunteer with Flat Rock Playhouse
May 28 @ 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse
Flat Rock Playhouse Supporting
            Players

Flat Rock Playhouse believes in the power of collaboration, community, and connection. Over the years, volunteers have made it possible for our production seasons to thrive and grow.

Volunteers are deeply valued team members that support the arts at Flat Rock Playhouse on a powerful and poignant level by:

Maintaining and developing our beautiful gardens and grounds

Welcoming or sending off actors at the airport

Guiding guests and supporting FRP staff members as parkers

Preparing food for college-age apprentices

Attending to patrons as ushers at each performance

As we return to a full season of live productions, we want YOU to be a part of the magic.

Volunteers support the arts at Flat Rock Playhouse through gifts of time and resources, and they have the incredible opportunity to peek behind-the-scenes, learn more about how our hand-crafted productions come together, and connect with artists, staff members, and fellow volunteers. We hope you’ll join the team at Flat Rock Playhouse this season as a part of our volunteer community, Supporting Players!

Know someone who might be interested? Feel free to forward this email to your friends and family!

To learn more about how to get involved, visit our website or contact us at [email protected].

Wands for Wildlife Sorting Project
May 28 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Asheville Mall

Wands for Wildlife inspires people to help wildlife and the environment through re-purposing discarded mascara wands for use in wildlife care, art and education. Old mascara wands are received from people across the country and even around the world. When they arrive, they must be sorted to remove unusable (dirty/frayed) wands and specialty wands to use in art. The rest are provided to Wildlife Caregivers to help in their work to save injured and orphaned wild animals. Volunteers are needed to help with sorting the inventory of wands – email for more information and to sign up to help.

Sunday, May 29, 2022
Apple Festival Races Volunteers Needed
May 29 all-day
Pardee Hospital Parking 800 N Justice St, Hendersonville, NC
And for the Kids? They’ll love the Chick-fil-A Mini Moo Mile!
This fun run starts just after the 8K & 5K and each child will receive a finisher’s prize.

A race is only as good as the volunteers and you’re a good one! Let us know if you can help!

Buncombe County Opens Its First Dog Park
May 29 @ 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Buncombe County Sports Park

It can be ruff out there for our canine companions, but we have pawsitively great news. Buncombe County’s first-ever dog park is now open at our Sports Park in Candler. While this is a soft open, the park features two fenced-in play areas; one for large dogs and one for smaller pups. “We do have plans to add other amenities and water fountains,” exclaims Recreation Services Program Coordinator Mac Stanley. “People are very excited about this new opportunity. Since it was announced, we have gotten letters of support as well as many emails questioning when will the project be completed.”

So join us in a round of apaws as we celebrate the opening of this new venue for hot dogs and cool people. “It’s an amazing place to bring your dog to run free without a leash and interact with other dogs,” says Stanley. “One of my favorite aspects of this new dog park is being able to cultivate a community. Hopefully, this dog park will be instrumental in connecting dogs as well as people within the community.” Paw-yeah, sounds great.

Location: Buncombe County Sports Park, 58 Apac Circle

Hours of operation: Monday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. (same as the Sports Park)

Dog park drools rules
Dogs must be:

  • On a leash at all times until safely in the fenced-in dog park area
  • Vaccinated, licensed, and in good health
  • At least four months old to enter
  • Wearing a collar with ID tags
  • Under voice control of their human and not aggressive

Humans must:

  • Be with dogs at all times
  • Remove dogs at first sign of aggression
  • Pick up poop and dispose of it in receptacles provided
  • Be liable for any and all injuries caused by their dogs

Not Allowed:

  • Pronged, spike or choke collars
  • Aggressive dogs, aggressive humans, or dogs in heat
  • Unsupervised children 12 years of age or younger
Volunteer with Flat Rock Playhouse
May 29 @ 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse
Flat Rock Playhouse Supporting
            Players

Flat Rock Playhouse believes in the power of collaboration, community, and connection. Over the years, volunteers have made it possible for our production seasons to thrive and grow.

Volunteers are deeply valued team members that support the arts at Flat Rock Playhouse on a powerful and poignant level by:

Maintaining and developing our beautiful gardens and grounds

Welcoming or sending off actors at the airport

Guiding guests and supporting FRP staff members as parkers

Preparing food for college-age apprentices

Attending to patrons as ushers at each performance

As we return to a full season of live productions, we want YOU to be a part of the magic.

Volunteers support the arts at Flat Rock Playhouse through gifts of time and resources, and they have the incredible opportunity to peek behind-the-scenes, learn more about how our hand-crafted productions come together, and connect with artists, staff members, and fellow volunteers. We hope you’ll join the team at Flat Rock Playhouse this season as a part of our volunteer community, Supporting Players!

Know someone who might be interested? Feel free to forward this email to your friends and family!

To learn more about how to get involved, visit our website or contact us at [email protected].

Monday, May 30, 2022
Buncombe County Opens Its First Dog Park
May 30 @ 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Buncombe County Sports Park

It can be ruff out there for our canine companions, but we have pawsitively great news. Buncombe County’s first-ever dog park is now open at our Sports Park in Candler. While this is a soft open, the park features two fenced-in play areas; one for large dogs and one for smaller pups. “We do have plans to add other amenities and water fountains,” exclaims Recreation Services Program Coordinator Mac Stanley. “People are very excited about this new opportunity. Since it was announced, we have gotten letters of support as well as many emails questioning when will the project be completed.”

So join us in a round of apaws as we celebrate the opening of this new venue for hot dogs and cool people. “It’s an amazing place to bring your dog to run free without a leash and interact with other dogs,” says Stanley. “One of my favorite aspects of this new dog park is being able to cultivate a community. Hopefully, this dog park will be instrumental in connecting dogs as well as people within the community.” Paw-yeah, sounds great.

Location: Buncombe County Sports Park, 58 Apac Circle

Hours of operation: Monday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. (same as the Sports Park)

Dog park drools rules
Dogs must be:

  • On a leash at all times until safely in the fenced-in dog park area
  • Vaccinated, licensed, and in good health
  • At least four months old to enter
  • Wearing a collar with ID tags
  • Under voice control of their human and not aggressive

Humans must:

  • Be with dogs at all times
  • Remove dogs at first sign of aggression
  • Pick up poop and dispose of it in receptacles provided
  • Be liable for any and all injuries caused by their dogs

Not Allowed:

  • Pronged, spike or choke collars
  • Aggressive dogs, aggressive humans, or dogs in heat
  • Unsupervised children 12 years of age or younger
Cook and Serve Meals – ABCCM Transformation Village
May 30 @ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Transformation Village

Cook teams of 4-6 individuals are invited to bring ingredients and prepare meals onsite or bring meals that have been prepared elsewhere.  To meet our dietary standards, we ask that each meal provides a meat, vegetable and starch.

Requirements:

  • Background Check
  • Brief orientation prior to service
  • Ability to Multi-Task
  • Friendly Demeanor

Health & Safety:

  • We are asking volunteers to wear/bring their own face mask if you have not been fully vaccinated
  • Temperatures will be checked and a COVID-19 disclosure will be signed at the volunteer entrance
  • Before you even begin thinking about volunteering, ask yourself – Am I well enough to volunteer?

    Your safety and limiting the spread of COVID-19 is everyone’s main priority. We encourage you to review and adhere to the recommendations on the Buncombe County readiness site on how best to avoid COVID-19 and what to do if you think you might have it.


    ABCCM Transformation Village provides up to 100 beds of transitional housing and will provide emergency shelter beds, post Covid-19.  Transforming lives is through four developmental phases called Steps to Success including stabilization, life skills, education and reintegration.  We are honored to report that 8 out of 10 leave us with a living wage job and permanent housing.

    Transformation Village gives hope, healing, health and a home to single women, mothers with children, and female Veterans experiencing homelessness.  We provide residents a fresh start and a place to heal surrounded and supported by Christian love, trust, education and companionship.

    We are seeking energetic volunteers to prepare and serve meals for our residents for lunch and dinner. This opportunity provides you with the chance to prepare meals in our commercial kitchen alongside our trained staff while serving the women and children of Transformation Village. 

Memorial Day Carl Sandburg Music Festival
May 30 @ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site
large crowd sits comfortably under the shade of trees while musicians play on a stage in the background
Audience enjoys the Carl Sandburg Music Festival at the new amphitheater 2019
  • May 30, 2022, will be the next festival. Follow us on social media or check back here for more details as we plan the 36th Carl Sandburg Music Festival in 2022.

The music festival began in 1987, to honor Carl Sandburg’s efforts to document the history of American music in his American Songbag. Carl Sandburg published the American Songbag in 1927 after spending years documenting and researching early American songs. As Sandburg said, “The American Songbag is a ragbag of strips, stripes, and streaks of color from nearly all ends of the earth. The melodies and verses presented here are from diverse regions, from varied human characters and communities, and each is sung differently in different places.” His publication does not focus on one genre of music, but rather on the human experience. “It is an All-American affair, marshalling the genius of thousands of original singing Americans.”

Sandburg enjoyed all American musical genres. He spent years interviewing musicians and singers, documenting their songs, including folk, gospel, jazz and blues. Carl Sandburg said, “the American Songbag comes from the hearts and voices of thousands of men and women.”

Compiling and publishing the American Songbag was one of the most difficult writing projects Sandburg took on during his life. Today, the Carl Sandburg Music Festival celebrates his work and the work of modern singers and songwriters to share diverse and original American music.

Music Festival is supported by:
Friends of Carl Sandburg at Connemara, Inc.
America’s National Parks, the non-profit partner that operates the park store
A grant from the North Carolina Arts Council; administered by the Arts Council of Henderson County.

Volunteer: Kid’s Programming Support with Bounty + Soul
May 30 @ 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Old Bi-Lo Parking Lot

Before you even begin thinking about volunteering, ask yourself – Am I well enough to volunteer?

Your safety and limiting the spread of COVID-19 is everyone’s main priority. We encourage you to review and adhere to the recommendations on the Buncombe County readiness site on how best to avoid COVID-19 and what to do if you think you might have it.


Bounty & Soul is a community-based non-profit with a mission to connect people to food, education and each other. 

Like to get creative and crafty? Enjoy preparing fun educational games for children? We invite you to be a part of this small, sweet, and  intentional shift that directly supports our Kids Programming. We are looking to have 1-2 folks join us Mondays from 1:30-3:30pm at the Bounty & Soul office. We’re talking bubbles, meditation pin wheels, produce fortune tellers, mini-cook books, exercise games and more!

Requirements

  • Must agree to adhere to all safety measures implemented at the site
  • A positive attitude to bring to the group
  • A passion for sharing information on children’s health and wellbeing
  • Excellent customer service and communication skills

Health/Safety:

  • We are asking volunteers to wear/bring their own face covering when delivering items
    • Cloth covering nose and mouth
    • Fabric or disposable face mask
  • Asking volunteers to maintain physical distance of 6 feet or more when possible
    • Note: there are times when the volunteer task requires volunteers to engage closer than 6 feet. Please do not sign up if you feel uncomfortable.
Youth Literacy Tutors Needed!
May 30 @ 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Asheville

Before you even begin thinking about volunteering, ask yourself – Am I well enough to volunteer?

Your safety and limiting the spread of COVID-19 is everyone’s main priority. We encourage you to review and adhere to the recommendations on the Buncombe County readiness site on how best to avoid COVID-19 and what to do if you think you might have it.


Literacy Together (formerly the Literacy Council of Buncombe County) is a nonprofit organization working with children, youth, and adults to increase comprehensive literacy and English language skills through access to literacy resources and specialized instruction by trained volunteer tutors. Literacy Together relies on volunteer tutors to offer students personal instruction and high-quality materials through various programs.

The Youth Literacy Program is seeking tutors to meet with students K-5 twice a week for 50 minutes, between 3:30 pm and 5:30 pm. The Youth Literacy Program works with two after-school programs that primarily serve youth of color.  The two locations are in Asheville.

Youth Literacy tutors work with children from low-income families who read, write, and/or spell below their grade level. Tutors in this program complete an initial orientation and a 16-20 hours training, which includes some pre-course work and/or homework (short articles to read, short videos to watch). They then receive follow-up support and the option to attend in-service training throughout their tutoring commitment. Youth Literacy tutors commit to working with their students for at least one school year.

Time Commitment:

  • Twice a week for 50-minute sessions between 3:30 pm and 5:30 pm.
  • Youth Literacy tutors commit to working with their students for at least one school year.

Requirements: 

  • GED or High School diploma
  • Excellent customer service skills
  • Ability to work patiently with various levels of literacy skills
  • Access to reliable internet
  • Ability to navigate virtual meetings with minimal distractions
  • Complete a background check

Training:

  • Tutors must complete 16-20 hours of training prior to being assigned a student
Cook and Serve Meals – ABCCM Transformation Village
May 30 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Transformation Village

Cook teams of 4-6 individuals are invited to bring ingredients and prepare meals onsite or bring meals that have been prepared elsewhere.  To meet our dietary standards, we ask that each meal provides a meat, vegetable and starch.

Requirements:

  • Background Check
  • Brief orientation prior to service
  • Ability to Multi-Task
  • Friendly Demeanor

Health & Safety:

  • We are asking volunteers to wear/bring their own face mask if you have not been fully vaccinated
  • Temperatures will be checked and a COVID-19 disclosure will be signed at the volunteer entrance
  • Before you even begin thinking about volunteering, ask yourself – Am I well enough to volunteer?

    Your safety and limiting the spread of COVID-19 is everyone’s main priority. We encourage you to review and adhere to the recommendations on the Buncombe County readiness site on how best to avoid COVID-19 and what to do if you think you might have it.


    ABCCM Transformation Village provides up to 100 beds of transitional housing and will provide emergency shelter beds, post Covid-19.  Transforming lives is through four developmental phases called Steps to Success including stabilization, life skills, education and reintegration.  We are honored to report that 8 out of 10 leave us with a living wage job and permanent housing.

    Transformation Village gives hope, healing, health and a home to single women, mothers with children, and female Veterans experiencing homelessness.  We provide residents a fresh start and a place to heal surrounded and supported by Christian love, trust, education and companionship.

    We are seeking energetic volunteers to prepare and serve meals for our residents for lunch and dinner. This opportunity provides you with the chance to prepare meals in our commercial kitchen alongside our trained staff while serving the women and children of Transformation Village.