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

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

Tuesday, September 19, 2023
Fall Phonebank Launch
Sep 19 @ 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Buncombe Democrats HQ

Whether you are an experienced, reluctant or new & curious phone banker, this brief training will prepare you for making important calls to people in our most rural precincts who tend to vote for Democrats, but not often enough! Bring your fully charged phone and laptop so you’ll be all set to make calls.

Snacks, drinks, and lots of camaraderie on hand!

All Buncombe Democrats who are willing to make phone calls should attend.

Wednesday, September 20, 2023
Pollinator Raffle benefit: Asheville City and Buncombe County School teachers
Sep 20 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.

Verner Center for Early Learning needs volunteers
Sep 20 @ 9:00 am
 Verner Center for Early

Verner Center for Early Learning needs volunteers!

For over 20 years, Verner Center is a local nonprofit in Asheville that primarily serves children ages 0-5 years who are living in high-risk vulnerable situations. They have a variety of needs – ranging from holding babies, helping with clerical duties, keeping their library tidy and up to date with books donated, teaching the children in the garden they have planted, general upkeep and maintenance of the garden, and reading with the children.

They have two locations – one in Swannanoa and one in West Asheville.

Working Wednesdays: Trail Work
Sep 20 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park
Cost: Free

Meet a Ranger at the Eagle Rock Access as we move some dirt on the Weed Patch Mountain Trial. Tools provided. Wear sturdy boots, bring gloves, and water. No registration required.

Note: This event takes place in the Eagle Rock park access.

Thursday, September 21, 2023
Pollinator Raffle benefit: Asheville City and Buncombe County School teachers
Sep 21 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.

Verner Center for Early Learning needs volunteers
Sep 21 @ 9:00 am
 Verner Center for Early

Verner Center for Early Learning needs volunteers!

For over 20 years, Verner Center is a local nonprofit in Asheville that primarily serves children ages 0-5 years who are living in high-risk vulnerable situations. They have a variety of needs – ranging from holding babies, helping with clerical duties, keeping their library tidy and up to date with books donated, teaching the children in the garden they have planted, general upkeep and maintenance of the garden, and reading with the children.

They have two locations – one in Swannanoa and one in West Asheville.

Friday, September 22, 2023
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.

Verner Center for Early Learning needs volunteers
Sep 22 @ 9:00 am
 Verner Center for Early

Verner Center for Early Learning needs volunteers!

For over 20 years, Verner Center is a local nonprofit in Asheville that primarily serves children ages 0-5 years who are living in high-risk vulnerable situations. They have a variety of needs – ranging from holding babies, helping with clerical duties, keeping their library tidy and up to date with books donated, teaching the children in the garden they have planted, general upkeep and maintenance of the garden, and reading with the children.

They have two locations – one in Swannanoa and one in West Asheville.

Saturday, September 23, 2023
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.

TreeTops 8.5 Mile, 5k and 1 Mile Trail Races
Sep 23 @ 8:00 am – 10:15 am
DuPont State Forest - Guion Farm

Join us Saturday, September 23, 2023 for the Inaugural TreeTops Trail Races in DuPont State Recreational Forest near Brevard, North Carolina!

The races offer a unique opportunity to explore the spectacular 10,000 acres of rolling hills and towering trees that make up this beautiful forest. Run or walk in the one mile or 5k run/walk events, or take on the 8.5 mile challenging trail race – but beware! With nearly 1,000 feet of elevation gain it’s no walk in the park!

Celebrate your journey through nature with a super unique succulent plant for all participants and a finisher medal for those who tackle the 8.5 mile course. Join us at the Dupont Forest Festival afterwards from 10am – 3pm to visit with vendors, hike, yoga, bike, hunt waterfalls and learn outdoor recreation tips to last you a lifetime. Admission to the festival is FREE!

The TreeTops Trail Races are not just any ordinary event – they’re an exclusive experience only available within Dupont State Forest! So don’t miss out on this tree-mendous event and join us for an unforgettable journey through DuPont State Forest – roots down, branches up!

Verner Center for Early Learning needs volunteers
Sep 23 @ 9:00 am
 Verner Center for Early

Verner Center for Early Learning needs volunteers!

For over 20 years, Verner Center is a local nonprofit in Asheville that primarily serves children ages 0-5 years who are living in high-risk vulnerable situations. They have a variety of needs – ranging from holding babies, helping with clerical duties, keeping their library tidy and up to date with books donated, teaching the children in the garden they have planted, general upkeep and maintenance of the garden, and reading with the children.

They have two locations – one in Swannanoa and one in West Asheville.

36th Annual WNC Big Sweep
Sep 23 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Zen Tubing

Join us for the 36th annual WNC Big Sweep! During Big Sweep, volunteers across North Carolina are taking action by cleaning litter on their streets or in their waterways. For this event, we will be in the river collecting trash!

We rely on financial support from our community to offer public programs. You can reserve your spot with a donation of any amount starting at $1 — if cost is a barrier to your participation, please call us at (828) 254-1776, and we will register you. Your gift today helps us continue keeping our environment clean and fighting the disproportionate impacts of climate change. If you can’t attend but would still like to make a gift, please visit ashevillegreenworks.org/donate.

Need to know

For this event, we will be IN THE RIVER! Please wear swim gear, quick dry shorts, and tops. River sandals, tevas, chacos, water socks, and old sneakers are all great. Please, no bare feet, flops, or slides. Ages 13+ with a parent or guardian. Please bring along a towel for the ride home.

Our friends at Zen Tubing have offered to shuttle us to our put-in location (220 Amboy Rd, Asheville, NC 28806). Then we will float down the French Broad and make our way back to Zen Tubing, where we will have our afterparty celebration!

We will let everyone know the day before if we need to cancel the trip due to changing river conditions or thunderstorms.

We look forward to getting in the water with you.

WNC Big Sweep Cleanup
Sep 23 @ 12:00 pm
Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Center

This year, RiverLink will be leading a cleanup of Nasty Branch, a small urban stream that enters the French Broad in the River Arts District. We will meet at 12pm at the Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Center at 285 Livingston St., Asheville, NC 28801.

We will be in the water for this event and we have a limited amount of waders participants may use. We recommend wearing tall, waterproof boots if available, but if not, it will also be an option to walk the banks of the stream if you would prefer not to get wet. The stream is fairly small, but could potentially have deeper pools.

We will end the cleanup by 2:30pm and invite you all to join us, and the other organizations and volunteers involved in Big Sweep, for the after party! This will be from 3-5pm at Zen Tubing’s RAD location at 608 Riverside Dr., Asheville, NC 28801. 

RiverLink will provide all necessary tools and equipment. Closed-toed shoes are required. We also recommend everyone bring a water bottle.

Sunday, September 24, 2023
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.

Retreat and Refresh Stroke Camp
Sep 24 all-day
YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly

This unique weekend retreat was developed to refresh stroke survivors and caregivers from the many challenges related to stroke recovery and is open to stroke survivors, caregivers, family members and friends. This is a weekend of education, socialization, relaxation and support, including crafts, games, activities, pampering, rock climbing and nature walks. This is Mission Health’s 8th year sponsoring this event, and it will be held at the YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly in Black Mountain.

Move and Fitness Health Workout Class
Sep 24 @ 9:00 am – 10:00 am
The Restoration Asheville

Join us in The Solarium to discover your strongest you with a 45-minute full-body sculpt class featuring low impact movements to high impact music that’ll get you in the groove.

Forest Bathing with Christa Hebal
Sep 24 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Asheville Integrative Psychiatry

Join us for a rejuvenating experience of forest bathing with renowned nature therapist Christa Hebal. This in-person event will take place at Asheville Integrative Psychiatry in Candler, NC, USA. Immerse yourself in the healing power of nature as Christa guides you through a mindful and meditative journey in the beautiful forest. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life and reconnect with the tranquility of the natural world. Don’t miss this opportunity to find peace and harmony in the midst of nature’s embrace. Limited spots available, so reserve yours now!

Monday, September 25, 2023
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.

Verner Center for Early Learning needs volunteers
Sep 25 @ 9:00 am
 Verner Center for Early

Verner Center for Early Learning needs volunteers!

For over 20 years, Verner Center is a local nonprofit in Asheville that primarily serves children ages 0-5 years who are living in high-risk vulnerable situations. They have a variety of needs – ranging from holding babies, helping with clerical duties, keeping their library tidy and up to date with books donated, teaching the children in the garden they have planted, general upkeep and maintenance of the garden, and reading with the children.

They have two locations – one in Swannanoa and one in West Asheville.

Tuesday, September 26, 2023
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.

Hardesty Nursery Workdays 
Sep 26 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Hardesty Lane Nursery

Join us for monthly workdays in the Hardesty Lane native tree nursery. Tasks vary and often include weeding, mulching, mowing, weed eating, fertilizing, labeling, watering, etc.

Minimum Age: 13+

Verner Center for Early Learning needs volunteers
Sep 26 @ 9:00 am
 Verner Center for Early

Verner Center for Early Learning needs volunteers!

For over 20 years, Verner Center is a local nonprofit in Asheville that primarily serves children ages 0-5 years who are living in high-risk vulnerable situations. They have a variety of needs – ranging from holding babies, helping with clerical duties, keeping their library tidy and up to date with books donated, teaching the children in the garden they have planted, general upkeep and maintenance of the garden, and reading with the children.

They have two locations – one in Swannanoa and one in West Asheville.

Creating a Fall and Winter Natural Health Home Apothecary with Ashley English
Sep 26 @ 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Fairview Library

It has long been said that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Looking ahead to cold & flu season, do your future self a favor and prepare for wellness now. Join author, teacher, and homesteader Ashley English as she shares information about and demos how to create the following fall and winter home apothecary remedies:

Elderberry & Honey Syrup
Fire Cider
Cough Syrup
Mustard Bath
Decongestant Balm

Ashley English is the author of 11 books, including all 5 books in her “Homemade Living series” (Canning & Preserving, Keeping Chickens, Keeping Bees, Home Dairy, and Home Apothecary), as well as A Year of Pies; Quench; Handmade Gatherings; A Year Of Picnics; The Essential Book of Homesteading; and Southern From Scratch.

She holds degrees in holistic nutrition and sociology, and is an alumnus of both The University of North Carolina at Asheville and Clayton College of Natural Health. She has worked over the years with a number of nonprofit organizations committed to social and agricultural issues. She regularly contributes to a number of international, national, and regional print publications.

This program is financially supported by the Friends of Fairview Library

Wednesday, September 27, 2023
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.

Youth Memberships for teens 13 – 17
Sep 27 all-day
YWCA of Asheville

Youth Memberships

 

There’s a new youth membership available now for teens 13 – 17. It’s only $10 a month, and an adult must be present to sign up. Contact [email protected] for more information.

Verner Center for Early Learning needs volunteers
Sep 27 @ 9:00 am
 Verner Center for Early

Verner Center for Early Learning needs volunteers!

For over 20 years, Verner Center is a local nonprofit in Asheville that primarily serves children ages 0-5 years who are living in high-risk vulnerable situations. They have a variety of needs – ranging from holding babies, helping with clerical duties, keeping their library tidy and up to date with books donated, teaching the children in the garden they have planted, general upkeep and maintenance of the garden, and reading with the children.

They have two locations – one in Swannanoa and one in West Asheville.

Homemade Health + Wellness Series with Ashley English
Sep 27 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Enka-Candler Library

May be an image of 1 person and text that says 'HOMEMADE HEALTH AND WELLNESS SERIES w ASHLEY ENGLISH Learn about homemade health and wellness items with author, teacher, and homesteader, Ashley English, at Enka Candler Library. APRIL 26 MAY 24 SPRING CLEANING: LEARN HOW To MAKE NATURAL CLEANING PRODUCTS FOR YOUR HOME! SPRING PRESERVES STRAWBERRIES UNE 28 JULY 26 NATURAL BODY 6PM 7PM! AUGUST 23 NATURAL HEALTH SEPTEMBER HOME CANNING REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED'

Join us throughout the spring and summer for a class series focusing on homemade health and wellness items with author, teacher, and homesteader, Ashley English. For each class, Ashley will be bringing materials and demonstrating how to make each item. Several handouts will be given to attendees and they’ll detail everything needed for creating the project at home. The class will take place on the 4th Wednesday of every month at 6 PM.
Please register so we know how many people to expect. Class is free to attend and takes place in our library community room. Please call 828-250-4758 or visit the library events calendar at buncombecounty.org/library and scroll to the date to sign up!
April 26- Spring Cleaning: All Purpose Cleaner, Glass Cleaner, Toilet Bowl Cleaner, Wood Polish, Vinyl & Linoleum Floor Cleaner, Citrus Concentrate, Rug & Carpet Odor Sprinkle
May 24- Spring Preserves: Strawberry Jam, Quick Pickled Radishes, Beet & Dill Relish, Pickled Asparagus
June 28- Strawberries: Jam, Sauce, Frozen, Vinegar, Quick Pickled
July 26- Natural Body: Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse, Rosemary Hair Oil. Easy Baking Soda Exfoliant, Rosewater Toner, Everyday Face Oil
August 23- Natural Health: -Bugs Away Insect Repellant, Boo Boo Goo, Sunburn Soother, Electrolyte Replenisher, Sleep Salve
September 27 – Home Canning: Materials & Equipment, Methods, Safety, Storage, Favorite Seasonal Recipe
Ashley English is the author of 11 books, on topics ranging from raising chickens to canning & preserving, and from hosting potlucks to homemade health & wellness products. From handcrafted pies, to natural crafting, Ashley is enamored with all things DIY, slow, and fun! She lives in a forested cove in the mountains of North Carolina with her husband Glenn (with whom she works together full-time), their two young sons, Huxley and Alistair, and a menagerie of animals. (smallmeasure.com)
This program is sponsored by the Friends of Enka-Candler Library.
Thursday, September 28, 2023
Verner Center for Early Learning needs volunteers
Sep 28 @ 9:00 am
 Verner Center for Early

Verner Center for Early Learning needs volunteers!

For over 20 years, Verner Center is a local nonprofit in Asheville that primarily serves children ages 0-5 years who are living in high-risk vulnerable situations. They have a variety of needs – ranging from holding babies, helping with clerical duties, keeping their library tidy and up to date with books donated, teaching the children in the garden they have planted, general upkeep and maintenance of the garden, and reading with the children.

They have two locations – one in Swannanoa and one in West Asheville.

ABCCM Transformation Village Presents TrV Talks
Sep 28 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
ABCCM Transformation Village Dining Hall

Please join us as Reverend Scott Rogers unveils plans for the expansion of Transformation Village (TrV) campus and programs. TrV provides homeless women and children transitional housing, healthy meals, education, and support in a safe environment. Tours will be given after our presentation. Please contact Shannon Paris to RSVP or if you have any questions. Thank you!

Green Clean Series Green Riverkeeper
Sep 28 @ 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Fishtop Access 

 

Join the Green Riverkeeper on Thursday, July 27th for our Green Clean Series! This event continues the 4th Thursday of every month June-September from 5:30-8ish. You do not have to kayak to be a part of the monthly cleans. We absolutely welcome road-side helpers too!