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.

Friday, September 22, 2023
Asheville Community Theatre Youth Production Classes
Sep 22 all-day
Asheville Community Theatre

What is a Youth Production?

An ACT Youth Production is an immersive performance workshop that is specially tailored for young artists who aspire to learn and grow in the performing arts. This hands-on experience offers a unique opportunity for students to undergo a comprehensive exploration of the theatrical process. Starting with auditions, they are taught how to prepare and present their best selves, and throughout the rehearsal process, students collaborate with the cast in a dynamic and supportive environment. A distinctive feature of this program is the inclusion of choreography and voice training sessions that enable students to discover and improve their vocal prowess and dancing abilities, thus turning them into well-rounded performers. Every aspect is designed to nurture creativity, foster teamwork, and instill a genuine love for theatre. All students are encouraged to participate, regardless of their previous experience or exposure to theatre.

Interested in Technical Theatre classes?

If you’re interested in getting hands-on experience with technical theatre, our Tech & Run Crew class is tailored just for you. Whether you’re a beginner with a budding interest or a seasoned tech enthusiast aiming to sharpen your skills, you will get the opportunity to work on real productions in an education environment.

Pollinator Raffle benefit: Asheville City and Buncombe County School teachers
Sep 22 all-day
online

Only 200 tickets will be sold! Deadline to purchase tickets is September 30, drawing will be held October 2, 2023. The winner receives a site consultation followed by a fully-installed up to 10ft X 10ft native pollinator garden located in Buncombe or adjoining county.  Skilled “Pollenteers” will provide complete site preparation, soil conditioning, and a detailed management plan for your new garden.

Your raffle ticket will support Asheville City and Buncombe County School teacher registrations for the educational Symbolic Monarch Migration program.

French Broad River Tour Buncombe County
Sep 22 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Ingles Markets

Land of Sky Regional Council will offer a tour of each county in our region with a focus on how we can work together to protect the French Broad River while supporting the growth and development of region.

September 22, 2023: Buncombe County

9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
LOSRC French Broad River Tour – Buncombe County (constantcontact.com)

October 6, 2023: Madison County
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
LOSRC French Broad River Tour – Madison County (constantcontact.com)

Saturday, September 23, 2023
50th Asheville HS Class of 1973 Reunion Events
Sep 23 all-day
Crown Plaza Hotel
50th Asheville HS Class of 1973 Reunion, Sept 22, 23, 24.
Sept 19th update…
1. Friday: Sept 22nd, AHS FB game at Erwin HS
2. School tour on Sat, Sept 23rd, at AHS from 11am to 1pm. Meet in Cougar Den/AHS Alumni Center. Group picture at NOON sharp on front steps. (Wear new or old reunion shirt or white tshirt. Nicholas A. Eskridge designed the 50th Reunion shirts. A limited supply is left. Come early.
3. Reunion event: SOLD OUT Crown Plaza Hotel. 1 resort drive, Asheville. UPDATE: You can start arriving at 6:15pm for registration. 7-11pm, on Sat, Sept 23. Ballroom
4. Church meet up at 10-11am, Hill Street Baptist Church, 135 Hill Street, Avl, NC. You can wear your Reunion shirts.
5. School picnic at Lake Julian from 12:30-3:30pm on Sunday.
If you have any questions, email: [email protected] This is going to be an EPIC Reunion!!!
Pollinator Raffle benefit: Asheville City and Buncombe County School teachers
Sep 23 all-day
online

Only 200 tickets will be sold! Deadline to purchase tickets is September 30, drawing will be held October 2, 2023. The winner receives a site consultation followed by a fully-installed up to 10ft X 10ft native pollinator garden located in Buncombe or adjoining county.  Skilled “Pollenteers” will provide complete site preparation, soil conditioning, and a detailed management plan for your new garden.

Your raffle ticket will support Asheville City and Buncombe County School teacher registrations for the educational Symbolic Monarch Migration program.

Sunday, September 24, 2023
50th Asheville HS Class of 1973 Reunion Events
Sep 24 all-day
Crown Plaza Hotel
50th Asheville HS Class of 1973 Reunion, Sept 22, 23, 24.
Sept 19th update…
1. Friday: Sept 22nd, AHS FB game at Erwin HS
2. School tour on Sat, Sept 23rd, at AHS from 11am to 1pm. Meet in Cougar Den/AHS Alumni Center. Group picture at NOON sharp on front steps. (Wear new or old reunion shirt or white tshirt. Nicholas A. Eskridge designed the 50th Reunion shirts. A limited supply is left. Come early.
3. Reunion event: SOLD OUT Crown Plaza Hotel. 1 resort drive, Asheville. UPDATE: You can start arriving at 6:15pm for registration. 7-11pm, on Sat, Sept 23. Ballroom
4. Church meet up at 10-11am, Hill Street Baptist Church, 135 Hill Street, Avl, NC. You can wear your Reunion shirts.
5. School picnic at Lake Julian from 12:30-3:30pm on Sunday.
If you have any questions, email: [email protected] This is going to be an EPIC Reunion!!!
Asheville Community Theatre Youth Production Classes
Sep 24 all-day
Asheville Community Theatre

What is a Youth Production?

An ACT Youth Production is an immersive performance workshop that is specially tailored for young artists who aspire to learn and grow in the performing arts. This hands-on experience offers a unique opportunity for students to undergo a comprehensive exploration of the theatrical process. Starting with auditions, they are taught how to prepare and present their best selves, and throughout the rehearsal process, students collaborate with the cast in a dynamic and supportive environment. A distinctive feature of this program is the inclusion of choreography and voice training sessions that enable students to discover and improve their vocal prowess and dancing abilities, thus turning them into well-rounded performers. Every aspect is designed to nurture creativity, foster teamwork, and instill a genuine love for theatre. All students are encouraged to participate, regardless of their previous experience or exposure to theatre.

Interested in Technical Theatre classes?

If you’re interested in getting hands-on experience with technical theatre, our Tech & Run Crew class is tailored just for you. Whether you’re a beginner with a budding interest or a seasoned tech enthusiast aiming to sharpen your skills, you will get the opportunity to work on real productions in an education environment.

Pollinator Raffle benefit: Asheville City and Buncombe County School teachers
Sep 24 all-day
online

Only 200 tickets will be sold! Deadline to purchase tickets is September 30, drawing will be held October 2, 2023. The winner receives a site consultation followed by a fully-installed up to 10ft X 10ft native pollinator garden located in Buncombe or adjoining county.  Skilled “Pollenteers” will provide complete site preparation, soil conditioning, and a detailed management plan for your new garden.

Your raffle ticket will support Asheville City and Buncombe County School teacher registrations for the educational Symbolic Monarch Migration program.

Asheville Cat Weirdos food drive
Sep 24 @ 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
PetSupermarket

NEEDED ITEMS:
wet food

dry food

treats

toys

litter

donations

Monday, September 25, 2023
Asheville Community Theatre Youth Production Classes
Sep 25 all-day
Asheville Community Theatre

What is a Youth Production?

An ACT Youth Production is an immersive performance workshop that is specially tailored for young artists who aspire to learn and grow in the performing arts. This hands-on experience offers a unique opportunity for students to undergo a comprehensive exploration of the theatrical process. Starting with auditions, they are taught how to prepare and present their best selves, and throughout the rehearsal process, students collaborate with the cast in a dynamic and supportive environment. A distinctive feature of this program is the inclusion of choreography and voice training sessions that enable students to discover and improve their vocal prowess and dancing abilities, thus turning them into well-rounded performers. Every aspect is designed to nurture creativity, foster teamwork, and instill a genuine love for theatre. All students are encouraged to participate, regardless of their previous experience or exposure to theatre.

Interested in Technical Theatre classes?

If you’re interested in getting hands-on experience with technical theatre, our Tech & Run Crew class is tailored just for you. Whether you’re a beginner with a budding interest or a seasoned tech enthusiast aiming to sharpen your skills, you will get the opportunity to work on real productions in an education environment.

Food Drive for MANNA FoodBank
Sep 25 all-day
Buncombe County Public Libraries

 

Did you know MANNA FoodBank provides more than 58,000 meals a day in Western North Carolina? MANNA works in partnership with the Buncombe County Community Connectors to provide much-needed food to 12 locations in under-resourced areas throughout our community. Donations will be collected for two weeks at area libraries and select public-facing County buildings beginning September 25 and ending on October 7.

MANNA served over 155,000 people in June 2023, which was another alarming high in a months-long trend of tens of thousands of people across the mountains needing food support each week. March 2023 marked the end of the pandemic-era SNAP benefit expansion, resulting in a new peak that has since continued to climb.

Buncombe County is asking the community to pitch in to help meet this need by dropping food items by one of our 12 Buncombe County Public Libraries or public-facing buildings.

You can drop off donations at the following locations around Buncombe County (look for the collection bins and signs):

  • Public libraries
    • Black Mountain
    • East Asheville
    • Enka Candler
    • Fairview
    • Leicester
    • North Asheville
    • Oakley/South Asheville
    • Pack Memorial
    • Skyland/South Buncombe
    • Swannanoa
    • Weaverville
    • West Asheville
  • Register of Deeds at 205 College St.
  • Tax at 94 Cox Ave.
  • HHS building at 40 Coxe Ave.
  • Elections at 59 Woodfin
  • Family Justice Center at 35 Woodfin
  • Permits and Inspections at 30 Valley St.
  • County administration building at 200 College St.

MANNA’s most-needed items include: 

  • Canned meats (beef, chicken, tuna)
  • Peanut butter (plastic jars only)
  • Dried/canned beans (pork and beans, pinto, kidney, black)
  • Hearty soups (pop-top cans preferred)
  • Meals in a box or can (beef stew, chili, mac & cheese)
  • Canned fruit (fruit cocktail, raisins, apple sauce)
  • Canned vegetables (green beans, carrots, greens)
  • Cereals and grains (rice, pasta, cereal in a box or bag)
  • Fruit and vegetable juices
  • Dry milk (instant non-fat)

Thank you to everyone for helping us with this initiative to support children and families throughout our community.

Pollinator Raffle benefit: Asheville City and Buncombe County School teachers
Sep 25 all-day
online

Only 200 tickets will be sold! Deadline to purchase tickets is September 30, drawing will be held October 2, 2023. The winner receives a site consultation followed by a fully-installed up to 10ft X 10ft native pollinator garden located in Buncombe or adjoining county.  Skilled “Pollenteers” will provide complete site preparation, soil conditioning, and a detailed management plan for your new garden.

Your raffle ticket will support Asheville City and Buncombe County School teacher registrations for the educational Symbolic Monarch Migration program.

Journeyperson Program w/ Organic Growers School
Sep 25 @ 8:00 am
Organic Growers School

The Journeyperson Program is designed for farmers who have been independently farming for three or more years and are serious about operating farm businesses in the Southern Appalachian region. This program will give you the space and time to work on your business’s scale, viability, and long-term direction while making connections that deepen peer-to-peer support.

Limited spots are available for the full program, and those who want to be eligible for our Savings Incentive Program and the professional development funds must commit to participating in all aspects of the program.

Participants can use this program as a tangible step toward achieving their farm goals, and make significant contributions to the agricultural community and economy.

This program is designed to give tailored guidance and support for your farm business to answer questions of:

  • Scale

  • Market access

  • Land access

  • Risk management

  • Understanding cash flow

  • Enterprise innovation

Farm Beginnings® Program w/ Organic Growers School
Sep 25 @ 10:00 am
Organic Growers School

Farm Beginnings® is training the next generation of farmers in the many skills required to start and expand a successful farm business: passion, clear goals, production experience, financial and marketing know-how, and more.

Farm Beginnings® will help you build these skills through one year of farmer-led training, mentoring, and networking. We support individuals in clarifying their goals and strengths, developing agricultural skills, and growing profitable, equitable, and ecologically sound farm businesses.

Guided by our commitment to social justice, our programming is led by farmers and mentors active in food, farming, or social justice. By empowering people with skills, knowledge, and access to resources, together we can build a more diverse, equitable food system that enriches the environment and creates a thriving food and farming community.

We use a holistic management frame, farmer-led classroom sessions, on-farm tours, mentoring, and an extensive farmer network. The topics of equity and justice in the food systems are woven into the curriculum, including examples of realistic approaches within the scope of your business models.

The 200+ hr, year-long program consists of:

  • Training on holistic management, farm business, marketing & financial planning

  • Sessions taught by regional, experienced Farmers

  • One-year WNC CRAFT Farmer Network Membership

  • Completing and presenting an individualized farm plan

  • Access to Field Days with regional partners

  • Entry to ASAP’s Business of Farming Conference

  • Entry to OGS’s Spring Conference

  • 15 hr mentorship with an experienced Farmer Mentor

View a sample of the full course schedule here.

Tuesday, September 26, 2023
Food Drive for MANNA FoodBank
Sep 26 all-day
Buncombe County Public Libraries

 

Did you know MANNA FoodBank provides more than 58,000 meals a day in Western North Carolina? MANNA works in partnership with the Buncombe County Community Connectors to provide much-needed food to 12 locations in under-resourced areas throughout our community. Donations will be collected for two weeks at area libraries and select public-facing County buildings beginning September 25 and ending on October 7.

MANNA served over 155,000 people in June 2023, which was another alarming high in a months-long trend of tens of thousands of people across the mountains needing food support each week. March 2023 marked the end of the pandemic-era SNAP benefit expansion, resulting in a new peak that has since continued to climb.

Buncombe County is asking the community to pitch in to help meet this need by dropping food items by one of our 12 Buncombe County Public Libraries or public-facing buildings.

You can drop off donations at the following locations around Buncombe County (look for the collection bins and signs):

  • Public libraries
    • Black Mountain
    • East Asheville
    • Enka Candler
    • Fairview
    • Leicester
    • North Asheville
    • Oakley/South Asheville
    • Pack Memorial
    • Skyland/South Buncombe
    • Swannanoa
    • Weaverville
    • West Asheville
  • Register of Deeds at 205 College St.
  • Tax at 94 Cox Ave.
  • HHS building at 40 Coxe Ave.
  • Elections at 59 Woodfin
  • Family Justice Center at 35 Woodfin
  • Permits and Inspections at 30 Valley St.
  • County administration building at 200 College St.

MANNA’s most-needed items include: 

  • Canned meats (beef, chicken, tuna)
  • Peanut butter (plastic jars only)
  • Dried/canned beans (pork and beans, pinto, kidney, black)
  • Hearty soups (pop-top cans preferred)
  • Meals in a box or can (beef stew, chili, mac & cheese)
  • Canned fruit (fruit cocktail, raisins, apple sauce)
  • Canned vegetables (green beans, carrots, greens)
  • Cereals and grains (rice, pasta, cereal in a box or bag)
  • Fruit and vegetable juices
  • Dry milk (instant non-fat)

Thank you to everyone for helping us with this initiative to support children and families throughout our community.

Pollinator Raffle benefit: Asheville City and Buncombe County School teachers
Sep 26 all-day
online

Only 200 tickets will be sold! Deadline to purchase tickets is September 30, drawing will be held October 2, 2023. The winner receives a site consultation followed by a fully-installed up to 10ft X 10ft native pollinator garden located in Buncombe or adjoining county.  Skilled “Pollenteers” will provide complete site preparation, soil conditioning, and a detailed management plan for your new garden.

Your raffle ticket will support Asheville City and Buncombe County School teacher registrations for the educational Symbolic Monarch Migration program.

Wilderness Medicine + Survival Skills at Nantahala Outdoor Center
Sep 26 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

LEARN MORE THIS YEAR

Brush up on your wilderness medicine or learn new survival skills! SOLO Southeast & NOC are offering over 200 courses in 2023 and classes in locations across the southeast.

  • Atlanta, GA
  • Bryson City, NC
  • Chattanooga, TN
  • Collegedale, TN
  • Greenville, SC

Find your next course with SOLO Southeast and be prepared for the unexpected!

Journeyperson Program w/ Organic Growers School
Sep 26 @ 8:00 am
Organic Growers School

The Journeyperson Program is designed for farmers who have been independently farming for three or more years and are serious about operating farm businesses in the Southern Appalachian region. This program will give you the space and time to work on your business’s scale, viability, and long-term direction while making connections that deepen peer-to-peer support.

Limited spots are available for the full program, and those who want to be eligible for our Savings Incentive Program and the professional development funds must commit to participating in all aspects of the program.

Participants can use this program as a tangible step toward achieving their farm goals, and make significant contributions to the agricultural community and economy.

This program is designed to give tailored guidance and support for your farm business to answer questions of:

  • Scale

  • Market access

  • Land access

  • Risk management

  • Understanding cash flow

  • Enterprise innovation

Farm Beginnings® Program w/ Organic Growers School
Sep 26 @ 10:00 am
Organic Growers School

Farm Beginnings® is training the next generation of farmers in the many skills required to start and expand a successful farm business: passion, clear goals, production experience, financial and marketing know-how, and more.

Farm Beginnings® will help you build these skills through one year of farmer-led training, mentoring, and networking. We support individuals in clarifying their goals and strengths, developing agricultural skills, and growing profitable, equitable, and ecologically sound farm businesses.

Guided by our commitment to social justice, our programming is led by farmers and mentors active in food, farming, or social justice. By empowering people with skills, knowledge, and access to resources, together we can build a more diverse, equitable food system that enriches the environment and creates a thriving food and farming community.

We use a holistic management frame, farmer-led classroom sessions, on-farm tours, mentoring, and an extensive farmer network. The topics of equity and justice in the food systems are woven into the curriculum, including examples of realistic approaches within the scope of your business models.

The 200+ hr, year-long program consists of:

  • Training on holistic management, farm business, marketing & financial planning

  • Sessions taught by regional, experienced Farmers

  • One-year WNC CRAFT Farmer Network Membership

  • Completing and presenting an individualized farm plan

  • Access to Field Days with regional partners

  • Entry to ASAP’s Business of Farming Conference

  • Entry to OGS’s Spring Conference

  • 15 hr mentorship with an experienced Farmer Mentor

View a sample of the full course schedule here.

Wednesday, September 27, 2023
Asheville Community Theatre Youth Production Classes
Sep 27 all-day
Asheville Community Theatre

What is a Youth Production?

An ACT Youth Production is an immersive performance workshop that is specially tailored for young artists who aspire to learn and grow in the performing arts. This hands-on experience offers a unique opportunity for students to undergo a comprehensive exploration of the theatrical process. Starting with auditions, they are taught how to prepare and present their best selves, and throughout the rehearsal process, students collaborate with the cast in a dynamic and supportive environment. A distinctive feature of this program is the inclusion of choreography and voice training sessions that enable students to discover and improve their vocal prowess and dancing abilities, thus turning them into well-rounded performers. Every aspect is designed to nurture creativity, foster teamwork, and instill a genuine love for theatre. All students are encouraged to participate, regardless of their previous experience or exposure to theatre.

Interested in Technical Theatre classes?

If you’re interested in getting hands-on experience with technical theatre, our Tech & Run Crew class is tailored just for you. Whether you’re a beginner with a budding interest or a seasoned tech enthusiast aiming to sharpen your skills, you will get the opportunity to work on real productions in an education environment.

Food Drive for MANNA FoodBank
Sep 27 all-day
Buncombe County Public Libraries

 

Did you know MANNA FoodBank provides more than 58,000 meals a day in Western North Carolina? MANNA works in partnership with the Buncombe County Community Connectors to provide much-needed food to 12 locations in under-resourced areas throughout our community. Donations will be collected for two weeks at area libraries and select public-facing County buildings beginning September 25 and ending on October 7.

MANNA served over 155,000 people in June 2023, which was another alarming high in a months-long trend of tens of thousands of people across the mountains needing food support each week. March 2023 marked the end of the pandemic-era SNAP benefit expansion, resulting in a new peak that has since continued to climb.

Buncombe County is asking the community to pitch in to help meet this need by dropping food items by one of our 12 Buncombe County Public Libraries or public-facing buildings.

You can drop off donations at the following locations around Buncombe County (look for the collection bins and signs):

  • Public libraries
    • Black Mountain
    • East Asheville
    • Enka Candler
    • Fairview
    • Leicester
    • North Asheville
    • Oakley/South Asheville
    • Pack Memorial
    • Skyland/South Buncombe
    • Swannanoa
    • Weaverville
    • West Asheville
  • Register of Deeds at 205 College St.
  • Tax at 94 Cox Ave.
  • HHS building at 40 Coxe Ave.
  • Elections at 59 Woodfin
  • Family Justice Center at 35 Woodfin
  • Permits and Inspections at 30 Valley St.
  • County administration building at 200 College St.

MANNA’s most-needed items include: 

  • Canned meats (beef, chicken, tuna)
  • Peanut butter (plastic jars only)
  • Dried/canned beans (pork and beans, pinto, kidney, black)
  • Hearty soups (pop-top cans preferred)
  • Meals in a box or can (beef stew, chili, mac & cheese)
  • Canned fruit (fruit cocktail, raisins, apple sauce)
  • Canned vegetables (green beans, carrots, greens)
  • Cereals and grains (rice, pasta, cereal in a box or bag)
  • Fruit and vegetable juices
  • Dry milk (instant non-fat)

Thank you to everyone for helping us with this initiative to support children and families throughout our community.

Pollinator Raffle benefit: Asheville City and Buncombe County School teachers
Sep 27 all-day
online

Only 200 tickets will be sold! Deadline to purchase tickets is September 30, drawing will be held October 2, 2023. The winner receives a site consultation followed by a fully-installed up to 10ft X 10ft native pollinator garden located in Buncombe or adjoining county.  Skilled “Pollenteers” will provide complete site preparation, soil conditioning, and a detailed management plan for your new garden.

Your raffle ticket will support Asheville City and Buncombe County School teacher registrations for the educational Symbolic Monarch Migration program.

Wilderness Medicine + Survival Skills at Nantahala Outdoor Center
Sep 27 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

LEARN MORE THIS YEAR

Brush up on your wilderness medicine or learn new survival skills! SOLO Southeast & NOC are offering over 200 courses in 2023 and classes in locations across the southeast.

  • Atlanta, GA
  • Bryson City, NC
  • Chattanooga, TN
  • Collegedale, TN
  • Greenville, SC

Find your next course with SOLO Southeast and be prepared for the unexpected!

Journeyperson Program w/ Organic Growers School
Sep 27 @ 8:00 am
Organic Growers School

The Journeyperson Program is designed for farmers who have been independently farming for three or more years and are serious about operating farm businesses in the Southern Appalachian region. This program will give you the space and time to work on your business’s scale, viability, and long-term direction while making connections that deepen peer-to-peer support.

Limited spots are available for the full program, and those who want to be eligible for our Savings Incentive Program and the professional development funds must commit to participating in all aspects of the program.

Participants can use this program as a tangible step toward achieving their farm goals, and make significant contributions to the agricultural community and economy.

This program is designed to give tailored guidance and support for your farm business to answer questions of:

  • Scale

  • Market access

  • Land access

  • Risk management

  • Understanding cash flow

  • Enterprise innovation

Fall Homeschool Day
Sep 27 @ 9:30 am
Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park
Time: 9:30am-12:30pm, afternoon options begin at 1:30pm
Cost: $14 Adults (Park admission), no charge for Adult Annual Passholder; $14 Youth (ages 5-15), $8 Youth Annual Passholder. Advance registration required.
Farm Beginnings® Program w/ Organic Growers School
Sep 27 @ 10:00 am
Organic Growers School

Farm Beginnings® is training the next generation of farmers in the many skills required to start and expand a successful farm business: passion, clear goals, production experience, financial and marketing know-how, and more.

Farm Beginnings® will help you build these skills through one year of farmer-led training, mentoring, and networking. We support individuals in clarifying their goals and strengths, developing agricultural skills, and growing profitable, equitable, and ecologically sound farm businesses.

Guided by our commitment to social justice, our programming is led by farmers and mentors active in food, farming, or social justice. By empowering people with skills, knowledge, and access to resources, together we can build a more diverse, equitable food system that enriches the environment and creates a thriving food and farming community.

We use a holistic management frame, farmer-led classroom sessions, on-farm tours, mentoring, and an extensive farmer network. The topics of equity and justice in the food systems are woven into the curriculum, including examples of realistic approaches within the scope of your business models.

The 200+ hr, year-long program consists of:

  • Training on holistic management, farm business, marketing & financial planning

  • Sessions taught by regional, experienced Farmers

  • One-year WNC CRAFT Farmer Network Membership

  • Completing and presenting an individualized farm plan

  • Access to Field Days with regional partners

  • Entry to ASAP’s Business of Farming Conference

  • Entry to OGS’s Spring Conference

  • 15 hr mentorship with an experienced Farmer Mentor

View a sample of the full course schedule here.

Thursday, September 28, 2023
Journeyperson Program w/ Organic Growers School
Sep 28 @ 8:00 am
Organic Growers School

The Journeyperson Program is designed for farmers who have been independently farming for three or more years and are serious about operating farm businesses in the Southern Appalachian region. This program will give you the space and time to work on your business’s scale, viability, and long-term direction while making connections that deepen peer-to-peer support.

Limited spots are available for the full program, and those who want to be eligible for our Savings Incentive Program and the professional development funds must commit to participating in all aspects of the program.

Participants can use this program as a tangible step toward achieving their farm goals, and make significant contributions to the agricultural community and economy.

This program is designed to give tailored guidance and support for your farm business to answer questions of:

  • Scale

  • Market access

  • Land access

  • Risk management

  • Understanding cash flow

  • Enterprise innovation

Farm Beginnings® Program w/ Organic Growers School
Sep 28 @ 10:00 am
Organic Growers School

Farm Beginnings® is training the next generation of farmers in the many skills required to start and expand a successful farm business: passion, clear goals, production experience, financial and marketing know-how, and more.

Farm Beginnings® will help you build these skills through one year of farmer-led training, mentoring, and networking. We support individuals in clarifying their goals and strengths, developing agricultural skills, and growing profitable, equitable, and ecologically sound farm businesses.

Guided by our commitment to social justice, our programming is led by farmers and mentors active in food, farming, or social justice. By empowering people with skills, knowledge, and access to resources, together we can build a more diverse, equitable food system that enriches the environment and creates a thriving food and farming community.

We use a holistic management frame, farmer-led classroom sessions, on-farm tours, mentoring, and an extensive farmer network. The topics of equity and justice in the food systems are woven into the curriculum, including examples of realistic approaches within the scope of your business models.

The 200+ hr, year-long program consists of:

  • Training on holistic management, farm business, marketing & financial planning

  • Sessions taught by regional, experienced Farmers

  • One-year WNC CRAFT Farmer Network Membership

  • Completing and presenting an individualized farm plan

  • Access to Field Days with regional partners

  • Entry to ASAP’s Business of Farming Conference

  • Entry to OGS’s Spring Conference

  • 15 hr mentorship with an experienced Farmer Mentor

View a sample of the full course schedule here.

Intro to Ukulele
Sep 28 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
LEAF Global Arts

Students will receive a solid foundation in beginner Ukulele skills for vocalists. Chords, Rhythm patterns, and basic theory will be introduced through songs with an uplifting message. Students will also learn to play the song that the Songwriting Class will be writing and get to record it in the One Mic Studio.

Queer Music Exploration
Sep 28 @ 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
LEAF Global Arts

Queer Music Exploration – Students will explore guitar, bass, drums, singing and piano with a focus on learning music by artists from the LGBTQ+ community. Students will have the chance to interact with their peers and share their experiences through music.