Upcoming events and things to do in Asheville, NC. Below is a list of events for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, group meetups and more.

Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.

Saturday, September 24, 2022
WILD Excursions: Wonder, Investigate, Learn, Do! Triple Falls Hike
Sep 24 @ 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
Buncombe County Soil & Water

a waterfall with graphics that say wonder, investigate, learn, do-excursions

Triple Falls Hike: Join us on a 3 mile hike in the DuPont State Recreational Forest. Educators and naturalists, Jen Knight and Rose Wall, will point out the many wonders of forest including plants, wildlife, water and geology. This trail loop features multiple waterfalls where we plan to rest, picnic and explore! We will take a slow to moderate pace, but participants for this event should be able to hike over moderately rough terrain for a distance of 3 miles.

Cost: Free!

Transportation: Limited no-cost transportation available from 49 Mt. Carmel Rd.

To bring: water, snacks and lunch, sunscreen/bug spray

Nature at Night Hike
Sep 24 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Chimney Rock State Park

Join a Park naturalist on the Hickory Nut Falls trail, and watch as the Park comes alive under the shadow of darkness. Do you know whether that’s a frog or a toad calling from the undergrowth? What birds and mammals prefer the dark to the daylight? Get ready to learn more about the Park’s rarely-seen residents.

Saturday, October 8, 2022
Roundtable Sessions for Women Entrepreneurs
Oct 8 @ 10:00 am
Downtown Asheville NC

Join us in this inclusive and supportive environment as we all take turns in the “hot seat” where the focus is on getting insight and solving problems.

This is really a great chance to level-up your business or figure out how to implement your dream. And it’s an opportunity to meet some new business besties.
Tickets and more information available at https://www.plrconnectevents.com/roundtable-sessions

Wednesday, October 12, 2022
Job Fair
Oct 12 @ 5:00 pm
Irene Wortham Center

Find a career where you make a difference! Hiring for more than 25 positions, $15/hr minimum wage, $500 signing bonus, full time and part time available. No experience required!

Sunday, October 30, 2022
SAHC Community Farm Hike
Oct 30 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
SAHC Community Farm

View across farm with rolling pastures

Enjoy a guided tour on our beautiful Community Farm and see all the terrific projects we have in the works. Participants will hike The Discovery Trail in a 2-mile loop, returning to our education and event center. You are welcome to bring a packed lunch to enjoy there while overlooking the entire farm and surrounding mountains

Monday, November 7, 2022
Saunter: Little Bradley Falls
Nov 7 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store

Saunter: Little Bradley Falls

John Muir didn’t like the word ‘hike’. “We ought to saunter through them reverently, not ‘hike’ through them.”
I am going to Little Bradley Falls near Saluda; A few of you are welcome to join me.
Distance: 2 miles round trip; Accum Ascent: 300 ft
Pace: 1.5mph – because I’m an ol’ Codger.
Difficulty: Moderate; W/ two (2) KNEE DEEP WET CREEK CROSSINGS (if water is up); PLUS a narrow slope-traversing trail. One short section of 6”wide rock traverse.
The number of participants will be limited by the number of drivers (4 bodies/car).
WAITLISTED PEOPLE WILL BE ADDED AS DRIVERS SIGN ON.
Drive time: ½ hr 1-way
Apprx return time: 3 pm
Carpool contributions appreciated. $2.00 suggested
If you have been exposed, directly or indirectly, to a confirmed case of a viral bug within 7 days of event day, please un-RSVP your attendance.
Please bring an extra pair of shoes to avoid bringing your muddy shoes into the driver’s car at the end of the hike.
This event is NOT for beginners or those with health or balance issues.
This is a dog-participant hike. This event is NOT for those who are uncomfortable with the antics of fun-loving dogs. Dogs are welcome (IF their masters are well trained). Well trained dogs can be ‘off-leash’. ‘On leash’ during the lunch stop.
Incessant prattlers will be assumed to be having an affair.
Obstreperous raucous yawping is discouraged.
DESCRIPTION;
Remember – hikes led by ‘the Curmudgeon’ tend to have challenging surprises.
Trail Condition: Slope traverse; roots; some very short steep sections; One short section of 6”wide rock traverse with root handholds. 1 short section of boulder hopping; 2 Knee-Deep water Xings. (BRING WATER SHOES).
HikeType: Out and Back
One of my ‘Top Ten’ destinations. All hikes are at your own risk. You are responsible for your OWN safety and adequate equipment.
Waiver: There are certain risks inherent in any outdoor activity. Each participant, by signing up to attend this event, agrees to release from liability the leader(s), Hendo Fun Friends, its Partners, Affiliates, and members for any accident, injury, illness, or personal loss which might occur while participating in this activity or while traveling in any vehicle during this trip. Each participant further agrees to abide by the rules and regulations concerning safety, to follow instructions of the leader(s), and not to become intentionally separated from the group. The leader(s) also has the right to use any images collected on this trip for recording on website photo collections.
gordie’s contact: [email protected]
(on day of hike): 828.393.0297 (talk & text)

Hike with a Naturalist
Nov 7 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Chimney Rock State Park

Spend an hour hiking one of the Parks’ six trails with a naturalist. Discover the fall flora and fauna of the Park on this educational excursion. You may even learn some of the Parks’ history as well. Meet in front of Cliff Dwellers Gifts.

Monday, November 14, 2022
Hike with a Naturalist
Nov 14 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Chimney Rock State Park

Spend an hour hiking one of the Parks’ six trails with a naturalist. Discover the fall flora and fauna of the Park on this educational excursion. You may even learn some of the Parks’ history as well. Meet in front of Cliff Dwellers Gifts.

Friday, November 18, 2022
Sunset Hike to Tennent Mountain and Black Balsam Knob
Nov 18 @ 4:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Shining Rock Wilderness Loop

Sunset Hike to Tennent Mountain and Black Balsam Knob

Black Balsam Knob and Tennent Mountain feature expansive views of Shining Rock Wilderness. With sunset at 5:20p, we will begin the hike at 4p to reach the summit of Tennent Mountain in time to watch the sun dip below the horizon.
We will be doing this loop counterclockwise, which is the more challenging way. This is for safety – the latter portion of the hike will be in the dark, so going this direction means we will only have to navigate Ivestor Gap, an old Jeep road, after the sun goes down, rather than more technical trails.
This hike is 4.3 mi with just under 700 ft elevation gain. We will be doing most of the climbing in the first half. We will only have one hour to hike about 2 miles to Tennent Mountain summit. This is an easy pace on flat ground, but not with the elevation. If you are not accustomed to hiking like this, please join for a different hike (more will be planned).
I’m normally not a stickler for rules, but for this event, there are a few :-/

  1. We will depart the trailhead at 4pm sharp. If you are not there, we will be leaving without you. I can’t guarantee phone service, so I may not see messages letting me know you’ll be late. And since the sunset is the goal, we don’t want the group to miss it by waiting for someone who is late. The trailhead is about an hour from Asheville, so please account for that, traffic, and time to find a parking spot. I’ll be there around 3:45.
  2. Bring enough water for you (and your dog if you are bringing one).
  3. Dogs are welcome if they are leashed (6 ft or shorter), well behaved, and socialized with other dogs and humans. I will be bringing my pup.
  4. Bring a headlamp! We will be hiking in the dark.
  5. Wear appropriate/supportive shoes – the trail is rocky.
  6. Bring layers. It will be very windy at the summit, and up to 20 degrees colder than in Asheville.
  7. Feel free to bring snacks. The goal is to chill and watch the sunset so we will have some time to rest.
  8. You are responsible for you (and your dog, if applicable). I am not a trained guide and I am not trained in wilderness first aid. By RSVPing “yes” to this event, you are acknowledging that I will not be held responsible for any injuries you may sustain on this hike.

Okay, now that that unpleasant part is done, I’ve got some fun links below! I have not done this hike yet, but the links below are where I gathered my info! Please read :-)

Thanks! Can’t wait to see you there!

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/north-carolina/ivestor-gap-trail-to-tennent-mountain-and-black-balsam-knob-trail

Black Balsam Knob and Tennent Mountain Loop

Saturday, November 19, 2022
Naturalist Niche: Fall Ridge Hike
Nov 19 @ 9:30 am – 1:00 pm
Advance registration required.

The trails of Chimney Rock in the fall are amazing, but a guided hike off-the-beaten-path can lead you to places you never knew existed. Join a naturalist and learn what fall brings to Hickory Nut Gorge. You’ll discover seasonal changes along your trek that will introduce you to a whole new perspective of the Park.

Sunday, November 20, 2022
SAHC Community Farm Hike
Nov 20 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
SAHC Community Farm

View across farm with rolling pastures

Enjoy a guided tour on our beautiful Community Farm and see all the terrific projects we have in the works. Participants will hike The Discovery Trail in a 2-mile loop, returning to our education and event center. You are welcome to bring a packed lunch to enjoy there while overlooking the entire farm and surrounding mountains

Monday, November 21, 2022
Hike with a Naturalist
Nov 21 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Chimney Rock State Park

Spend an hour hiking one of the Parks’ six trails with a naturalist. Discover the fall flora and fauna of the Park on this educational excursion. You may even learn some of the Parks’ history as well. Meet in front of Cliff Dwellers Gifts.

Monday, November 28, 2022
Hike with a Naturalist
Nov 28 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Chimney Rock State Park

Spend an hour hiking one of the Parks’ six trails with a naturalist. Discover the fall flora and fauna of the Park on this educational excursion. You may even learn some of the Parks’ history as well. Meet in front of Cliff Dwellers Gifts.

Thursday, December 22, 2022
DuPont Stone Mtn Tr; revised
Dec 22 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Ingles - Laurel Park Center · Laurel Park, NC

This announcement is revised from the original Dec 15th to Dec 22nd.
John Muir didn’t like the word ‘hike’. “We ought to saunter through them reverently, not ‘hike’ through them.”
I am going to scout the Stone Mtn Tr in DuPont; A few of you are welcome to join me.
Hike Distance: 4.0 Total (optional) ascent: 675 ft
Pace: 1.5mph – because I’m an ol’ Codger.
Difficulty: Well established Tr. No water Xings.
Optional Climb to Stone Mtn is 600 ft ascent in 1 mile.
(I, and the more leisurely of us, will skip this part. ;-)
Drive time: 25 min/14 mi 1-way

NC Arboretum Winter Lights! Meet up
Dec 22 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Ingles

Hey everyone, let’s go see the Christmas lights at the Arboretum!

I’m going to reserve a spot for one car, but if more than one car-load show interest I can always buy another.

Tickets for next Thursday night are $55 per car so we’ll divide that up by the number of people in the car. If someone’s willing to sit in the middle we can get 5 in my car.

We’ll meet at the Ingles up the road on 191 (863 Brevard Road) and head over from there. We should plan on leaving the parking lot at 6:45(tickets are for 7pm entry).

Sunday, January 1, 2023
First Day Hike
Jan 1 @ 8:00 am – 10:00 am
Chimney Rock State Park--Old Rock Café

Kick off the new year in Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park during this First Day Hike! Start your morning bright and early with a stroll, hike or bike ride up to the 3.2-mile Park road. Usually restricted to motor vehicle traffic only, there will be no cars in your way if you show up for this special, early morning hike that’s free to participants! Bicyclists are allowed to use the road also on this special morning to climb and descend the steep park road under controlled speed. Helmets are required.

Meet at the Old Rock Café at 8am. Registration is not required.

Tuesday, January 17, 2023
Expand Your Circle: Speed connecting for women entrepreneurs
Jan 17 @ 5:30 pm
Downtown Asheville NC

When women entrepreneurs come together, more knowledge is shared, doors opened, and power multiplied. So come connect with other like-minded, forward thinking, go-getting women at Expand Your Circle.

Traditional networking events can be aaawwwwkward! But we have fun activities that make it easier to connect with other women entrepreneurs.
Connecting is important and here’s why:
* First, having support and community in your business leads to higher success rates.
* When women entrepreneurs come together, more knowledge is shared, doors opened, and power multiplied.
* Having a business bestie to ask “How did you handle that situation?” Or being able to share a win in your business is the best.
* Finally, It’s just way more fun to be connected with other like-minded, forward thinking, go-getting women!

Tickets are $13 and include one drink. The venue will be emailed to you after ticket purchase (yes, very cloak and dagger)

Tuesday, February 7, 2023
Hybrid | Jennie Liu launches Enly and the Buskin’ Blues
Feb 7 @ 6:00 pm
Malaprop's Bookstore/Cafe

Free hybrid event with an option to attend virtually and a limited number of seats available to attend the in-store. Registration is required for both in-person and virtual attendance. Jennie Liu launches her middle grade novel, “Enly and the Buskin’ Blues” about twelve-year-old Enly Wu Lewis, who sets out to earn the money for music camp on his own, by busking with an obscure instrument he can only kind of play.

Wednesday, February 8, 2023
Passholder Experience: Old Growth Forest Expedition
Feb 8 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Chimney Rock State Park

Our first passholder-exclusive event of the year! Join a naturalist for an intimate hike with fellow passholders in an area of the Park not typically open to the public. This moderate hike traverses our own old growth forest and gives you the opportunity to learn what makes this ecosystem unique. This event is exclusively for Annual Passholders.

Saturday, February 18, 2023
Presidents Day Sale + Makers Market at Atelier Maison + Co.
Feb 18 @ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Atelier Maison

Join Atelier Maison & Co. and Show & Tell Pop Up Shop for the monthly Makers Market in the Asheville Design District this Saturday, February 18!
It’s part of the Presidents Day Sale at Atelier Maison & Co. which takes place Thursday-Sunday! All items at their Asheville and Cashiers locations are 20% off during this event.
The Makers Market is a monthly market of art & design, featuring vendors and artisans selling housewares, vintage clothing, original art, handmade crafts, fair trade imports, and more – happening on the third Saturday of each month at Atelier Maison & Co.
Shop from local artisans and check out Asheville arts and crafts. Each month, inside and outside the showroom of Atelier Maison & Co. you’ll find a wide variety of different artists and makers at these craft markets. We host vendors displaying everything from textiles to woodwork, fresh farmed flowers, or hand-blown glass.
From noon-5 on the third Saturday of the month, each market has dozens of vendors and hundreds of shoppers throughout the spacious grounds. The markets have a welcoming feel, often with a food truck, craft workshops, or complimentary beverages and treats for the whole family.
With roots in the Asheville Design District, Atelier Maison & Co. is the area’s home furnishings destination offering healthy, design-forward furniture, accessories, and their own exclusive line of green, envy-worthy pieces. They believe living green is not only better for the environment but essential in building a happier, healthier home.

Friday, February 24, 2023
Bailey Mountain Preserve Hike
Feb 24 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Bailey Mountain Park 885 Forest St. Mars Hill, NC 28754
This 6-mile, moderate hike with some steep inclines crosses the beautiful Bailey Mountain Preserve near Mars Hill, NC. This hidden gem consists of adjoining properties under a conservation easement that the SAHC monitors each year. The Preserve encompasses over 250 acres. Please note that this property is open to the public, but if you wish to join this guided hike you must pre-register for this event. FREE for SAHC members, $10 for non-members.
Sunday, February 26, 2023
Work trade Opportunity: Organic Growers School 30th Annual Spring Conference
Feb 26 @ 9:30 am – 6:00 pm
Mars Hill University Campus

Organic Growers School is now accepting work trade applications for the 30th Annual Spring Conference & Market!

The OGS Spring Conference will be held at Mars Hill University from February 24-26, 2023.

In exchange for each shift worked you will be compensated for the same day of the Conference. For example; if you work trade on Saturday, you will have access to the Conference on Saturday and will be free to attend workshops throughout the day, as long as they don’t conflict with your shift hours.

Work traders can select two shifts if they would like to attend on Saturday and Sunday, or three shifts, if they would like to participate the whole weekend.

General work trade shifts do not require special skills or backgrounds. They do, however, require timeliness and a friendly demeanor. Classroom Assistants/Moderators require training and classroom experience.

You should expect to be working during some of the class time unless you are approved for a pre-or post-conference shift, or come as a paying participant.

Please review the website for shift descriptions and complete the Work Trade Application if you are interested.

Work Trade at Spring Conference – Organic Growers School

We appreciate your interest in work trading for the 30th Annual Spring Conference & Market. Work traders play a vital role in the success of this event!

Thanks for your support,

Work Trade Deposit:

All volunteers are required to submit a $40 deposit. Please complete one registration and submit only one deposit. You may include any additional interest shifts in the additional notes section of the work trade application. Deposits are refunded once you complete your work trade shift. Once your schedule and duties are confirmed, it is up to you to show up for your shifts on time and to complete your shift as asked. In the unfortunate event that you do not fulfill your shift, we will process your credit card for the deposit amount. If providing a deposit is not possible, please email [email protected] so we may consider other options.

Saturday, March 18, 2023
Ellicott’s Rock Hike 
Mar 18 @ 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Ingles in Cashiers (US Hwy 64E, Cashiers, NC, 28717)
 

Along the Chattooga River, the states of NC, SC, and GA intersect. From conflicts between Cherokees and white settlers, to the Walton War between Georgia and North Carolina over their boundaries, this area has seen its share of strife and political challenges. Surveyor Andrew Ellicott initially settled the conflict and placed a marker along the bank of the river in 1811. But eventually his work was challenged by the more precise “Governor’s Rock” a few years afterward. As late as the 1970s though, NC and GA once again disputed the precise location. Join us as we hike through three states and explore the history of this contested boundary.

Saturday, March 25, 2023
Naturalist Niche: Spring Birding Walk
Mar 25 @ 8:00 am – 10:00 am
Chimney Rock State Park
Advance Registration Required.

As spring migratory species make their return journey from their sunny winter hideaways, see how many you can spot from our location on the NC Birding Trail. Bring your binoculars to get a better look at numerous species traveling north through the Park.  Just how many will you add to your list?

Tuesday, April 4, 2023
Speed Connecting for Women Entrepreneurs
Apr 4 @ 5:30 pm
TBD

When women entrepreneurs come together, more knowledge is shared, doors opened, and power multiplied.
Please join us for this welcoming and fun event where you get to connect with other go-getting women.
(1 beverage is included with your ticket)

Sunday, April 23, 2023
Earth Day Plant Identification + Yoga Hike
Apr 23 @ 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Bearwallow Mountain Trail |

Join Ali McGhee and Tara Eschenroeder for this special Earth Day adventure!

About the adventure…

Earth my body, water my blood, air my breath, and fire my spirit!

We are surrounded by so much beauty that we so often overlook as we are distracted by so many things to do and tasks to accomplish. We forget that we are human beings (not human doings) grounded in place and inherent, effortless purpose.

This hike will excite our senses and our minds as we gather deep wisdom about area plants and discover their powerful potential. On our journey up the mountain, we’ll meet several of our local and native plant species and learn their medicinal and magical uses, from healers that help us reconnect with the land – and ourselves – to a few storied (and poisonous) allies.

At the top of the majestic Bearwallow bald, we will share a meditation on the land and flow together in asana, then celebrate with fresh herbal tea brewed from plants we’ve met. Not only will we interact and commune with nature, but we will also come together as a beautiful community celebrating new friends and old.

This adventure is limited to 20 participants.

We can’t wait to share this experience with you!

Sign up here!

Saturday, May 6, 2023
Roundtable Session for Women Entrepreneurs
May 6 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Downtown Asheville

In a collaborative and supportive environment, each attendee will have a chance in the hot seat where all the brainpower at the table is focused on solving your problem, issue, or question.
Roundtable sessions allow us to not only connect, but to harness our collective experience to apply to each other’s pain points. Imagine being able to tap into the knowledge of women with a variety of skill sets, talents, and backgrounds! This is really a great opportunity to level-up your business or figure out how to implement your dream. So whether you need a sounding board for your ideas or some advice on marketing, these sessions will help you tremendously.
Come join other women with vision and energy and let’s work on making your dream a success.
Tickets and more information available at plrconnectevents.com

Nature at Night Hike
May 6 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Chimney Rock State Park
includes Park admission:  Advance Registration Required.

Watch as the Park comes alive under the shadow of darkness on this guided evening excursion with a Park naturalist. Do you know which animals come out along the Hickory Nut Falls trail when the sun goes down? Get ready to learn more about the Park’s rarely-seen residents.

Friday, May 12, 2023
ASHEVILLE: Wanderful’s 10th Birthday Extravaganza
May 12 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Crave Dessert Bar

Celebrate Wanderful’s 10th birthday by getting together with your girlfriends, celebrate sisterhood, and talk all things travel, of course.

Because it’s Wanderful’s 10th birthday, we’ve decided to invite everyone to this event for free. Stop by and say “hi” at our Asheville, NC meet up on Friday, May 12 from 5-7 p.m. at Crave Dessert Bar.

Network with incredible travel-loving women in your local community and maybe even win a fun giveaway (including a Wanderful membership). Attendees will also have access to incredible membership discounts.

Members, to thank you for your friendship (and because we love you all so, so much), you can expect to receive a little something extra at the event.

Non-members, please RSVP to attend, only 50 spots are available: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wanderfuls-10th-birthday-extravaganza-tickets-587803836097

Saturday, June 3, 2023
Nature at Night Hike
Jun 3 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park
Cost: Includes Park admission: $25 Adult, $8 Adult Annual Passholder, $15 Youth, $6 Youth Annual Passholder. Advance Registration Required.

Watch as the Park comes alive under the shadow of darkness on this guided evening excursion with a Park naturalist. Do you know which animals come out along the Hickory Nut Falls trail when the sun goes down? Get ready to learn more about the Park’s rarely-seen residents. NOTE: The Hickory Nut Falls Trail is considered a moderate trail. Attendees must be able to hike the trail 3/4 of a mile each direction.