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.
Apply by September 27 | The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority’s Festivals & Cultural Events Support Fund Grant is designed to provide financial support for events that serve both the residents of Buncombe County and the visitors who travel to the Asheville area.
Buncombe County is seeking applications to join the Strategic Partnership Grant Committee. This is a chance to participate in a public budgeting process to help shape the future of Buncombe County.
About the committee: The purpose of the Committee is to make Strategic Partnership Grant investment recommendations to the Board of Commissioners for Buncombe County. Strategic Partnership Grant funding is granted to nonprofit organizations working toward outcomes in alignment with County Commissioner goals. The committee generally meets the first Thursday of every month from 1-2:30 p.m., with special meetings as needed.
More information is available at BuncombeCounty.org/Grants.
The opportunity:
- This seat may only be held by a resident of District 1 of Buncombe County. (Not sure of your district? Click here to search your address in the Representative Finder.)
- This seat is for the remainder of a term ending 6/30/25. (Terms are for 3-years, and members are eligible to serve more than one term.)
- Diversity and inclusion are critical to our grants process, and people of color/BIPOC individuals are encouraged to apply.
- Applicants should not have any conflicts of interest with nonprofits applying for Strategic Partnership Grants, to include not currently serving on the Board of Directors or staff of an applicant organization. How to apply: Click here to complete an online application. The deadline to apply is Friday, Sept. 23.
Since 1977, the North Carolina Arts Council’s Grassroots Arts Program (GAP) has provided North Carolina citizens access to quality arts experiences. Using a per capita based formula, the program provides funding for the arts in all 100 counties of the state through partnerships with local arts councils. The Grassroots Grant Program is made possible by the Grassroots Arts Program of North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural & Cultural Resources, and Buncombe County Government.
The Grassroot Arts Program provides programmatic and operating support for nonprofit arts organizations in Buncombe County. Grants for FY23 will range from $2,500-7,500 dollars depending on the size of the organization. The deadline to apply is September 15, 2022.
Multicultural programs and organizations located outside of the City of Asheville will receive special consideration. To be considered a multicultural organization the mission of the organization must be focused on supporting African American, Asian American, Latino, or Native American cultures. For a program to be considered multicultural it must be conducted by artists, ensembles, or organizations of color.
All throughout September, guests are invited to join the mountain’s naturalists as they count and celebrate the annual spectacle of fall raptor migration. Participants can observe the migration daily at Linville Peak, across the Mile High Swinging Bridge, weather permitting. Included with admission.
Over the past two years, artist-researcher, community organizer, and Center for Craft grant recipient, Macon Reed has built Hello Death, Where Have You Been All My Life? an immersive installation that harnesses the social function of ritual space to reflect, process grief, heal, and envision alternative futures.
This September, several breweries are participating in our annual campaign that unites MANNA and our local brewers, Hops for Hunger.
For every pour of a particular brew, the brewery will donate $1 to MANNA. This month’s participants include 12 Bones Brewing, Bold Rock, Boojum Brewing Company, Burning Blush Brewery, Green Man Brewery, Hi-Wire Brewing and Mills River Brewing Company
The Buncombe County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC) is now accepting proposals for the remainder of fiscal year 2022-2023. The JCPC announces the availability of small allocations totaling $84,902 in state funding for local nonprofits and public agencies working to serve youth involved in, or at-risk of becoming involved in the juvenile justice system. The JCPC addresses the gaps in youth services by promoting prevention, intervention, treatment and aftercare strategies and programs which strengthen families and support community safety.
Click here for Request for Proposals (RFP)
The JCPC is seeking innovative projects designed to address the identified needs in our community – highlighted in the 2021 Risk Needs Summary Report:
- Runaway from Home or Placement
- School Behavior/Adjustment
- Substance Use Within Past 12 Months
- Abuse Neglect History
- Sexual Behaviors During Past 12 Months
- Mental Health Needs
- Basic Physical Needs/Independent Living
- Conflict in the Home Within Past 12 Months
- Family Supervision Skills
Based on these factors and possible gaps in the Continuum of Services, the following program types will be considered for funding:
- Runaway/Temporary Shelter
- Comprehensive Clinical Assessments (CCAs)
- Restitution/Community Service
- Teen Court/Restorative Services
- Substance Use Services
- Parent / Family Skill Building
- Vocational Skills
- Interpersonal or Experiential Skills
- Structured Day / Tutoring / Academic Enhancement / Mentoring
Application Information
The Buncombe County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC) is responsible for reviewing and allocating funds to programs designed to serve youth involved in, or at risk of becoming involved with the juvenile justice system, and to reduce the number of youth who enter the state’s youth development centers. Any nonprofits or public agency interested in applying for JCPC funds is required to send a representative to the applicant orientation.
NEW applicants are required to attend a mandatory orientation (prior applicants may also attend). For information about the program application workshop and other technical assistance contact Lorraine Williams, Area Consultant, Community Programs Western Area Office, 828-405-4056, [email protected].
Interested organizations are required to complete an online application through NC ALLIES (A Local Link to Improve Effective Services). Organizations can review application instructions here.
Current JCPC funded programs requesting additional funds should submit a budget revision in NC ALLIES and email JCPC Admin [email protected] a summary detailing the amount of the request and purpose for additional funds.
Private nonprofits are also required to submit in NC ALLIES, No Overdue Tax forms, Conflict of Interest Statements, and, if requested, proof of 501(c)(3) status.
Application submission deadline is Thursday, October 6th, 2022, by 5 pm. All applications must be submitted in NC Allies; once the application is submitted in NC Allies, send a copy via email to [email protected].
Applicants will be required to present their proposal during an Allocations Hearing. Applicants will be contacted with the date and time of this meeting upon submission.
For additional information regarding the application process contact Hannah Legerton, JCPC Administrator, (828) 250-4087
Please see the linked Request for Proposals and visit Buncombecounty.org/grants for more information.
Note: The JCPC had allocated $84,902 to Trinity Place Runaway and Homeless Youth Shelter for the upcoming year; unfortunately the program announced their closure effective 5/15/2022. The JCPC has until 12/31/2022 to reallocate funding that had been designated for Trinity Place.
Buncombe County is committed to building a healthy, safe, well-educated, and thriving community that is equitable and sustainable. Buncombe County invests in our community through eight grant programs supporting organizations working in support of the Buncombe 2025 Strategic Plan focus areas and goals. Equity, diversity, and inclusion are critical to our grants processes, and Buncombe County encourages participation from organizations led by and providing service to people of color/BIPOC individuals.
More about the Buncombe County Juvenile Crime Prevention Program
The North Carolina Department of Public Safety’s Division of Juvenile Justice partners with Juvenile Crime Prevention Councils in each county to galvanize community leaders, locally and statewide, to reduce and prevent youth involvement with the juvenile justice system. The intent is to provide community-based alternatives to youth development centers and to provide community-based programming, treatment, counseling or rehabilitation services for youth involved in, or at risk of becoming involved with the juvenile justice system.
This is an initiative of the NC Department of Public Safety, Division of Juvenile Justice, Juvenile Community Programming, and the Buncombe County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council.
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 while making connections that deepen your peer-to-peer support.
Early bird discount: $100 off if you apply by September 1st, 2022.
Nantahala Outdoor Center’s premier Mountaintop Zip Line Tour takes the heart-pounding intensity up a notch when it’s under the night time sky! On dates near a full moon, NOC offers limited trips on this stunning Moonlight Mountaintop Zip Line Tour.
Zip under the night sky while taking in the sights and sounds of the calm Blue Ridge Mountains. NOC’s expert aerial guides use glow sticks to signal you, and you use glow sticks to paint the night sky. This adventure truly feels magical.
NOC’s Moonlight Mountaintop Zip Line Tour consists of two-miles of mountaintop-to-mountaintop zip lines, culminating in the heart-pounding 1/2 mile Mega Zip underneath the stars – silhouetting stunning 360-degree views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Highlights
- NOC’s Moonlight Mountaintop Zip Line is an unparalleled experience of mountaintop-to-mountaintop zips under a full moon.
- Glow sticks are used by Aerial Guides to signal you forward through the course.
- Participants use glow sticks to paint the star-filled sky.
- The 1/2 Mile Mega Zip is the true gem of the trip – offering silhouetted 360-degree views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the starry night sky.
What to Expect
Please check-in for your trip 30 minutes prior to your reservation at the Adventure Deck. All guests should have prior zip lining experience. Once being fitted for equipment, guests will shuttle to a ground school where they will receive instructions on how to use glow sticks to signal with the Aerial Guides. Guests will be required to demonstrate proficiency in zip lining including breaking.
If you’re behind on your water bill or afraid your water might get cut off, a new resource might be able to help you. On Jan. 4, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners approved more than $450,000 in federal funding for the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP). The initiative is aimed at preventing water disconnections and helping reconnect drinking and wastewater services.
The LIHWAP will be administered by Buncombe County-based Eblen Charities. The nonprofit will make payments directly to utilities on behalf of qualifying households. The program is slated to run through Sept. 30, 2023 or until funds are exhausted.
Eligibility requirements
Households that currently receive Food and Nutrition Services (FNS), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Work First services, or those that received Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) services from Oct. 1, 2020-Sept. 30, 2021, are automatically eligible to receive this benefit if their water services have been cut off or are in danger of being cut off.
For additional eligibility information or to apply, please contact Eblen Charities at (828) 255-3066.
OUTPACE HUNGER
FEED PEOPLE AND YOUR PASSION!
What Is Outpace Hunger?
Looking for a way to make a real impact this spring and summer? Feed people while pursuing your passion through Outpace Hunger, an action-based fundraising campaign that turns a favorite activity into meals!
For decades, MANNA FoodBank has been working to outpace hunger and food insecurity all across 16 counties of Western North Carolina, including the Qualla Boundary. The 2022 campaign runs May 1 through September 30, and we invite you join the growing community of folks who are Outpacing Hunger alongside of us!
How It Works
Participating in Outpace Hunger is easy!
You decide your level of commitment, so every participant can create their own path to helping provide food to our community. Participants also decide how, when, and where they complete their goal, any time now through the campaign end on September 30.
Outpace Hunger participants:
(1) Register to be a part of MANNA’s Outpace Hunger community. The $20 registration fee includes a t-shirt for you and provides 80 MEALS for neighbors facing food insecurity in WNC.
(2) Choose a favorite activity (run, walk, roll, stroll, hike, bike, paddle, climb, float, skate, golf, and everything in between!) to complete individually, or as a family/group/team.
(3) Set a goal to reach. This can be an activity-related goal, a fundraising goal, or both.
(4) Invite friends and family to support your fundraising efforts through your own, personalized Outpace Hunger webpage.
Whether running a 5K, walking your neighborhood, hiking the Mountains to Sea trail, or paddling the French Broad River, Outpace Hunger participants play a vital part in ensuring our WNC neighbors have access to healthy food.
READY TO OUTPACE HUNGER WITH US?
ALREADY AN OUTPACE HUNGER PARTICIPANT?
NEED MORE INFORMATION?
Make a $20 donation or more to either REVOLVE or the Bob Moog Foundation (or both), and be entered into a raffle to win wonderful prizes such as our new Sync T-Shirt, Records and Tapes from the Make Noise Crew, and an XPO! For every $20 you donate, you’ll receive a raffle ticket. Donations must be made September 9-September 27 10AM EST directly to the org using the links provided (coming soon), and you must include Make Noise in the memo line. These orgs will send us a list of all donors & donations on the 27th, and we will announce the winners live in person at our Closing Party September 29th. Items will be mailed the following week, unless the winner is there to receive it. People who come to the pop-up for a demo will receive an extra raffle ticket after they donate.
Why do these organizations mean a lot to the Make Noise Crew?
REVOLVE is a place we go to often–to play, to see each other play, to immerse ourselves in sound, to experience installations, to gather with other artists. REVOLVE provides inclusive programming centered around sound experiments, and that’s joy for us!
The Bob Moog Foundation creates hands-on opportunities for folks of all ages to explore the science of sound. We especially love the work they do teaching children about the intersection of music and tech, preparing them for a lifetime of sonic adventures!
ReUse Contest Guidelines
WHEN
The contest begins on August 1, 2022 and ends on September 30, 2022. Winners will be announced in October.
WHO
Anyone! (Except employees of Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity)
WHAT
The Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity ReStore is hosting the 11th annual ReUse Contest to showcase innovative building projects constructed predominantly of used building materials.
Winners will be selected in the following categories:
- Furniture: $200 ReStore gift card
- Homesteading (i.e. chicken coop, raised bed): $200 ReStore gift card
- Live and/or work space: $200 ReStore gift card
- Art: $200 ReStore gift card
- Home Decor: $200 ReStore gift card
- Vans & Vehicles: $200 ReStore gift card
- Best in Show: $500 ReStore gift card
Winners will be announced in a press release, on Asheville Habitat’s website and social media pages, and featured in the Asheville Habitat ReStore.
OTHER DETAILS
- Entries must be submitted electronically using the form provided.
- Projects should have been completed within the last 2 years.
- You may submit up to three separate projects (individually).
- Re-submission of a project submitted in previous years will not be accepted.
- Incomplete entries will not be considered.
- Questions? Email [email protected].
JUDGING
There will be 5 judges, assessing entries based on:
- Quality of design and execution
- Replicability of concept
- Clarity of description
- Quality of photos (if we can’t see it well, we can’t judge it fairly)
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Byer’s Precision Fabricators announced today that they have been named as a semi-finalist in the “Coolest Thing Made in NC” Competition.
The top 5 businesses in each category will be announced on September 22, when Byer’s may move on to the last round, and compete as a “Top 5” contender. The winner will be announced on October 6.
The vote tally has been reset to level the field for all semifinalists. As in the first round, the community may still only vote once a day with a valid email address.
To cast your vote for Byer’s Precision, click here: http://wshe.es/32QyUdFR
This competition helps to highlight manufacturing in NC, a crucial key to the state’s economic success. Byer’s Precision Fabricators was opened in 1942 by Paul Byers, where he started a general sheet metal shop in Hendersonville, NC. Byer’s Sheet Metal Works quickly became one of the largest ductwork and roofing contractors in the state. Today, Byer’s Precision Fabricators is a 60,000 sq. ft facility, and the company has come a long way in 80 years! For more information about Byer’s, click here: https://www.byersprecision.com/
Those who donate with The Blood Connection, the non-profit community blood center, are directly impacting the lives of people in this community; people like children battling cancer, or a neighbor suffering from Sickle Cell Disease. Those people rely on community blood donors every day to ensure lifesaving blood products needed for treatments are available in local hospitals. That is why TBC is partnering with local and national organizations to shed light on Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and Sickle Cell Awareness Month.
Both causes have a close tie to blood centers, as blood products are vital for the treatment and management of these diseases. TBC’s September campaign will give community members an opportunity to double their donation by donating blood to the community and donating their reward points to organizations that support childhood cancer and sickle cell patients.
TBC is also looking for organizations, companies, and groups to host blood drives to benefit these causes.
Blood drive coordinators can pick local chapters and organizations, and TBC will make a monetary donation
per donor. To speak with a TBC representative about hosting a blood drive in September, go to
thebloodconnection.org/host and fill out the form.
- Natalie Britt – FIND Outdoors
- Katrina McGuire – Blue Ridge Literacy Council
- Amy Shipman – The Cedars
Visit Grandad’s for the day and enjoy a variety of family fun activities on a 100-acre family farm and apple orchard located in Hendersonville NC near Asheville. Select pre-picked apples fresh off the trees daily from our bins or enjoy you-pick on select weekends. Starting in late September, in Grandad’s pumpkin patch you will find pumpkins and jack o’lanterns in every size and shape. At Grandad’s Barn and Country Store, you will find a great selection of fall harvest decorations, apple peelers, apple bakers, and other apple gifts. Come by our bakery where we have hot cider donuts all day along with apple pies, cookies, hot cider, apple cider slushies, and many other apple goodies to eat!
The WNC Farmers Market is the premier destination for buying and selling the region’s best agriculture products directly from farmers & food producers to household & wholesale customers in an environment that celebrates the region’s diverse culture, food & heritage.
House of Operation:
WNC Farmers Market: 24/7, 361 days a year market access for farmers
Office: Monday- Friday, 8am-5pm
Market Shops: 7 days a week, 8 am-5 pm
Wholesale and Truck Sheds: 7 days a week
Join our virtual team of business professionals with the goal of growing your business. We meet every Wednesday via Teams video conferencing at 8:30 for 90 minutes. No fees, just participation and consistency required. Make new connections and generate business in a professional environment
Financial Empowerment for Women
Getting Ahead in a Just-Gettin’-By World® – Building Resources for a Better Life. YWCA’s Getting Ahead program aims to provide financial empowerment for low-income women of all ages and backgrounds to make choices that positively impact themselves, their families and their community.
Knowledge is Power
A series of “kitchen table” discussions that investigate the causes of poverty, the hidden rules of class, and resources needed by all. Participants will assess individual situations as well as the condition of our community to achieve economic self-sufficiency.
“Going through the program made me realize that I wasn’t in this by myself. I was surrounded by people just like me who were humble enough to say ‘I need help.”
“The class has re-shaped my thinking process- the way I approach situations as possibilities, not obstacles”
Participants Receive
- Childcare and meals at each session
- A $20 stipend for each session attended
Received once the program is completed - A workbook to keep track of learning and personal goals
- One-on-one case management for 18
months to support personal success - Transportation support is available
- The Council on Aging of Buncombe County was formed in 1964 to address the needs of seniors in our community
- We provide essential support to people over 60 who need assistance with food, heat or a/c, and health care
- Our volunteers make this work possible– consider joining us today!
Our Mission Statement: Promote the Independence, dignity, and well-being of adults through service, education, and advocacy
We are looking for volunteers to work with low-income Medicare recipients as an unbiased, knowledgeable guide, providing education and assistance with navigating through the application process to help them receive much-needed assistance with the following programs:
- Medicare Part D Extra Help/Low-Income Subsidy (LIS)
- Medicare Savings Programs
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP – formerly known as Food Stamps)
- Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)
The safety of our clients is our highest priority. Here’s what’s required for this role:
- Clear criminal background check and driving record.
- Minimum $100,000/300,000 in auto liability coverage.
- Orientation and training with the Council on Aging.
- A reliable vehicle that will pass NC safety inspection.
Additionally, we are very flexible and will work with your schedule.
Who would make a strong candidate for this volunteer role?
- You care about seniors and want to support those who need help most
- A resident of Buncombe County, NC, or a nearby town.
- Someone willing to learn basic education about the Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC) and what benefits are available for lower-income Seniors.
- Someone willing to receive education about outreach, what larger events entail, and how to assist with these events.
- Someone willing to travel around Buncombe County and set up a table at outreach events, educating the community on the services offered at Council on Aging and the Benefits Enrollment Center.
- Someone able to assist clients with benefits applications and maintain awareness of changes to income guidelines.
If you want to help make a difference in the lives of real people right here in western North Carolina, we would love to welcome you on board as a volunteer.
The Justus Family has been growing delicious NC Apples in Hendersonville for more than Four Generations, our Fifth generation is now an active part of Justus Orchard as well. At our NC Apple Orchard, you will find U Pick or We Pick Apples, Blackberries, and Pumpkins Whether you choose to U Pick or We Pick, you can sample, mix and match to make sure go home with your favorite apples for eating or cooking. Review the apple varieties we grow and sell and their usual ripening times here.
We invite you to experience picking your own NC Apples, enjoy a day in the beautiful Western North Carolina Mountains, there is something for everyone and all ages. Tour the orchard picking apples, stop by the pond to see our ducks, visit the farm animals, let the kids take a ride on the Cow Train through the orchard, visit Apple House for pre-picked Apples, Honey, Jams, Jellies and Preserves and other homemade goodies. Visit the Bakery which offers our famous homemade Fried Apple Pies, Apple Cider Donuts, Apple Cider, Cider Slushies, Caramels, Apple Bread and more! You can also find fresh Mountain Cabbage, Sweet Potatoes and other local fall vegetables.
We look forward to having you visit one of the oldest U Pick or We Pick Apple Orchards in Western NC. We guarantee fresh apples, delicious baked good, beautiful views and wonderful hospitality!
Currently picking: Gala, Golden Delicious, Early Fuji, Mutsu, and a few Honeycrisp
Sky Top Orchard has been a family-owned & operated farm since 1967 when father and son duo Everette and David Butler planted the first trees on Mt. McAlpine, in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. For almost 60 years, Apple Dave and his wife Lindsey grew Sky Top from a small roadside tent into what it is today.
Built with love, sweat, and a lot of hard work, Sky Top has grown to include our hayride and bee train, the apple cannon, and of course, our famous apple cider doughnuts. But throughout the years, one thing stays the same: tradition. At Sky Top, we believe family and creating long-lasting memories is the most important part. We look forward to being a place for you to bring your families for years to come.
Old Kentucky Home -The Thomas Wolfe Memorial
American Novelist Thomas Wolfe (1900-1938)
Considered by many to be one of the giants of 20th-century American literature, Thomas Wolfe immortalized his childhood home in his epic autobiographical novel, Look Homeward, Angel. Wolfe’s colorful portrayal of his family, his hometown of “Altamont” Asheville, North Carolina, and “Dixieland” the Old Kentucky Home boardinghouse, earned the Victorian period house a place as one of American literature’s most famous landmarks.
House tours are offered daily at half past each hour. Last tour leaves at 4:30 pm.
Group tours by reservation.
Adult – $5.00
Student (ages 7-17) – $2.00
Adult Group (10+) – $2.50 each
Student Group – $2.00 each
6 & under – Free
Hours of Operation
Gay men’s coffee group meets every Wednesday at 88 Charlotte St.
We gather at 9:30a for stimulating conversation. Come join us!
Bender Gallery is excited to present “A Clear Choice,” a solo exhibition of stunning abstract sculptures by internationally recognized master glass artist Karsten Oaks. “A Clear Choice” opens on Saturday, September 3rd with an artist’s reception with Oaks present from 6 – 9 PM, and runs through September 25th. Using specialized optical glass, Oaks creates sculptures that bend light and color via their unique forms. Reminiscent of graffiti marks, his forms are instantly recognizable and are made with meticulous perfection. When viewing, a discernible object often appears from a momentary perspective creating a vision that allows the viewer to connect on a more personal level with the piece. This mystery inspires a deeply personal relationship between viewer and object and sets Oaks’ work apart from that of his contemporaries. We hope to see you there!
Mon – Sat 10 – 6 Sun 12 – 5
The Garden Helpline is open March 2 through October 27 in 2022.
Extension Master GardenerSM volunteers will be staffing the Helpline as indicated in the schedule below. You may send an email or leave a voicemail at any time and an Extension Master Gardener volunteer will respond during Garden Helpline hours. When emailing, please include a photo if it helps describe your garden question. Soil test kits can be picked up at the Extension office, 24/7, located in a box outside the front door.
Two ways to contact the Garden Helpline
Call 828-255-5522
Email questions and photos to [email protected]
Garden Helpline Hours
March: Monday 12:00 – 2:00; Wednesday 10:00 – 12:00
April – September: Monday and Wednesday 10:00- 2:00; Tuesday 10:00-12:00;
Thursday 12:00-2:00
October: Tuesday 10:00-12:00; Thursday 12:00-2:00
We are here to help and support you! Please contact us; we look forward to answering your gardening questions.