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, April 7, 2020
COVID-19 Relief Funds Available to Farmers
Apr 7 all-day
Carolina Farm Stewardship Association

COVID-19 Relief Funds

Available to Farmers

starting April 3rd

is part of the massive economic rescue package passed by Congress last week to address urgent needs created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Incorporated businesses, sole proprietors, single-member LLCs, self-employed individuals, and nonprofits are all eligible to apply for this relief.
Apply Here

Organic Growers School

COVID-19 Updates for Business Henderson County
Apr 7 all-day
Henderson County Online
COVID-19 Updates for Business
With the rapid update of information at the Federal, State, and local levels, we will be issuing these special edition updates each Thursday, in addition to our regular Tuesday, E-News.
Cultivating Digital Photography Skills: Composition – VIRTUAL
Apr 7 all-day
Online w/ Asheville Art Museum

In this four-part class taught by M. Paige Taylor, explore composition and color using digital photography! Through a series of weekly assignments, hone your observation skills, apply framing and cropping with intention, and use color with purpose.

APRIL 9, 16, 23, & 30—Thursdays, 6–8pm
Registration deadline: April 8

$75 Museum Members, $85 non-members

THIS PROGRAM WILL TAKE PLACE VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM. SPACE IS LIMITED; TO REGISTER, CLICK HERE OR CALL 828.253.3227 X122.

Matthew Pillsbury, Grande Galerie de l’Évolution, Paris, 2008, printed 2013, archival ink on paper, 39 ⅜ × 31 ½ inches, Collection of the Asheville Art Museum. Museum purchase with funds provided by the Nat C. Myers Photography Fund, 2012.44.99. © Matthew Pillsbury

Dolly Parton Storytime Series Virtual
Apr 7 all-day
Dolly Parton Story Time Online

Books from the Imagination Library will continue to go out as scheduled. A special new program, Goodnight with Dolly, is a 10-week series of Dolly read-aloud videos where the Book Lady herself will read one Imagination Library bedtime story each week. The series launched on April 2, and we hope this gift will further inspire a love of books and shared storytime during this important period.
EPA Response to COVID-19
Apr 7 all-day
EPA Online

EPA RESPONSE TO CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19).

EPA’s Coronavirus website provides key EPA resources and links to additional information about the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Read the most up-to-date information about EPA actions, disinfectants, drinking water and waste water, and other resources.
https://www.epa.gov/coronavirus

Disinfectants that meet EPA’s criteria for use against coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). When purchasing a disinfectant product, check if its EPA registration number is included on this list. If it is, you have a match and the product can be used against SARS-CoV-2.

Information on drinking water and wastewater. The COVID-19 virus has not been detected in drinking-water supplies. Based on current evidence, the risk to water supplies is low.

Resources related to COVID-19 in other languages:

Fantastic Fungi Film Sofa Cinema Grail Moviehouse
Apr 7 all-day
Grail Moviehouse Sofa Cinema Online

FANTASTIC FUNGI - Streaming Release

As we enter into an even vaster understanding of just how interdependent we are and how fast something travels between us all, we can appreciate the power of our interconnectedness. This can be seen in the thousands of cases in which a virus has impacted so much of our lives from travel, business, wellness and gatherings.
Fantastic Fungi is all about our interconnectedness and the common issues that we face as a species. We know that our biggest defense from these viruses is our own sense of wellbeing, our own immunity and the ability to live from a place of health and wellness both individually and collectively.

Fantastic Fungi Day:
More Global Than Ever

Watch Fantastic Fungi… At Home!

The messages of this film could not be any timelier, from the need to reconnect and understand the intelligence of nature, to partnering with fungi and our natural world to shift our consciousness. How prepared are we to face the pressing issues we have in our world?

We are facing a serious challenge, yet like the mycelium network we are adaptable. As a response to the worldwide pandemic of the coronavirus, we ask each community to take responsibility for establishing the best practice for them. We also know that we need to respond as mycelium and provide innovative ways of addressing these new challenges.

Join Us From The Safety of Wherever You Are.

In response to the Coronavirus we have decided to expand our reach and open the gates to the ever expanding movement of this film and provide an opportunity to people all around the world, no matter where you are located, to participate in Fantastic Fungi Day! Yes, we are creating an opportunity for everyone, wherever you are to view the film as well as tune into the post-screening Q&A. We have the ability to shift the way we are living in this world. Now is the time to tap into nature’s intelligence and come together as a worldwide audience seeking connection, hope and solutions.

With love and gratitude,
Louie, Paul and the FF Team

Flat Rock Playhouse CLOSED April 2-27 Altered 2020 season
Apr 7 all-day
Flat Rock Playhouse

We will reopen with Million Dollar Quartet in mid-July. The remainder of the season will proceed as planned beginning with Jumping Jack Flash – The Music of the Rolling Stones on August 20th.  Steel Magnolias and our summer musicals, A Chorus Line, and West Side Story, will be moved to the 2021 season.

In response to Government guidelines, and for the safety of our staff and customers, the box office will close Friday, April 3rd and plans to re-open Monday, April 27th. Patrons with questions can refer to the Playhouse website www.FlatRockPlayhouse.org for answers to frequently asked questions and/or to find ways to help support FRP at this critical time.  Folks can also email us at [email protected].

We plan to stay in touch with you over these coming weeks. And don’t miss videos from some of
your favorite Playhouse stars on our social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and
Youtube. Also watch for them in Playhouse emails.

Grandfather Mountain CLOSED to all activity
Apr 7 all-day
Grandfather Mountain

To help prevent the spread of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus), Grandfather Mountain will close until further notice, effective Sunday, March 15. The closure means the park will prohibit public access, including from the main entrance gate and hiking trails.

In addition, all special events and programs scheduled through Memorial Day have been canceled or postponed.

Henderson County Launches Live Streaming Updates for Residents
Apr 7 all-day
Henderson County Govt Online
Henderson County Launches Live Streaming Updates for Residents
Henderson County will host a live-streaming update for residents each Tuesday beginning April 7th for updates and information regarding COVID-19. The live stream will be featured on the County’s webpage (www.hendersoncountync.gov) and the video will be posted to the County’s FaceBook page and YouTube Channel for replay.
Emailed questions will be addressed during the update as time allows. Questions can be submitted to [email protected] by Noon each Monday prior to the udates.
Join Forces Virtually for the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day
Apr 7 all-day
Online

WNC for the Planet Logo

WNC for the Planet is a proud supporter of Earth Day Network’s effort to build the world’s largest environmental movement to drive transformative change for people and planet. WNC for the Planet will  feature virtual opportunities for environmental education, advocacy and community events for people of all ages. Engagement opportunities will be offered across Western North Carolina well beyond the City of Asheville by Conserving Carolina, MountainTrue, Asheville GreenWorks and other organizations.

Join WNC for the Planet partners to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day! Those interested in learning more about virtual Earth Month opportunities can visit www.WNCforthePlanet.org.

Those involved include:

Asheville GreenWorks

Conserving Carolina

Friends of the Smokies

MountainTrue

RiverLink

Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy


 

Mountain BizWorks: Rapid Recovery Loans
Apr 7 all-day
Mountain BizWorks

COVID-19 RAPID RECOVERY LOANS AVAILABLE

Mountain BizWorks and its partners are taking steps to ensure business owners and entrepreneurs have the resources they need to get through the coronavirus crisis.

North Carolina FOOD HELP for children 18 and younger text FOODNC to 877-877 to locate free meal sites
Apr 7 all-day
North Carolina

 

FOUR WAYS TO FIND FREE, HEALTHY MEALS FOR KIDS AGE 18 AND UNDER:

1. Text FOODNC to 877-877 to receive a text with the three drive-thru or pick up sites with meals for kids closest to you.

2. Use the map on website to find drive-thru or pick up site with meals for kids across the state.

3. Visit NoKidHungryNC.org/MealUpdates for information on delivery meals by bus and other updates from school districts and community partners serving meals.

4. Check your local school district’s website, social media, and other communications for the most up-to-date information.

On line Buncombe County Library Services
Apr 7 all-day
On line Buncombe County Library

Five resources from the virtual library include ebooks, audio books, magazines, movies, and tutorials

Here are five awesome library resources you can use from anywhere.

For any service that asks for a User ID or PIN, your User ID is your library card number (with no spaces) and your PIN is the last four digits of your phone number. If you have a Buncombe County or Asheville City school ID card, your ID is your card number and your PIN is the last four digits of your ID number.

Ebooks and Audio Books:

We have thousands of ebooks and audio books on the North Carolina Digital Library you can download to any device. Get the free Libby app from your app store and you are ready to go. Digital materials automatically return themselves at the end of the loan period, so there are never any overdue fines.

Magazines:

We have a large collection of recent popular magazines on the NCDL. Your User ID and PIN stay the same.

Online Streaming Video:

For streaming video, you can use the North Carolina Digital Library, or Films on Demand on NC Live.

Tutorials and Courses:

Get unlimited access to an online library of high-quality instructional videos taught by industry experts on the latest software tools and skills with LinkedIn Learning. Learn a whole course or just the section you need. Topics include Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Web design, Social Media, Business and Career Skills and much more.

Want to learn another language? Mango Languages is an online language-learning system teaching actual conversation skills for a wide variety of languages. Mango uses real-life situations and actual conversations to more effectively teach a new language.

Local History Buffs:

If you love local history, our North Carolina Room at Pack Library has an extensive collection of materials available online that bring the past to life. The photograph collection documents over 200 years of Buncombe County history.

You can email the library for help with any of these resources at [email protected].

Want to access our online resources but don’t have a library card? While library branches are closed to prevent the spread of COVID-19, we’re issuing and renewing library cards by email.

  1. Email [email protected] and ask for a library card. You need to be a Buncombe County resident to get a card.
  2. We’ll respond with instructions on how to email a copy or photo of your local ID.
  3. We’ll send you back a library card number and PIN that you can use for all digital resources. The physical card will be mailed to you at a later date.

We’ll issue new cards by email as long as library branches are closed to the public. We can also renew cards by email.

Raffle: Trip to London or Cash Asheville Community Theatre
Apr 7 – Apr 6 all-day
Asheville Community Theatre

 

Tickets on sale through June 28, 2020

We know how completely odd it seems to be raffling off a trip to London right now. We’re barely leaving our homes for any reason, so jetting off around the world seems flat out bonkers! We’re hopeful that international travel and fun vacations will happen again in the future – and that’s why we extended and amended the raffle prize! If you win, you can choose the trip to London (and you have 18 months to book your travel) OR you can choose to take the cash value of the trip instead ($10,000).

Our raffles have been important fundraisers for ACT over the years, and this one is no different. ACT has lost 85% of our income as an organization, so this raffle is one of the few ways we can continue to bring a little money in the door.

Buying a raffle ticket is a great way to support ACT right now – and it just might be you who gets some really great news from us!

 

SAHC Education Videos Spiders and Snakes! Oh My! Myth Buster
Apr 7 all-day
Online Videos

We’ve turned some of our youth conservation education programs into videos to share online. Earlier this year, we asked elementary and middle school students what might prevent them from enjoying time outdoors – and many responded “snakes” or “spiders.” So, we developed fun lessons to help dispel myths and fears about snakes and spiders. These video adaptations of our youth education programs include short 5-minute lessons and step-by-step craft activities. Enjoy!

SPIDERS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRWaw6jPeN8&utm_source=SAHC+Default+MC+List&utm_campaign=6b1835d2ec-February_2018_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_4717684d09-6b1835d2ec-144635353&ct=t%28February_2018_COPY_01%29&mc_cid=6b1835d2ec&mc_eid=cccced3ffd

 

SNAKES: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpFcByki9xM&utm_source=SAHC+Default+MC+List&utm_campaign=6b1835d2ec-February_2018_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_4717684d09-6b1835d2ec-144635353&ct=t%28February_2018_COPY_01%29&mc_cid=6b1835d2ec&mc_eid=cccced3ffd

Small Business Administration: Economic Injury Disaster Loans
Apr 7 all-day
U.S. Small Business Administration Online
Economic Injury Disaster Loans
The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to North Carolina small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the COVID-19, SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza announced today. SBA acted under its own authority, as provided by the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act that was recently signed by the President, to declare a disaster following a request received from Gov. Roy Cooper on March 17, 2020.
Eligibility for Economic Injury Disaster Loans is based on the financial impact of the COVID-19. The interest rate is 3.75 percent for small businesses. The interest rate for private non-profit organizations is 2.75 percent. SBA offers loans with long-term repayments in order to keep payments affordable, up to a maximum of 30 years and are available to entities without the financial ability to offset the adverse impact without hardship.ed for COVID-19. These loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact. The deadline to apply for assistance is December 18, 2020.
Sofa Cinema Grail Moviehouse: Sorry We Missed You
Apr 7 all-day
Grail Moviehouse Online

SORRY WE MISSED YOU - Streaming Release

Synopsis:
The British working class is once again the empathetic subject of Ken Loach’s SORRY WE MISSED YOU, a wrenching, intimate family drama that exposes the dark side of the so-called “gig economy”.
Ricky, a former laborer, and his home-attendant wife Abby—who lost their home in the 2008 financial crash—are desperate to get out of their financial distress. When an opportunity comes up for Ricky to work as his own boss as a delivery driver, they sell their only asset, Abby’s car, to trade it in for a shiny new white van and the dream that Ricky can work his way up to someday owning his own delivery franchise.
But the couple find their lives are quickly pushed further to the edge by an unrelenting work schedule, a ruthless supervisor and the needs of their two teenage children.  Capturing the sacred moments that make a family as well as the acts of desperation they need to undertake to make it through each day, this universal story is skillfully and indelibly told with unforgettable performances and a searing script by Loach’s long-time collaborator Paul Laverty.
Director: Ken Loach
Cast: Kris Kitchen, Debbie Honeywood, Rhys Stone, Katie Proctor, Ross Brewster
Heavily Accented English with English Subtitles
100 min.

Vagabond Videos with Flat Rock Playhouse
Apr 7 all-day
Flat Rock Playhouse Online

As you know, Flat Rock Playhouse has gone “dark” at this time as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. While we continue our work behind-the-scenes, we are closed to the public. We would like to use this time to spread positivity and entertainment for our patrons.

We have invited Vagabonds from all over to submit videos for our Facebook page. Our Vagabond Videos are already underway, and you can see Scott Treadway reprise his role as Arles from the Tuna series, Bill Muñoz and his family perform a songErin Rubico and her husband Matt Ban teach you how to make a special Elvis-inspired recipe, and more! Tune in to our Facebook page Monday – Friday over the next few weeks for the one-of-a-kind videos by your FRP favorites.

https://www.facebook.com/pg/FRPlayhouse/videos/?ref=page_internal
Video Short:  Woman Arranging Flowers by Myron G. Barlow
Apr 7 all-day
Online
In this short video, UNC-Asheville Lecturer in Art Rob Anderson talks color and takes an up-close look at Collection favorite Woman Arranging Flowers by Myron G. Barlow.
Virtual Exhibit: Hillbilly Land Myth and Reality of Appalachian Culture
Apr 7 all-day
Online WNC Historical Society
ABOUT THE EXHIBIT

The hillbilly stereotype is one that is alive and well in American popular culture as a quick survey of the cable dial reveals with such shows as Moonshiners, Appalachian Outlaws, Here Comes Honey Boo Boo, and countless others.

Surprisingly, it is one often displayed among educated sorts here in Western North Carolina who would never dream of disparaging any minority or “out group,” but do not hesitate to characterize native Western North Carolinians, as a group, as ignorant, in-bred, hopelessly retrograde, violent, snake-handling, moonshining/meth-making rednecks.

The Hillbillyland Exhibition explores the power, prevalence, and persistence of the hillbilly stereotype from the days of its beginnings in the late 19th century to the present day. The exhibit takes a unique approach by focusing on photography featuring the people of the region, some of them stereotypical images, combined with poetry and short prose pieces that challenge and complicate these stereotypes.

Visit the Virtual Exhibit
Virtual Tour 1918 vs. 2020 Flu Pandemics WNC
Apr 7 all-day
Online Smith-McDowell House

ABOUT THE EXHIBIT

In the midst of the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic, we take an in-depth look at the 1918 influenza epidemic in Western North Carolina through newspaper clippings, advertisements, ephemera, photographs, and oral history and place the events of 1918 into context with our present-day response to the coronavirus pandemic.

https://www.wnchistory.org/virtual-exhibits/influenza/?utm_source=Western%20North%20Carolina%20Historical%20Association&utm_campaign=78fa0bbdf8-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_01_23_05_25_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_7424f63c4d-78fa0bbdf8-329482143

VIRTUAL: 8th Annual Face Jug Show
Apr 7 all-day
American Folk Art and Framing ONLINE

2020 8th Annual Face Jug Show

Every April, American Folk Art honors a wild pottery tradition that began regionally in the early 1800’s. No one knows for sure when the first face jug was created, but around the mountain region of North Carolina, face jugs began to be created for the storage of moonshine around 1810. The faces, snakes and other foreboding additions were added to the clay jugs to scare the children, so they would not drink the contents. In the unadorned world of the 1800’s, the face jug was remarkable and the tradition allowed for much creativity and fun amongst potters. Face jugs continue to be created in the same fashion as of old, which includes hand digging and mixing regional soils to make the clay, using regional materials to make the glazes, in many cases using broken plates for the teeth, and wood-firing the jugs to 2300 degrees. They are still in use, holding moonshine, but not necessarily scaring the kids.

Where to Purchase Plant Starts Asheville Area
Apr 7 all-day
Organic Growers School

With the Asheville Spring Herb Festival and many other such events being cancelled, you may be wondering where to buy starts.
Many farmers are sharing their products through
Asheville Online Farmers Market Facebook Group
Red Wing Farm is offering delivery in Buncombe County
and has several drop off locations in other areas.
Ingles Special Shopping Hours, Delivery Options for Vulnerable Populations
Apr 7 @ 7:00 am – 8:00 am
Ingles Grocery Stores

Starting on Tuesday, March 24, Ingles will dedicate the first shopping hour from 7 – 8 am on Tuesdays and Wednesdays to senior shoppers and those with compromised immune systems.

 

Publix Markets: Special Shopping Hours, Delivery Options for Vulnerable Populations
Apr 7 @ 7:00 am – 8:00 am
Publix Markets

Publix Markets reserves 7-8 a.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for customers age 65 and older. Home delivery is available through Instacart.

WNC Farmers Market Open 7am-6pm daily
Apr 7 @ 7:00 am – 6:00 pm
 WNC Farmers Market
• The WNC Farmers Market (570 Brevard Rd.) is open for business daily from 7 a.m.- 6 p.m. Find fruits + veggies, plus other staples like meats, cheese, beans, preserves, salsas, honey + condiments.

In a continued effort to provide our community with fresh, locally grown produce, meats and cheeses from area farmers, the market will remain open and operate under normal business hours. The market will be open daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

While most of the market will remain open as usual, there are some exceptions:

Additional updates to vendor schedules will be posted as soon as possible. For specific vendors not listed above, we encourage you to reach out to them directly before coming to the market.

Visitors are encouraged to follow CDC recommendations when visiting the market. A complete list of tips and best practices can be found here.

COVID-19 is not a food-borne illness. It is extremely unlikely that someone will catch it through eating. The virus is most likely to cause illness through respiratory transmission. The routes to be concerned about include being in very close proximity to many people, or coming in contact with high touch surfaces.

Thank you for your continued support during these unprecedented times!

Walgreens: Special Shopping Hours, Delivery Options for Vulnerable Populations
Apr 7 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 am
Walgreens

Walgreens reserves 8-9 a.m. on Tuesdays for senior citizens, as well as their caregivers and immediate families.

Natural Impressions: Prints from the Asheville Printmakers CANCELLED
Apr 7 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

On display daily January 18 – April 19, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the upstairs gallery of the Education Center, the Asheville Printmakers’ newest exhibit, Natural Impressions, will feature a variety of two- and three-dimensional print pieces utilizing numerous printmaking processes. Works will inspire visitors to think about the beauty and fragility of plants and the natural world through various perspectives and printmaking techniques. All pieces are available for purchase and a portion of the sales will benefit The North Carolina Arboretum Society.

Founded in 2013, the Asheville Printmakers is an energetic group of artists dedicated to expressing ideas and imagery through the medium of print. The group encompasses a wide range of processes and content, including traditional methods, such as lithography, woodcut and screen printing, and contemporary photographic printing processes, such as carbon printing, platinum-palladium and photopolymer etching. 

Parking Fees

  • Members: Free
  • Personal Vehicles: $14
  • Motorhomes / Vehicles (21’ or larger): $50
  • Buses: $100

There are no other admission charges required for visitors to access the Arboretum’s grounds and facilities during the day beyond the standard parking fees listed above.

Free Percussion Class using Household Objects
Apr 7 @ 9:30 am – 10:30 am
Agustin Frederic via ZOOM

These video sessions will contain music theory and concepts, rhythm and groove exploration, ways to make instruments at home, play along ideas, personal feedback, and exposure to percussion from around the world.

Free Pet Food for Buncombe County Residents
Apr 7 @ 10:00 am – 6:30 pm
ASPCA

Distribution is BY APPOINTMENT ONLY, so please call the ASPCA hotline at 800-738-9437 between 8am and 8pm to request an appointment. Responding to this event page does not qualify as an appointment.❗️❗️

As part of the ASPCA’s Relief and Recovery Initiative, we’re offering free dog and cat food for Buncombe County residents impacted by COVID-19. Supplies are being provided by appointment, subject to eligibility and availability.

CLIENT INFORMATION:

– Open to residents of Buncombe County.
– Order pick up is drive-thru: You will stay in your car with the windows up while your food order is put into your trunk.
– However, if your vehicle’s trunk does not open, you’ll be asked to load the order into your car yourself.
– You’ll be required to provide your appointment time, name, and zip code at order pickup.
– Please bring a photo ID.
– No same-day appointments.
– Transport is not provided.
– Do not bring pets.
– Do not arrive early.
– Call the hotline if you are running late.
– Please do not come if you are symptomatic. You may send a different family member in your place.