Calendar of Events
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.
KEY FACTS:
- In the past few days, hospital partners are reporting they are using blood at a much higher rate than normal. When demand is high, and the supply is critically low – that is a dangerous equation for the community.
- Because of the critically low supply, The Blood Connection (TBC) is now having to back-order blood products. This has affected 12 hospital partners so far.
- 48% of days this month, TBC DID NOT collect enough blood to cover hospitals’ needs. For comparison, in May of 2020 (during the pandemic) TBC collected enough to cover those needs 84% of the days.
- There is a high likelihood that TBC will have to start rationing blood by the end of the weekend.
- Heading into a holiday weekend – hospitals are stocking up their blood supply. TBC has already not been able to provide those products.
- The community is the ONLY solution to this dangerous problem. The blood supply for local hospitals is in the community’s hands.
Brunch B’Yahad is now available through Zoom meeting here.
Join new and old friends for light brunch, socialization and lively discussion. Featured guest speakers, and relevant cultural and timely topics will fill our minds.
“Shine and Dine” on the railway! We cordially invite you to hop on board The Carolina Shine, GSMR’s All-Adult First Class Moonshine Car! We will be proudly serving hand crafted, triple-distilled, craft moonshine. Some of the smoothest tasting moonshine in the Carolinas!
Offered on the Nantahala Gorge excursion, this shine and dine experience begins in a renovated First Class train fleet car, The Carolina Shine. The interior features copper lined walls filled with the history of moonshining in North Carolina. Learn about the proud tradition that the Appalachians established when bootlegging was an acceptable way of life and local home brews were the best in town. Read about Swain County’s very own Major Redmond, the most famous mountain moonshine outlaw of the 19th century.
Once your appetite for knowledge is satisfied, enjoy sample tastings of flavors like Apple Pie, Blackberry, Blueberry, Cherry, Peach, and Strawberry moonshine. If the samples are not enough, there will be plenty of Moonshine infused cocktails like Copper Cola or Moonshiner’s Mimosa available for purchase. GSMR is excited to feature multiple craft NC based distilleries to serve our guests only the best! Each jar is handcrafted and authentically infused with real fruit, the way moonshine was meant to be made. Passengers will also enjoy a full service All-Adult First Class ride with an attendant and a specialty boxed lunch. During the month of October. 9am and 2pm departures. 9am will feature the option of a delicious Sausage & Bacon Quiche or Cheesy Ham Hash Brown Casserole. The 2pm departure will be serving the popular BBQ meal.
| Diesel | $109.00 ($114.00 October) | Not Permitted |
| Steam | $119.00 ($126.00 October) | Not Permitted |
| Locomotive | Adult (21+ Only) | Under 21 |
|---|
How to Purchase
You can purchase your tickets online or call our reservations department at (800) 872-4681. Or, you can purchase your tickets the day of in the Bryson City Depot. No matter how you purchase tickets, they’ll be waiting at will call.
Donating blood saves lives. Sign up for the American Red Cross Blood Donation Drive at Asheville Outlets from on Friday, June 18, 2021 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in Suite 348 across from RH Outlet. Donors are asked to register in advance by visiting RedCrossBlood.org/give and entering the sponsor code AshevilleOutlets. All Blood Donations are tested for COVID-19 Antibody. Blood donation organizers will practice social distancing procedures and advanced safety protocols. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stated that the coronavirus (COVID-19) does not pose any known risk to blood donors during the donation process or from attending blood drives, and that it is safe to donate blood. For more information, visit ShopAshevilleOutlets.com.
KEY FACTS:
- In the past few days, hospital partners are reporting they are using blood at a much higher rate than normal. When demand is high, and the supply is critically low – that is a dangerous equation for the community.
- Because of the critically low supply, The Blood Connection (TBC) is now having to back-order blood products. This has affected 12 hospital partners so far.
- 48% of days this month, TBC DID NOT collect enough blood to cover hospitals’ needs. For comparison, in May of 2020 (during the pandemic) TBC collected enough to cover those needs 84% of the days.
- There is a high likelihood that TBC will have to start rationing blood by the end of the weekend.
- Heading into a holiday weekend – hospitals are stocking up their blood supply. TBC has already not been able to provide those products.
- The community is the ONLY solution to this dangerous problem. The blood supply for local hospitals is in the community’s hands.
Back by popular demand our BBQ & Brews now featured on the Fontana Trestle Train, will roll out this Summer! Featuring slow-cooked BBQ prepared fresh and beer tastings showcasing our local breweries! Family-friendly seating will be available on this experience!
Departing from Bryson City at 7 pm, these trains will travel to the Fontana Trestle and beyond remaining parallel to the Fontana Lake stopping at the perfect viewing spot just around sunset for a spectacular view! A delicious BBQ meal will be served during the trip. Returning back to the Bryson City Depot at 9 pm.
In the Basket
Each of you will get your own basket of Southern-style barbeque goodness with a hand-pulled pork slider, a couple of pork ribs, and chicken drumstick accompanied by baked beans and house-made coleslaw.
And, of course, no respectable Southern barbeque would forget to warm up some apple cobbler for dessert.
Second Gear – Nonprofit of the Month = SAHC
Second Gear in Asheville, NC is donating 1% of proceeds from all sales during the month of June to Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy – their Nonprofit Partner of the Month. PLUS – as Land Trust Day sponsors, Second Gear will donate 10% of proceeds from sales on Saturday, June 5. Get the outdoor gear you need at a great price, and help support local conservation efforts while you do it – it’s a win-win for everyone!
- National Museum of African American History & Culture: The Historical Legacy of Juneteenth
- School House Rocks-style overview of Juneteenth, via Black-ish
- The Devastation of Black Wall Street
- Juneteenth website
- Center for the Study of Social Policy: Juneteenth and Challenging Anti-Black Racism
We’re kicking off our Spring Annual Fund Campaign! With your help, we’ve been able to do some amazing things this past year, from hosting major traveling exhibitions like Across the Atlantic to delivering 1,600 Art Kits for Kids to local students and fostering in-depth conversations about art and artists through virtual programs. Your gift to the Annual Fund supports all of this and more.
KEY FACTS:
- In the past few days, hospital partners are reporting they are using blood at a much higher rate than normal. When demand is high, and the supply is critically low – that is a dangerous equation for the community.
- Because of the critically low supply, The Blood Connection (TBC) is now having to back-order blood products. This has affected 12 hospital partners so far.
- 48% of days this month, TBC DID NOT collect enough blood to cover hospitals’ needs. For comparison, in May of 2020 (during the pandemic) TBC collected enough to cover those needs 84% of the days.
- There is a high likelihood that TBC will have to start rationing blood by the end of the weekend.
- Heading into a holiday weekend – hospitals are stocking up their blood supply. TBC has already not been able to provide those products.
- The community is the ONLY solution to this dangerous problem. The blood supply for local hospitals is in the community’s hands.
River’s End Restaurant is an iconic spot for locals and visitors to Bryson City. Enjoy spectacular views of the gorge, with paddlers passing through as they complete their Nantahala River Rafting trip. Stop in for year-round lunch and dinner, with weekend brunch during the summer season, and choose from a wide range of appetizing entrees, burgers, salads, pizza, and sandwiches. Hang out for a while and enjoy a large selection of signature cocktails, wine, and beer, including local favorites.
In River’s End Restaurant, every seat has a view of the river! Enjoy music by the river and views of paddlers passing through as they complete their Nantahala River Rafting trip. Join our waitlist online to reserve a table or order online and grab your meal to go, for a sunny lunch right by the river!
“Shine and Dine” on the railway! We cordially invite you to hop on board The Carolina Shine, GSMR’s All-Adult First Class Moonshine Car! We will be proudly serving hand crafted, triple-distilled, craft moonshine. Some of the smoothest tasting moonshine in the Carolinas!
Offered on the Nantahala Gorge excursion, this shine and dine experience begins in a renovated First Class train fleet car, The Carolina Shine. The interior features copper lined walls filled with the history of moonshining in North Carolina. Learn about the proud tradition that the Appalachians established when bootlegging was an acceptable way of life and local home brews were the best in town. Read about Swain County’s very own Major Redmond, the most famous mountain moonshine outlaw of the 19th century.
Once your appetite for knowledge is satisfied, enjoy sample tastings of flavors like Apple Pie, Blackberry, Blueberry, Cherry, Peach, and Strawberry moonshine. If the samples are not enough, there will be plenty of Moonshine infused cocktails like Copper Cola or Moonshiner’s Mimosa available for purchase. GSMR is excited to feature multiple craft NC based distilleries to serve our guests only the best! Each jar is handcrafted and authentically infused with real fruit, the way moonshine was meant to be made. Passengers will also enjoy a full service All-Adult First Class ride with an attendant and a specialty boxed lunch. During the month of October. 9am and 2pm departures. 9am will feature the option of a delicious Sausage & Bacon Quiche or Cheesy Ham Hash Brown Casserole. The 2pm departure will be serving the popular BBQ meal.
| Diesel | $109.00 ($114.00 October) | Not Permitted |
| Steam | $119.00 ($126.00 October) | Not Permitted |
| Locomotive | Adult (21+ Only) | Under 21 |
|---|
How to Purchase
You can purchase your tickets online or call our reservations department at (800) 872-4681. Or, you can purchase your tickets the day of in the Bryson City Depot. No matter how you purchase tickets, they’ll be waiting at will call.
Back by popular demand our BBQ & Brews now featured on the Fontana Trestle Train, will roll out this Summer! Featuring slow-cooked BBQ prepared fresh and beer tastings showcasing our local breweries! Family-friendly seating will be available on this experience!
Departing from Bryson City at 7 pm, these trains will travel to the Fontana Trestle and beyond remaining parallel to the Fontana Lake stopping at the perfect viewing spot just around sunset for a spectacular view! A delicious BBQ meal will be served during the trip. Returning back to the Bryson City Depot at 9 pm.
In the Basket
Each of you will get your own basket of Southern-style barbeque goodness with a hand-pulled pork slider, a couple of pork ribs, and chicken drumstick accompanied by baked beans and house-made coleslaw.
And, of course, no respectable Southern barbeque would forget to warm up some apple cobbler for dessert.
Fathers climb the Treetops Park or Zip KidZip for free with paying family members. Use code “dad” when booking online.
Second Gear – Nonprofit of the Month = SAHC
Second Gear in Asheville, NC is donating 1% of proceeds from all sales during the month of June to Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy – their Nonprofit Partner of the Month. PLUS – as Land Trust Day sponsors, Second Gear will donate 10% of proceeds from sales on Saturday, June 5. Get the outdoor gear you need at a great price, and help support local conservation efforts while you do it – it’s a win-win for everyone!
KEY FACTS:
- In the past few days, hospital partners are reporting they are using blood at a much higher rate than normal. When demand is high, and the supply is critically low – that is a dangerous equation for the community.
- Because of the critically low supply, The Blood Connection (TBC) is now having to back-order blood products. This has affected 12 hospital partners so far.
- 48% of days this month, TBC DID NOT collect enough blood to cover hospitals’ needs. For comparison, in May of 2020 (during the pandemic) TBC collected enough to cover those needs 84% of the days.
- There is a high likelihood that TBC will have to start rationing blood by the end of the weekend.
- Heading into a holiday weekend – hospitals are stocking up their blood supply. TBC has already not been able to provide those products.
- The community is the ONLY solution to this dangerous problem. The blood supply for local hospitals is in the community’s hands.
Juneteenth is the celebration of the timeframe when slavery was abolished. During the weekend of Juneteenth, GRIND Coffeehouse will hold GRINDfest – a celebration of black business and entrepreneurship. GRINDfest will highlight the progress made by people of color while also connecting people across cultures. This weekend of fun will include a play entitled “Savagery”, a poetry slam, local storytellers, game tournaments, a lip sync battle, vendors selling unique items, Black food from around the world and an outdoor dance party with local DJs. This event promises to be one of the most fun and enlightening of the year.
⚡WHAT IS GRINDFEST?
Juneteenth is the time where we celebrate the timeframe where slavery was abolished. It took time for word to spread so it is recognized as Juneteenth.
During the weekend of Juneteenth, we will have GRINDfest – a celebration of black business and entrepreneurship. After slavery was abolished the people held as slaves began to use their skills and talents to do business in an economy that previously thought of them as property. Nonetheless, they made progress and became business owners.
GRINDfest will bring people together to celebrate Black Business and Black Entrepreneurs. It will highlight the progress made by people of color while also connecting people across cultures. Economies do not exist in a bubble. They include everyone.
⚡WHY THIS WEEKEND?
Our commissioners just declared Juneteenth a Holiday in Buncombe county. This was the time that slavery was abolished. We know that the effects of slavery and white supremacy still torment our communities, but we have determined to celebrate the life and progress of Black people in Asheville.
We will be hosting GRINDfest on June 18th-20th, our celebration of Black Business and Entrepreneurship. Conveniently located in the River Arts District, we will have a weekend full of fun and learning: “Savagery” (the play), a poetry slam, local storytellers, game tournaments, a lip sync battle, vendors selling unique items, Black food from around the world and an outside dance party with local DJ’s. This event promises to be one of the most fun and enlightening of the year.
⚡WHAT WILL HAPPEN?
🔥EVENT HIGHLIGHTS🔥
📍XTREME HIP HOP AEROBICS: Supercharge your morning with movement set to great music.
📍PINK DOG BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS: Neighboring businesses opening up for breakfast so patrons can come purchase meals
📍ROOTS REVEAL: We have done this activity already with Bowie State University and will do it during the festival. People will order their DNA test that shows countries of origin and features that run in their bloodline. But they will wait until the event to open the results. In this 90 minute workshop, people will open their results and reveal their ancestry. Then they will be engaged in activities led by Dr. Masica Jordan, Clinical Psychologist and College Professor, that highlight the similarities and overlaps shared among people in the room that may not know each other, but share similar histories, countries of origin, and features. By sharing their ancestral DNA, we see that we are more alike than different.
** participants must order their own DNA test results ahead of time
📍SAVAGERY: Another event during the festival will be the play, “Savagery”. This play was scripted by local author, Nichole Lee and was written as a collection of stories and music from people of color. It is therapeutic in that it tells the story, but it is also entertaining and engaging.
📍GAMES TOURNAMENT: We will have card game tournaments in addition to family fun activities. This in addition to local food vendors with West African cuisine, Jamaican Island cuisine, and a Seafood Boil/Fish Fry, we will host community awards given to people who have made significant progress and contributions such as “single fathers/mothers, blended families, people who had to switch careers, and those succeeding after recovery/re-entry.
📍LIP-SYNC BATTLE: Another event that will happen is the lip-sync battle where contestants perform in the goofiest, funniest way they can to win the prize.
📍DEPOT STREET DANCE PARTY: We close the night out with a huge dance party. It is a festival that has great purpose and practical fun. The whole idea is to celebrate differences and learn from them while uniting people. We have already gathered all the businesses on our block in the River Arts District in addition to 20 other black businesses that are part of our Black Wall Street Program to make this festival a success. Tension can exist between people who look differently, but we designed this festival to bring folks together to celebrate and learn in a fun-filled weekend.
✅Download our Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3hB1U9Z
✅Be one of the sponsors: https://bit.ly/3w1SmbR
✅Be a volunteer: https://bit.ly/33HmVHy
⚡Free-Entry event made possible by our amazing sponsors. Bring the whole family and friends and enjoy the Blackest Weekend in Asheville
River’s End Restaurant is an iconic spot for locals and visitors to Bryson City. Enjoy spectacular views of the gorge, with paddlers passing through as they complete their Nantahala River Rafting trip. Stop in for year-round lunch and dinner, with weekend brunch during the summer season, and choose from a wide range of appetizing entrees, burgers, salads, pizza, and sandwiches. Hang out for a while and enjoy a large selection of signature cocktails, wine, and beer, including local favorites.
In River’s End Restaurant, every seat has a view of the river! Enjoy music by the river and views of paddlers passing through as they complete their Nantahala River Rafting trip. Join our waitlist online to reserve a table or order online and grab your meal to go, for a sunny lunch right by the river!
Jack’s Bluegrass Brunch is every Sunday! Our menu kicks off at 12Noon with live tunes by Supper Break from 1-3pm. Try our $6 Bloody Mary or Mimosa, or grab a $15 Bottles of Champagne & OJ! Try one of our tasty brunch specials or order from our artisanal sandwich menu. Sláinte Y’all!
FIRST SET BY THE HOUSE BAND & SECOND SET IS A JAZZ JAM
In conjunction with Sunday Sessions Live (and virtual) music: Food Truck Sundays will bring a new or rotating “staff favorite” cuisine each week to the Beechams Curve offerings.
Gan Shan West, our main culinary provider 6 days a week, is closed on Sundays. Enjoy the convenience, delicious variety and the music – all in one Sunday Funday stop!
Second Gear – Nonprofit of the Month = SAHC
Second Gear in Asheville, NC is donating 1% of proceeds from all sales during the month of June to Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy – their Nonprofit Partner of the Month. PLUS – as Land Trust Day sponsors, Second Gear will donate 10% of proceeds from sales on Saturday, June 5. Get the outdoor gear you need at a great price, and help support local conservation efforts while you do it – it’s a win-win for everyone!
KEY FACTS:
- In the past few days, hospital partners are reporting they are using blood at a much higher rate than normal. When demand is high, and the supply is critically low – that is a dangerous equation for the community.
- Because of the critically low supply, The Blood Connection (TBC) is now having to back-order blood products. This has affected 12 hospital partners so far.
- 48% of days this month, TBC DID NOT collect enough blood to cover hospitals’ needs. For comparison, in May of 2020 (during the pandemic) TBC collected enough to cover those needs 84% of the days.
- There is a high likelihood that TBC will have to start rationing blood by the end of the weekend.
- Heading into a holiday weekend – hospitals are stocking up their blood supply. TBC has already not been able to provide those products.
- The community is the ONLY solution to this dangerous problem. The blood supply for local hospitals is in the community’s hands.
Cancer patients may need blood products during chemotherapy, surgery or treatment for complications. More than 1.7 million new cases of cancer are expected to be diagnosed in the U.S. this year, according to the American Cancer
Society. Donated blood is a lifesaving gift most healthy people can give. The community is encouraged to donate blood with the American Red Cross to help those with cancer and many
others who need blood. Support cancer patients by donating blood at any of these donation opportunities
during the month of June.
Those who donate June 1 – June 13 will receive a free limited – edition Red Cross T-shirt!
Those who donate June 14 – June 30 will receive a $5 Amazon.com e-gift card via email!
To make an appointment or to learn more, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor
App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood
Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device. Completion of a RapidPass® online health history
questionnaire is encouraged to help speed up the donation process. To get started, follow the
instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in.
Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh
at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High
school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height
and weight requirements.
Second Gear – Nonprofit of the Month = SAHC
Second Gear in Asheville, NC is donating 1% of proceeds from all sales during the month of June to Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy – their Nonprofit Partner of the Month. PLUS – as Land Trust Day sponsors, Second Gear will donate 10% of proceeds from sales on Saturday, June 5. Get the outdoor gear you need at a great price, and help support local conservation efforts while you do it – it’s a win-win for everyone!