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.

Wednesday, July 1, 2020
Nature Connects®: Art with LEGO® Bricks
Jul 1 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Please note: Nature Connects®: Art with LEGO® Bricks has been postponed until July; however, the exhibit will have an extended schedule and will be open until November 1. We look forward to seeing you!

The Arboretum is excited to welcome back the widely popular traveling exhibit, Nature Connects®: Art with LEGO® Bricks by Sean Kenney. Featuring 14 larger-than-life-size sculptures place created with nearly 500,000 LEGO Bricks, this family-friendly exhibit draws inspiration from the living world and combines art, play and science to create an inspiring intersection of education, entertainment and the environment. New sculptures include a 5-foot tall colorful peacock, giant dragonfly, bonsai tree and more!

 

Fairy Trail at Bullington Gardens
Jul 1 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Bullington Gardens

The Fairy trail is open Monday thru Saturday, 9am-4pm. We encourage all visitors to be patient as there will be limits to the number of people allowed on the trail at the same time. While the trail is outdoors, there are some small spaces and we want to ensure our guests and fairies are safe. Please practice appropriate social distancing and bring a mask in case. Masks are not required, but are considerate in a close area. Our restrooms are not open to the public at this time. Please make arrangements prior to visiting.

 

Rules of the trail:

Do not move or rearrange fairy displays. The fairies are very fond of their own decorating.

Do not leave trash on the trail. Fairies do not like litter in their town.

Please ensure children and pets are supervised at all times. Dogs and loud noises can scare the fairies into hiding.

Do not disturb wildlife or vegetation. The fairies depend on the vegetation to build their homes.

The trail is one way only. Please stay on the trail at all times.

 

The Fairies can’t wait to see you all here!

P.S. the Fairies would like us to remind you that we are a non-profit and donations are greatly appreciated. Help us keep the fairies living in the style with which they’ve become accustomed.

Asheville Outlets Welcomes Sports Team Retailer Fanatics 101
Jul 1 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Asheville Outlets

On Wednesday, July 1, 2020 Asheville Outlets will welcome locally owned sports team retailer Fanatics 101, featuring official logo merchandise from the NFL, MLB, NHL, NSCAR, NCAA, college teams, and more. The shop carries team apparel, autographs, framed collectibles, car accessories, home décor items, titanium necklaces, banners, and other team memorabilia.

Asheville Salt Cave FREE ONLINE : Live Mediation Webinar with Bernie Kozlowski
Jul 1 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
webinar

Learn how to reverse the very real and devastating impact of stress through the SIMPLE practice of instinctive meditation that will profoundly shift your life.

Instinctive meditation means it’s natural and our bodies are wired to do it easily and efficiently. All we need to do is to set up the right conditions and our bodies will eagerly cooperate. Learn the skill set needed to meditate on your own even if you have a racing mind and little spare time.

Dropping into deep relaxation on a regular basis helps you to be calm in the face of overwhelm and urgency, can improve your health, and help you be more responsive and less reactive to challenges.

This will be a live webinar on Zoom. You can attend from anywhere that is comfortable to you. Once you register, you will get instructions on how to log in to the event. You will have the option of having your video on or off. You can also call in using a phone number. Link to zoom class:
https://mailchi.mp/9e1057b0227e/meditation-asheville-salt-cave

We’ll start with the basic principles of this approach. Then you will learn and practice some basic skills. This will be followed by a longer guided meditation where you can incorporate the basic skills. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions during the class.

A weekly Zoom drop-in class in instinctive meditation will run on Wednesdays from 10:00-11:00 am EST starting April 29 and running for 12 weeks.
Drop in as you can. Each class will cover a different technique.

Library Computer Appointments Available
Jul 1 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Buncombe County Libraries
The Perfect Turkey

Buncombe County Public Libraries will begin offering appointments for computer use on July 1. Forty-five minute appointments are available 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays at all library locations except the Oakley/South Asheville branch.

Materializing Ideas
Jul 1 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Contemporaneo Asheville Gallery

Collective Multimedia Art show celebrating innovating innovation in Latin America.

Buncombe County Outdoor Swimming
Jul 1 @ 10:30 am – 1:30 pm
Buncombe County Pools Various

Child in pool

Buncombe County Recreation Services will open its five outdoor swimming pools. Safety and sanitation measures have been taken to comply with Buncombe County’s Stay Safe, Stay Smart order in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Pool visitors will be required to practice the Three Ws: wear a cloth face covering when entering/exiting the pool and when not in the pool, wait at least six feet apart from and avoid close contact with anyone who does not live in your household, and wash your hands or use hand sanitizer often.
Pool will open for two sessions Monday-Saturday, closing between sessions for a sanitation period that includes wiping down all common touch points. Sunday hours include one session. Admission for each session is $3 per guest. Due to limited capacity, guests are highly encouraged to purchase tickets online. If a pool is unable to open for any reason or is forced to close within the first hour of operation, all guests will receive a raincheck via the email address provided when purchasing the original ticket. Booking are currently available through July 10.
Monday-Friday
10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
2:15-5:15 p.m.
Saturday
11 a.m.-2 p.m.
3-6 p.m.
Sunday
1-6 p.m.
“While this summer is different in nearly every way for local families, we’re happy to safely and responsibly open our pools to the community,” said Josh O’Conner, Director of Buncombe County Recreation Services. “While we are not allowing toys, balls, noodles, dive sticks, and other communal items inside pools, the guest experience should be enhanced as visitors will be able to enjoy pools with a capacity limit of roughly 30% normal occupancy.”
Cane Creek Pool
590 Lower Brush Creek Road
Fletcher, NC 28732
Erwin Pool
58 Lees Creek Road
Asheville, NC 28806
Hominy Valley Pool
25 Twin Lakes Road
Candler, NC 28715
North Buncombe Pool
892 Clarks Chapel Road
Weaverville, NC 28787
Owen Pool
117 Stone Drive
Asheville Outlets Announces Majority of Retailers and Eateries Now Open
Jul 1 @ 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Asheville Outlets

Asheville Outlets has announced that the majority of retailers and eateries at the center are now open, including American Eagle Outfitters, Lucky Brand, RH Outlet, West Elm Outlet, Pandora, Skechers, Sportsman’s Warehouse, Tommy Hilfiger, Vera Bradley Factory Outlet Store, Johnston & Murphy Factory Store, Talbot’s Outlet, and Le Creuset, among many more.

 

Asheville Outlets is an open-air shopping center; hours are Monday through Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, 12 noon to 6:00 p.m.

Incredible Business Networking for WNC on ZOOM
Jul 1 @ 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
zoom

Until the social restrictions are lifted, and it’s safe to meet in person in large groups, let’s take it to our computers. Well be meeting every Wednesday at 11:00.

Chorus Line POSTPONED to 2021 Season
Jul 1 @ 2:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse
Buncombe County Outdoor Swimming
Jul 1 @ 2:15 pm – 5:15 pm
Buncombe County Pools Various

Child in pool

Buncombe County Recreation Services will open its five outdoor swimming pools. Safety and sanitation measures have been taken to comply with Buncombe County’s Stay Safe, Stay Smart order in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Pool visitors will be required to practice the Three Ws: wear a cloth face covering when entering/exiting the pool and when not in the pool, wait at least six feet apart from and avoid close contact with anyone who does not live in your household, and wash your hands or use hand sanitizer often.
Pool will open for two sessions Monday-Saturday, closing between sessions for a sanitation period that includes wiping down all common touch points. Sunday hours include one session. Admission for each session is $3 per guest. Due to limited capacity, guests are highly encouraged to purchase tickets online. If a pool is unable to open for any reason or is forced to close within the first hour of operation, all guests will receive a raincheck via the email address provided when purchasing the original ticket. Booking are currently available through July 10.
Monday-Friday
10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
2:15-5:15 p.m.
Saturday
11 a.m.-2 p.m.
3-6 p.m.
Sunday
1-6 p.m.
“While this summer is different in nearly every way for local families, we’re happy to safely and responsibly open our pools to the community,” said Josh O’Conner, Director of Buncombe County Recreation Services. “While we are not allowing toys, balls, noodles, dive sticks, and other communal items inside pools, the guest experience should be enhanced as visitors will be able to enjoy pools with a capacity limit of roughly 30% normal occupancy.”
Cane Creek Pool
590 Lower Brush Creek Road
Fletcher, NC 28732
Erwin Pool
58 Lees Creek Road
Asheville, NC 28806
Hominy Valley Pool
25 Twin Lakes Road
Candler, NC 28715
North Buncombe Pool
892 Clarks Chapel Road
Weaverville, NC 28787
Owen Pool
117 Stone Drive
Swannanoa, NC 28778
Live Marbling
Jul 1 @ 3:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Online

VIRTUAL: Live Marbling

Virtually enjoy the process of marbling, the antique process of floating paint on a thickened water surface. Watch as Pam Granger Gale drops paint onto the surface and each drop expands. More and more paint drops push others around without mixing. Then combs and rakes are used to create both historical and freeform patterns. Paper is placed on the surface and captures this monoprint forever.

River Arts District Farmers Market
Jul 1 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Pleb Urban Winery

Emergency Action Plan (EAP) / COVID-19
  • No token sales at this time. Unfortunately, this means no EBT sales. Please understand that this is in the best interest of safety to our staff.
  • No vendors are allowed to sample at this time.
  • Face masks are not required, however, all staff & vendors of the RAD Farmers Market are required to wear face masks during operating hours.
  • All vendors have hand sanitizer at their booths, & sanitize their hands between customers & transactions.
  • Please allow the vendor to select your produce for you.
  • Pre-orders are appreciated, as always, however, all vendors also bring goods for sale at market.
  • We love your dogs, but also appreciate if you can leave them home for your safety. It’s hard not to pet the pups, but it’s hard to social distance and do that!
  • If you do bring cash, please bring smaller bills so that you will have an easier time with the exact change policy most vendors have at this time.
  • Be understanding! We miss spoiling you so much!
Escape To Margaritaville Rescheduled from April 8
Jul 1 @ 7:30 pm
Peace Center

Welcome to Margaritaville, where people come to get away from it all—and stay to find something they never expected. With a book by Emmy Award® winner Greg Garcia (My Name is Earl, Raising Hope) and Emmy Award® nominee Mike O’Malley (Survivors Remorse, Shameless) Escape To Margaritaville is the musical comedy featuring both original songs and your most-loved Jimmy Buffett classics, including “Fins,” “Volcano,” “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” and many more. USA Today calls it “A little slice of paradise!” and Entertainment Weekly raves, “It will knock your flip-flops off!” So don’t let the party start without you.

https://www.facebook.com/events/2271326289806457/?event_time_id=2271326299806456

Asheville Art Museum: WNC residents pay-as-you-wish 1st Wednesdays
Jul 1 @ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Asheville Art Museum

FIRST WEDNESDAYS

WNC residents pay-as-you-wish on Wednesday, 4–6pm!
Millennium Stage Couch Concerts
Jul 1 @ 4:00 pm
Online

Couch Concerts

Brought to you by Millennium Stage

Introducing our NEW series of live performances streamed to you!

It is in times like these that we need artists most. Watch talented artists perform their work and help us inspire, grieve, heal, and move forward as a nation.

LIVE: MONDAY, WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY AT 4 P.M. ET. (UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

Asheville Gallery of Art July Show 2020
Jul 1 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Asheville Gallery of Art

Asheville Gallery of Art July Show 2020

Asheville Gallery of Art

July Show

“Infinite Possibilities”

Asheville Gallery of Art’s July show, “Infinite Possibilities,” is a multi-member show highlighting the insights artists gained during increased time in their home studios during the COVID-19 pandemic. The show runs July 1-31 during gallery hours.

Change can be good! As members of a cooperative, the 31 artists of Asheville Gallery of Art are used to being and working together to keep the gallery functioning. With COVID-19, everyone is working in their home studios and finding that they have the chance to do what they might not have tried before. Many say they have found infinite possibilities within their work as well as new ways to sell work they’ve been creating.

Ponderers Cafe OnLine – Symbols
Jul 1 @ 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Online

Meet and greet at 6pm, Pondering starts at 6:30. Please log into the meeting no later than 6:20, so we can start on time!

We’re now VIRTUAL, for the foreseeable future. Sign up here as usual and make sure I have your email. Meetups will be restricted to 25 people per night.

Justin Golan + Patrick Duffy’s Piano Comedy Tour
Jul 1 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Grey Eagle
Chorus Line POSTPONED to 2021 Season
Jul 1 @ 7:30 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse
Thursday, July 2, 2020
“Stay at Home Supporting Players” Volunteer w/ Flat Rock Playhouse
Jul 2 all-day
Online

There’s still time to volunteer with us!

Hands of
                            various colors reaching up

Support the arts and Flat Rock Playhouse by joining our Supporting Players, a volunteer organization serving as the backbone of FRP for over 30 years. Whether a longtime member of this crucial wing of the Vagabond Family or someone interested in joining a program that supports the arts, economy, and history of our beautiful community, you can make a huge impact by joining our team. Be part of the first-ever “Stay at Home Supporting Players” and the first to discover new volunteer opportunities in 2020. To join, click the link below and select “Single Membership” or “Couples Membership” on the dropdown menu!

2020 Minor League Baseball Season Cancelled Over Ongoing COVID-19 Concerns
Jul 2 all-day

2020 Minor League Baseball Season Cancelled Over Ongoing COVID-19 Concerns

Drive’s 15th Anniversary Season in Downtown Greenville delayed until 2021

The Greenville Drive, in conjunction with Major League Baseball, Minor League Baseball, and the South Atlantic League today announced that the 2020 season has been cancelled due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic that has swept across the world.

|

The ongoing concern regarding the safety of our community, and Minor League Baseball communities across America – including fans, front office staff, gameday staff, players and coaches – led to this decision.

Minor League Baseball (MiLB) issued the following statement today:
“In light of the current coronavirus outbreak, and after consultation with medical professionals and our partners at Major League Baseball, Minor League Baseball will delay the start of the 2020 Championship Season. We will continue to monitor the developments and will announce additional information about the 2020 season at a later date. We will work with Major League Baseball and our community partners to resume play as soon as it is safe to do so. The health and safety of Minor League Baseball fans, players and executives is our top priority, and our thoughts are with those around the world who have been affected by this outbreak.”
Apply Now for a Preservation Grant
Jul 2 all-day
Online
Our second and final grant round of 2020 is now open.  We will be accepting grant applications through August 9th in the following categories:
1. Bricks and Mortar -Rehabilitation, restoration and repair of structures that are 50 years of age or older
2. Public Education -Development of educational materials and programs that advance knowledge of our shared history
3. Planning, Survey and Designation -Planning and design for building rehabilitation and restoration projects, historic resource surveys and local or national designations
Asheville Art Museum Summer Art Camp To Go!
Jul 2 all-day
online classes

Summer Art Camp To Go!

Join us for Summer Art Camp To Go! Sessions are available for K–12 students. Each weekly session includes several age-appropriate art projects using a variety of materials to engage students in an exploration of art through creativity and imagination. Enrollment is limited, and registration is required.Registration includes instructional videos for each project, art materials, and daily virtual classes. Virtual classes—beginning at 10am via Zoom—include time for inspiration, Q&A, and sharing. Streaming instructional videos and creative challenges are designed to provide hours of creative engagement at your own pace each day. All art materials necessary for each session are available for curbside pickup at the Museum the week before each session begins; if you prefer to ship materials to your home, then two weeks’ advance registration is required. Registration starts this Monday. For more information, email Sharon McRorie, education programs manager, or call 828.253.3227 x124.

Members: $85, Non-Members: $95 (additional charge for shipping materials)

Asheville PARC: Free Black Lives Matter Signs
Jul 2 all-day
2 Asheville locations-see below

They’re small, just 9×12, but highly visible.

The quickest way to get a sign is to pick one up at:
Asheville Hemp Farms
28 N Lexington Avenue, downtown
11- 6 daily; 1–6 Sunday
or
Urban Orchard Cider
210 Haywood Rd, 28806
 2 –7, M–F; Sat/Sun 12-9
If you can’t make it to these places and you live within Asheville city limits, email us your address and we’ll put one in your yard. We’re running behind, but we’ll get there. If you’ve already requested one and still don’t have it, please email us a reminder!
Signs are free in Asheville and cheap everywhere else…
If you have out-of-town friends
who need signs,
BMC@Home Amy Porter Flute Pod
Jul 2 all-day
Online

BMC flute faculty member Amy Porter shares pointers and stories on her new podcast, which features a wide range of topics valuable for anyone interested in music. Recent episodes include entrepreneurial tips, interviews with special guests, and a series on performance therapy. Listen for free on a variety of platforms.

BMC@Home Garrick Ohlsson
Jul 2 all-day
Online

BMC guest artist Garrick Ohlsson was set to open the 2020 season on June 25. Instead, we are thrilled to share this recital from March 14, streamed live from the Kaufmann Concert Hall in New York City. The concert program includes Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 11 in B-Flat Major, Prokofiev’s Piano Sonata No. 6 in A Major, Chopin’s Impromptu No. 2 and Six Études from Op. 25, and a special Rachmaninoff encore.

Brother Wolf is Launching a Second Mobile Spay and Neuter Clinic!
Jul 2 all-day
Online

The coronavirus pandemic halted spay and neuter surgeries as communities were forced to suspend non-emergency veterinary services. This has resulted in a huge backlog of unaltered animals. The Humane Society of the United States estimates that the current backlog is over 260,000 animals nationwide. Brother Wolf currently has a waiting list of over 500 animals that are in need of spay and neuter services.

Even prior to this pandemic, we couldn’t meet the existing need with our original clinic. A second clinic will enable us to double our capacity and serve an average of 180 animals each week! Spaying and neutering is so critical because it saves lives by reducing pet overpopulation. Our Second Spay and Neuter Mobile Clinic will travel around Western NC, providing low-cost services to under-resourced communities.

We need your help to make this program a reality. Please donate today, thank you!

 

Buncombe Applications Open for Vance Monument Task Force
Jul 2 all-day
Online

Buncombe Applications Open for Vance Monument Task Force

On June 9 and June 16, 2020, the Asheville City Council and Buncombe County Board of Commissioners, respectively, passed a joint resolution to remove two confederate statues located at the Buncombe County Courthouse and Pack Square Park, and to establish a jointly appointed task force to recommend action regarding the removal or repurposing of the Vance monument.

The Vance Monument Task Force (VMTF) will consist of up to 12 members whose appointments will be made in equal numbers by the two governing boards. It is the intent of the governing boards of the City of Asheville and Buncombe County that the Vance monument be replaced or altered in such a manner, as to honor the local history of African-Americans. The VMTF will be tasked with gathering citizen input, particularly from those most impacted by the monuments, participate in public dialogue, and will present the governing boards a final report of recommendation within three months of the completion of all membership appointments.

What to expect

Due to the projected timeline, members may anticipate an average of one meeting per week, with research and activity between the meetings. Members will be asked to actively participate in planning, gathering data and input, evaluation of facts and alternatives, and reach consensus on the final content for the report. The initial focus of this taskforce will be to develop and present a final report regarding the future of the Vance Monument. The governing bodies may request additional activities within the scope of the resolution.

The Buncombe County application process will close on July 7, 2020, the Board will hold interviews the period of July 8-19, 2020, and will announce their appointees at the July 21, 2020, regular meeting. Click here to log on and apply or use the attached application and return to [email protected] or by mail to Vance Monument Task Force, 200 College St., Asheville, NC 28801. Printed applications are available at 200 College St., third floor.

Note: The City of Asheville will open a similar application process for their six appointees. Stay tuned to Asheville City Source for more information.

The Vance Monument Task Force will operate in accordance with North Carolina open meetings and public records laws. Information provided in this application, during meetings, all records, and communications are subject to NC public records law and may be disclosed to third parties.

Calling all local musicians! Get your tunes on the Dig Local Spotify playlist!
Jul 2 all-day
Online

Wow! Thanks to all those who have submitted tunes for the Dig Local Spotify playlist. If you’d like to be considered as an addition to our music compilation, we are still accepting submissions for our Spotify playlist now (check out the playlist here).

There are only three requirements to be considered:

  • You or your group must be regionally based in the Asheville area
  • Your song submissions must be all original compositions
  • The songs must be “family-friendly” (no profanity or obscenity or violence)

If selected, one or two of your songs will be featured in our Spotify playlist. There may also be opportunities to be featured in our Weekly Scoop email and on our social media platforms!

Submit your music by filling out the following info at the link below.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf5LCQovN51Y56SLuo7kB_hmeer33DsNhITEvz7TkF8O9ATqA/viewform?mc_cid=8ce4073971&mc_eid=258ba8532a