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.

Sunday, January 24, 2021
So You Want to Hike a Long Distance Trail?
Jan 24 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Online w/ Blue Ridge Hiking Company
Has it always been your dream to hike a long distance trail, but you’re not quite sure where to start, or how to start, or which trail to hike, or which direction to go, or what to bring, and 100 other questions? This will be a great opportunity to ask your questions to a thru-hike veteran – and also hear what other participants want to know. The call will kick-off with tips and practical advice for planning a thru-hike, followed by a Q&A and group discussion.
Monday, January 25, 2021
HiHo Kids: Kids Meet an Opera Singer
Jan 25 all-day
Online w/ Brevard Music Center

Brevard Music Center Staff Picks From Around the Web

HiHo Kids:
Kids Meet an Opera Singer

Curious kids meet–and interview–people with particular points of view.

Virtual Lessons: RiverLink River Rats Education Programs
Jan 25 all-day
Online w/ RiverLink

The pandemic has been really hectic for all of us, but we know it’s been especially hard for the education world. At RiverLink we recognize all of the effort and sacrifices teachers have gone through, and we want to help!

Our RiverRATS program works to virtually engage your students in topics related to water quality. Whether it’s stormwater, erosion, macroinvertebrates or any other river-centric topic you need to cover, our educators are here to help! Some examples of possible programming include:

  • Microscope Macros: Using our digital microscopes we can take a close look at the body parts of various stream dwelling macroinvertebrates and discuss how they fit within stream ecosystems.
  • Pre-Recorded Video Lessons: We’ve created a couple videos using our interactive stormwater and stream table models. Our educators can share these with your class and facilitate a discussion afterwards.
  • Ask an Expert: Let your students lead the lesson and ask any burning questions they might have about rivers or water quality. We can also coordinate with City of Asheville staff, other environmental groups, and local scientists to have them join your class as well.

Our program is mainly focused on working with grades 3rd-8th; however, adjustments can be made to cater our content to grades K-12 as well.

If you’d like to schedule a virtual lesson with us or discuss other ways we could engage with your students, you can send us an email at [email protected].

Online Youth Improv Theatre Class Ages 8-11
Jan 25 @ 4:00 pm – 4:45 pm
Online w/ Asheville Community Theatre

Taught by Chris Martin

Come join the amazing Chris Martin on a fun filled improv journey through all of our favorite improv games and some new surprises. Don’t miss the chance for some hilarious and silly rounds of Waiter, Waiter!, Changing Channels, Night at the Museum, and so much more! The class includes fun warm-ups, “Yes And” exercises, and a showcase during the last class.

7 Week Session: January 11-February 22, 2021

Virtual Acting + Creative Movement K – 2nd Grades w/ Studio 52
Jan 25 @ 4:30 pm – 5:15 pm
Online
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 January 25 – March 22

Virtual Platform: Zoom
Instructor: Tania Battista

This virtual theatre class is perfect for little kids with BIG imaginations. With on-your-feet activities that tap into young artist’s creativity, develop skills in improvisation, characterization, and vocal technique, and release creative energy, young artists will bring stories to life through reading, acting, music, and art. At the end of the semester, students will share their work in a one-of-a-kind virtual showcase. 
Online Youth Improv Theatre Class Ages 12-15
Jan 25 @ 5:00 pm – 5:45 pm
Online w/ Asheville Community Theatre

Taught by Chris Martin

Come join the amazing Chris Martin on a fun filled improv journey through all of our favorite improv games and some new surprises. Don’t miss the chance for some hilarious and silly rounds of Waiter, Waiter!, Talk Show, Styles, and so much more! The class includes fun warm-ups, “Yes And” exercises, and a showcase during the last class.

7 Week Session: January 11-February 22, 2021
Mondays at 5:00-5:45 PM Eastern
Student Ages: 12-15 (or with prior approval from teacher or Amanda Klinikowski)

Virtual Acting 3rd – 5th Grades w/ Studio 52
Jan 25 @ 5:30 pm – 6:15 pm
Online

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 January 25 – March 22

A play from away! Explore improvisation, characterization, voice and speech, costume design, and more as you create an original virtual play! With an emphasis on creativity and personal expression, students will meet in weekly live online classes to develop, memorize, and film their role in the play. At the end of the semester, each actor’s part will be edited together to create a virtual performance!

Mondays from 5:30 – 6:15 PM EST
Grades: 3rd – 5th
Virtual Platform: Zoom
Instructor: Tania Battista
Tuition: $150*
REGISTRATION OPENS DEC. 10
10% off before Jan. 1

Asheville Multifamily Investor Club
Jan 25 @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Online Event

AMIC is pleased to announce our speaker for January is Brandon Hall.

Brandon is a Certified Public Accountant, national speaker, and is the Managing Partner of The Real Estate CPA. Brandon works with real estate investors, syndicates, and private equity funds to optimize tax positions and streamline accounting and business functions. He believes that real estate investing is critical to building sustainable and generational wealth.

Brandon worked at PricewaterhouseCoopers and Ernst & Young prior to launching his own CPA firm, Hall CPA PLLC (The Real Estate CPA). Through the knowledge gain by working with real estate investors, Brandon invests in multi-family and single-family rentals.

What we’re about

The Asheville Multifamily Investor Club is comprised of professionals from all industries who have a shared interest in investment and financial freedom.
Our goal is to create a sales-free atmosphere where information and experiences are exchanged, opportunities discussed, and real partnerships are developed.
Our primary focus is on Real Estate Syndication and Multifamily investing. This can include commercial opportunities, strategies, pitfalls, portfolio diversification, and more. We meet monthly, and always have a lot to offer.
Join us and participate in this exciting opportunity.

Acting for the Camera 9th – 12th Grades w/ Studio 52
Jan 25 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Online

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Lights… Camera… Acting! Explore the fundamentals of on-camera acting in a nine week course led by professional actor and producer Marlane Barnes. Best known for her work on Sons of Anarchy and Mad Men, Marlane will coach actors through scenes from real-world TV and film scripts. Learn on-camera tips and technique, scale your performances from stage to screen, explore your type, and hone your on-camera and self-tape skills. No experience required.

Tuesday, January 26, 2021
28th Annual Organic Growers School Spring Conference Online REGISTRATION OPEN
Jan 26 all-day
Online w/ Organic Growers School

March 13-21, 2021 – Online
Kick-off Live Event
March 13, 2021
  • Three Live Keynote Talks
  • Teaser Videos for our 11 Themed Tracks
  • Lunchtime Entertainment
  • A Live Q&A With our Keynote speakers
  • A video social with other attendees
  • Access to our Exhibit Hall
Track Workshops
March 14-19, 2021
View 3 pre-recorded hour long workshops in each of 11 Themed Tracks:
  • Cherokee Foods
  • Cooking
  • Farming
  • Food Systems
  • Gardening
  • Herbs
  • Livestock
  • Mushrooms
  • Permaculture
  • Soils
  • Sustainable Living

Live Panel Discussion Sessions

March 20-21, 2021

Join a live Panel Discussion with each speaker from the Track workshops. Interact directly with panelists during the live Q & A portion!
HiHo Kids: Kids Meet an Opera Singer
Jan 26 all-day
Online w/ Brevard Music Center

Brevard Music Center Staff Picks From Around the Web

HiHo Kids:
Kids Meet an Opera Singer

Curious kids meet–and interview–people with particular points of view.

Virtual Lessons: RiverLink River Rats Education Programs
Jan 26 all-day
Online w/ RiverLink

The pandemic has been really hectic for all of us, but we know it’s been especially hard for the education world. At RiverLink we recognize all of the effort and sacrifices teachers have gone through, and we want to help!

Our RiverRATS program works to virtually engage your students in topics related to water quality. Whether it’s stormwater, erosion, macroinvertebrates or any other river-centric topic you need to cover, our educators are here to help! Some examples of possible programming include:

  • Microscope Macros: Using our digital microscopes we can take a close look at the body parts of various stream dwelling macroinvertebrates and discuss how they fit within stream ecosystems.
  • Pre-Recorded Video Lessons: We’ve created a couple videos using our interactive stormwater and stream table models. Our educators can share these with your class and facilitate a discussion afterwards.
  • Ask an Expert: Let your students lead the lesson and ask any burning questions they might have about rivers or water quality. We can also coordinate with City of Asheville staff, other environmental groups, and local scientists to have them join your class as well.

Our program is mainly focused on working with grades 3rd-8th; however, adjustments can be made to cater our content to grades K-12 as well.

If you’d like to schedule a virtual lesson with us or discuss other ways we could engage with your students, you can send us an email at [email protected].

How to Sell Products Using Amazon + Etsy
Jan 26 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Online w/ Blue Ridge Community College

No cost due to sponsor support

With the e-commerce world in a full court press, online marketplaces like Amazon and Etsy could be the perfect place to offer your products. In this session we will explore the basics of each platform, the pros and cons, basics of setup, costs, and requirements. And finally we will look at what steps to take to get started.

This webinar may be converted into an in-person seminar, pursuant to state recommendations. Attendees will be notified by email if the class type is changed.


Speaker(s): Aaron Wesley Means

Co-Sponsor(s): Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, Brevard/Transylvania Chamber of Commerce

Webinar info will be emailed after registration.

Researching Opportunity + Risk Webinar
Jan 26 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Online w/ Blue Ridge Community College

No cost due to sponsor support

Learn key factors that will influence your business concept. As part of the environmental scan, attendees will discover how to analyze social, industry, market, and firm level trends. Perform simple SWOT, TOWS, and break-even analysis.

Welcome to the Small Business Center (SBC) located at Blue Ridge Community College, part of the Small Business Center Network (SBCN). Blue Ridge Community College Campuses and the SBC are located in Flat Rock and Brevard, North Carolina.

SBCN is comprised of 58 Small Business Centers throughout North Carolina, that supports the development of new businesses and the growth of existing businesses by being a community-based provider of local training, counseling, and resource information.

Local SBC training, confidential counseling, and resource information is offered at no cost due to funding from the State of North Carolina.
Services provided by the Small Business Center can be customized to suit your specific business needs.

Each week we offer a program on starting and growing a business to answer all your question about requirements and resources offered  through the federal, state, region, county, and local cities.

Virtual Musical Theatre 6th – 8th Grades w/ Studio 52
Jan 26 @ 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Online
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“I wish… more than anything!”
Dive into Broadway repertoire and character analysis in this class that celebrates “I want” songs; the musical moment spotlighting a protagonist’s hopes and dreams. With a focus on acting through song, intention, and motivation, young artists will discover what drives a character as they learn, develop, and perform a musical revue of “I want” songs presented at the end of the semester in an original virtual showcase. 

Virtual Platform: Zoom
Instructors: Anna Kimmell, Matthew Glover

Supplies Needed: Internet connection, headphones, a device (mobile phone, tablet, or computer) with a camera for video submissions

How to Find Your Customers
Jan 26 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Online w/ Blue Ridge Community College

No cost due to sponsor support

Market research isn’t just for startups; it’s an important ongoing process for every small business. Developing a focused and effective marketing plan requires up-to-date market analysis. Discover the variety of market research tools that will give you critical information about your industry and customers. Get the data you need to test the feasibility of a new business, find the competition and potential customers interested in your proposed product or service.

This webinar may be converted into an in-person seminar, pursuant to state recommendations. Attendees will be notified by email if the class type is changed.


Speaker(s): Gary Heisey

Co-Sponsor(s): Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, Brevard/Transylvania Chamber of Commerce

Webinar info will be emailed after registration

Musical Theatre Audition Prep 9th – 12th Grades w/ Studio 52
Jan 26 @ 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Online

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Learn the ins and outs of musical theatre auditions in this engaging class for teens. With an emphasis on material selection and preparation, resumes, etiquette, and self-taping, students will workshop audition-cut songs and leave with fresh, ready-to-use material for virtual or in-person auditions. Whether you’re preparing for a school show, a local theatre production, or college pre-screens, this class will leave you feeling confident and prepared for your next big audition.

Learn the ins and outs of musical theatre auditions in this engaging class for teens. With an emphasis on material selection and preparation, resumes, etiquette, and self-taping, students will workshop audition-cut songs and leave with fresh, ready-to-use material for virtual or in-person auditions. Whether you’re preparing for a school show, a local theatre production, or college pre-screens, this class will leave you feeling confident and prepared for your next big audition. 

Winter Dance Class
Jan 26 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
online with Asheville JCC

Join us for the second 4-week VIRTUAL Dance class offered by the JCC. In this class, students will review and build on what was learned in the  summer dance class with instruction for new steps in East Coast Swing, Cha-Cha, Salsa, and Rumba. January 5, 12, 19, 26, 2021 7 – 8 pm $40 per screen email [email protected] to register

Wednesday, January 27, 2021
HiHo Kids: Kids Meet an Opera Singer
Jan 27 all-day
Online w/ Brevard Music Center

Brevard Music Center Staff Picks From Around the Web

HiHo Kids:
Kids Meet an Opera Singer

Curious kids meet–and interview–people with particular points of view.

Registration Opens for ASAP’s 2021 Business of Farming Virtual Conference
Jan 27 all-day
Online w/ ASAP

The conference will offer more than a dozen workshops led by farmers and regional professionals, including several that address the continued effects of COVID-19 on the industry, such as Direct Marketing in the Time of COVID, Optimizing Your Online Store, and Planning for Meat Sales in 2021. The conference also includes a business planning track in collaboration with Mountain BizWorks. The popular Grower-Buyer Meeting will return in a virtual format, giving farmers the chance to meet individually with grocers, distributors, and chefs. Farmers can receive one-on-one support on legal, recordkeeping, marketing, and production planning issues.

Virtual Lessons: RiverLink River Rats Education Programs
Jan 27 all-day
Online w/ RiverLink

The pandemic has been really hectic for all of us, but we know it’s been especially hard for the education world. At RiverLink we recognize all of the effort and sacrifices teachers have gone through, and we want to help!

Our RiverRATS program works to virtually engage your students in topics related to water quality. Whether it’s stormwater, erosion, macroinvertebrates or any other river-centric topic you need to cover, our educators are here to help! Some examples of possible programming include:

  • Microscope Macros: Using our digital microscopes we can take a close look at the body parts of various stream dwelling macroinvertebrates and discuss how they fit within stream ecosystems.
  • Pre-Recorded Video Lessons: We’ve created a couple videos using our interactive stormwater and stream table models. Our educators can share these with your class and facilitate a discussion afterwards.
  • Ask an Expert: Let your students lead the lesson and ask any burning questions they might have about rivers or water quality. We can also coordinate with City of Asheville staff, other environmental groups, and local scientists to have them join your class as well.

Our program is mainly focused on working with grades 3rd-8th; however, adjustments can be made to cater our content to grades K-12 as well.

If you’d like to schedule a virtual lesson with us or discuss other ways we could engage with your students, you can send us an email at [email protected].

Free Online Courses: More Than 100 Languages Now Available
Jan 27 @ 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
online w/ Buncombe County Libraries

Planning a trip to Italy to celebrate a special anniversary? Have a child in school that needs extra practice in a foreign language? Just want to brush up that language you studied for four years in school, but somehow can’t seem to remember at all? We’ve got you covered.

Buncombe County Public Libraries now offers Transparent Language Online free to all library cardholders. Whether you’re starting at the very beginning or you’re an intermediate learner looking to enhance your vocabulary, Transparent Language Online can help. With over 110 languages to choose from, including English for non-native speakers, there is something for every learner. With mobile apps for iOS and Android devices, learners can enjoy the freedom to learn at home, in the library, or on the go.

Transparent Languages includes learning for kids of all ages. KidSpeak introduces children to English, Spanish, French, Italian, and Mandarin Chinese. The program teaches words and phrases suitable for learners’ age, needs, and interests. More than 40 activities, puzzles, and songs guide young learners through the basics, along with a cartoon friend who speaks the language.

Transparent Language will be available on NC LIVE beginning Jan. 1, 2021. For all library services, your ID is your library card number and your PIN is the last four digits of your phone number. Contact your library with any questions.

Meet Biblioboard, Buncombe Library’s Newest Digital Resource
Jan 27 @ 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
online w/ Buncombe County Libraries

Create, share, and discover with Buncombe County Public Library’s newest resource, Biblioboard.

BiblioBoard Library is an easy-to-use platform of high-quality digital content. Biblioboard offers books, articles, documents, images, audios, and videos. BiblioBoard Library is host to content from traditional publishers, indie authors, cultural institutions, and local thought leaders. Users can access BiblioBoard Library through the library’s website or on the device of their choice.

Some features of Biblioboard:

  • No waitlists or holds
  • Streaming audio and video are available on a wide variety of topics
  • Check out curated collections of the best indie authors.
  • Available for desktop, iOS, and Android devices

Local authors can submit their work for inclusion in the library catalog or publish books with Press Books. You can submit and share your work locally or nationally.

Interested? Check it out, and access Biblioboard today by clicking here.

Youth Theatre Dance Class For ages 8-12
Jan 27 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Online w/ Asheville Community Theatre

 Taught by Amanda Klinikowski

Join us for 7 weeks on Zoom for a fun and interactive Dance class covering the fundamentals of dance for the theater! Each week, we will warm up our bodies, learn new basic jazz, ballet, and musical theatre steps, and work on a fun new dance combination to some of our favorite songs. Some past combinations featured songs from Hamilton, Wicked, The Greatest Showman, Lady GaGa, Trolls and more! Students will learn a recorded dance combination performance which will be shared with families after the final class.

7 Week Session: January 13-February 24, 2021
Wednesdays at 4:00-5:00 PM Eastern
Student Ages: 8-12 (or with prior approval from Amanda Klinikowski)

A limited number of scholarships are available for this class. CLICK HERE TO APPLY. Please do not purchase registration prior to applying. Applications must be received by 2:00pm on Monday, January 4, 2021 for consideration. Please contact Amanda at [email protected] with questions.

Build Your Business with Facebook
Jan 27 @ 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Online w/ Blue Ridge Community College

No cost due to sponsor support

Facebook is the largest and most prolific social media channel out there with over 2 billion users. So, how to best leverage it for your business or nonprofit? In this session we will cover all the most important basics for 2020 and beyond:

  • How to position your brand on Facebook
  • Best practices for a successful Facebook business page
  • What type of content to post/share to get the most engagement
  • What type of content Facebook favors which increases your visibility
  • When to post, how often, and how to tag for more engagement
  • How to leverage Reviews
  • A quick starting look into boosting/paid ads
  • Live Q&A

Speaker(s): Aaron Wesley Means

Co-Sponsor(s): Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, Brevard/Transylvania Chamber of Commerce

Webinar info will be emailed after registration

Let’s Talk COVID-19: The Vaccine
Jan 27 @ 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
online w/ Buncombe County Government

Let's Talk COVID 19 Vaccine Speakers

The YWCA of Asheville and WNC in partnership with Buncombe County Health and Human Services presents Let’s Talk COVID-19: The Vaccine, a two-part virtual town hall event committed to centering the historical and lived experiences of Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) as it relates to the COVID-19 pandemic. During the conversation, YWCA hosts, panelists and the community explore what informs the root of broken trust between BIPOC populations and our medical systems. “Equity begins with trust,” says Zo Mpofu, Coordinator for the Buncombe County Community Health Improvement Process. “Understanding root causes of health disparities is at the core of our transformation work and is central to improving health for all.”

“We see this community partnership as an opportunity to hold space for necessary conversations regarding Black, indigenous, and people of color seeking medical care in our nation. Our historical and contemporary realities cannot be missed or ignored if we want to see true change,” shares Diana Sierra, Interim CEO of the YWCA. This event will feature a diverse panel of local subject matter experts and community-based leaders, guaranteed to engage in lively discussion about the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccine distribution. Panelists will also examine collective efforts towards ensuring ethical care, inclusive access, and what restoration of trust can look like.

Let’s Talk COVID-19: The Vaccine will be live-streamed on Wednesday, Jan. 27, at 5:30 p.m., in English on Buncombe County Government’s Facebook page and in Spanish on Buncombe County Health and Human Services’ Facebook page.

Adventures in Stage Design Virtual Adult Class w/ Studio 52
Jan 27 @ 6:00 pm – 7:15 pm
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Adventures in Stage Design

Unlock your imagination in this virtual Scenic Design Class for adults led by Dennis C. Maulden, the Resident Scenic Designer at Flat Rock Playhouse. Whether you’re an artist, writer, dreamer, or theatre-lover, this engaging, hands-on course invites you to envision the scenic design elements that speak to an audience. With a series of creative prompts, in-class discussions, and accessible design activities, life-long-learners will discover how design elements and principles become the poetic ‘voices’ of space, scenery, fabric, and light. No previous design or drawing experience is necessary, only an openness to explore new possibilities and perspectives. Tap into your artistic spirit, dabble in design, and learn the power of inviting audiences into a world of your own creation! 

Age: Adult (18+)
Virtual Platform: Zoom
Instructor: Dennis C. Maulden

 Supplies Needed: An internet connection. This class will use household art supplies such as paper, pencil, pens, magazines, scissors, etc. 

The Essentials of Acting – Online Class
Jan 27 @ 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm
Online w/ Asheville Community Theatre

Taught by Tom Chalmers and Kim Mako

This online course is offered as a primer in the craft of scripted performance, exploring the steps to submitting audition tapes, sustaining connected scene work through a screen, and creating three-dimensional characters on a two-dimensional medium. Learn how people see you and what you convey when you are on stage, and now on screen. Armed with that awareness, learn how to best choose and deliver the monologue to land you the parts that are perfect for you. If given material to audition with, learn how to break down the sides, how to discover the beats of the scene, and how to offer varied options. And when you land the part, learn how to attack the script, build the arc of your character, and establish the thoughts behind the lines. This course will culminate with a streamed showcase of the best work created in the class.

A limited number of scholarships are available for this class. CLICK HERE TO APPLY. Please do not purchase registration prior to applying. Applications must be received by 2:00 pm on Monday, January 11, 2021 for consideration. Please contact Amanda at [email protected] with questions.

6 Week Session: January 20 – February 24, 2021
Wednesdays, 6:30-7:45 pm

Broadway Dance 6th – 12th Grades w/ Studio 52
Jan 27 @ 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Online

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Get moving in this fun, high-energy dance class focusing on Broadway-style choreography through the decades. Each live zoom class features a full-body warm up, a step-by-step breakdown of theatre dance vocabulary, and Broadway-style choreography to learn and perfect throughout the semester. Join Studio 52 to get a weekly workout, learn how to fill your movement with character, and step into your next dance audition or production feeling confident!

Virtual Broadway Dance 6th – 12th Grades w/ Studio 52
Jan 27 @ 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Online
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Get moving in this fun, high-energy dance class focusing on Broadway-style choreography through the decades. Each live zoom class features a full-body warm up, a step-by-step breakdown of theatre dance vocabulary, and Broadway-style choreography to learn and perfect throughout the semester. Join Studio 52 to get a weekly workout, learn how to fill your movement with character, and step into your next dance audition or production feeling confident!

January 27 – March 24

Instructor: Lauren Hopkins
 Supplies Needed: Internet connection, enough space to move around safely, comfortable clothes, light sneakers, jazz, or ballet shoes.