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, May
24, 2020
| Mountain BizWorks Set to Administer $5 Million Emergency Grant Fund; Application Period Opens May 15, with Awards Announced in Mid-June
The $5 million Buncombe County Tourism Jobs Recovery Fund was enabled Monday for local tourism-related small businesses and nonprofit organizations impacted by the COVID-19 public health crisis, thanks to legislation introduced by Sen. Chuck Edwards with support of the Buncombe County delegation, and signed into law on Monday by N.C. Governor Roy Cooper.
Senate Bill 704 allows the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority to establish the fund for emergency grants of up to $50,000, available for businesses that provide a direct visitor experience, including restaurants, retail establishments, studios and galleries, attractions, tours and activities, entertainment and event venues, and breweries, wineries, cideries and distilleries, among others. |
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Paycheck Protection Program
The Paycheck Protection Program is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. This program is for any small business with less than 500 employees (including sole proprietorship, independent contractors and self-employed persons), private non-profit organization or 501(c)(19) veterans organizations affected by COVID-19.
SBA will forgive loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities.
The Paycheck Protection Program will be available through June 30, 2020.
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As more businesses move to reopen in the new normal of COVID-19, the Chamber has complied guidelines from several sources outlining the steps businesses should take to reopen safely and within the recommendations of the State Health Department and the CDC. While the guide is extensive, it is not exhaustive. For full details and recommendations, or for information specific to your business, please refer to official communication channels and the advisement of your legal representative.
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| In addition to our COVID resources page, AAAC has a new Reopening Resources page to assist the creative sector with the reopening process. We will continue to add to this page as more information becomes available. |
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Share Your Feedback on Possible Uses of Public Space
The City of Asheville has been working on ways to alter public space usage to assist businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Today they announced designated curbside pickup locations throughout downtown and along Haywood Road in West Asheville, as well as expanded uses of private space.
Initiatives being considered include expanded use of public space (sidewalks, on-street parking) and the creation of temporary shared spaces.
It’s vital that the City hear your feedback as downtown businesses on how these options may benefit or impact your operations. View more information here and share your thoughts by emailing [email protected].
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The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce released a Smart Restart Toolkit with information on sanitizing and cleanliness best practices, how to’s on reopening safely and bringing employees back to the workplace, and information on basic operations. It’s divided by industry sector and includes links to professional organizations that can provide more details by type of business. |
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Alum Cave At-Home Adventure is a Virtual Fundraising Hike on one of Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s most iconic trails. Although the trail will look different for everyone, we’re all going the distance together – 4.6 miles for a roundtrip hike to Alum Cave or 10 miles up to the top of Mount Le Conte and down via Alum Cave Trail. Find your own trail. It could be your yard, your neighborhood or a treadmill in your basement. If a hike isn’t your thing, just choose the Park Bench option! Anyone can join us in solidarity to raise funds for Great Smoky Mountains National Park from the comfort and safety of your own home.
Here’s how it works:
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1. Register to virtually hike at AlumCaveAtHome.org, and personalize your fundraising page. 2. Ask your family, friends, and coworkers to support you by making a tax-deductible donation to Friends of the Smokies through your personal fundraising page.
3. You have until June 6, 2020 to fundraise and complete your virtual hike, then you will receive your hike swag, including a t-shirt and finishers medal, in the mail!
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Over the last few weeks, we’ve become pros at staying home and practicing social distancing. As we take care of ourselves and each other, we hope you’ll also help us take care of the Smokies. The park is closed for the safety of visitors and staff, but critical conservation projects still need funding. It’s up to us to preserve the park for generations to come so we hope you’ll join us.
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This pre-order form is for Texas Roadhouse ASHEVILLE, NC location. If you have questions please call the store. Pre-ordering is open now through Monday, May 25 at Noon! Pick-up days are Friday, May 22 through Monday, May 25
The 2020 James Beard Awards nominees are here, marking the arrival of the short list of who could win one of the food world’s most prestigious honors.
The Blood Connection will now be offering FREE COVID-19 Antibody Testing. The COVID-19 Antibody Test will test a sample of each donor’s blood to see if it contains COVID-19 antibodies. This will be offered to TBC blood donors at all blood donation centers and mobiles across South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia, at no cost. Donors are encouraged to make an appointment first, to maintain adequate social distancing.
Some important things to note:
· This is NOT a test to determine if the donor is infected with COVID-19. Positive test results do not confirm COVID-19 infection or immunity. A positive antibody result is indicative of the body’s immune response to COVID-19.
· This test is only available to those who complete a whole blood, platelet, or plasma donation where samples are successfully collected.
· The results of a COVID-19 Antibody Test will be posted on the donor’s TBC online portal in seven business days of their donation.
· More information about this testing: https://thebloodconnection.org/antibody-testing/
· Appointments can be made at thebloodconnection.org, click DONATE NOW.
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Suzanne has generously donated a portion of the session fee to Flat Rock Playhouse and she has a goal of raising $15,000 before the end of the year! She has currently raised $2,015, so help Suzanne reach her goal and capture some memories along the way. Check out some of her portraits above and click the link below to schedule your session today!
Inspired by the national trend of porch portraits, Suzanne of The Gallery at Flat Rock, will be offering portrait sessions and donating a portion of the session cost to Flat Rock Playhouse.
A fifteen-minute porch portrait session is $65 (cash or check) of which $15 will be donated to the Flat Rock Playhouse, a friend and neighbor to the gallery which made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 season.
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As this pandemic has given us all a difficult path to predict and navigate, all orientations, tours, and tutor trainings continue to be on hold until we can ensure, to the best of our ability, the safety of everyone we serve.
We will continue to monitor Buncombe County’s progress and outcomes regarding reopening and update our reopening plan based on those outcomes. Our first priority will always be the safety of our students, volunteers, and staff.
Many of our tutors and students have continued their regular classes digitally with great success. Our program directors are also working to revise tutor training courses in order to transition as many components as possible to an online platform.
We will continue to keep you updated regarding reopening and what that looks like. Please reach out to us anytime with questions or concerns by calling our office at 828-254-3442 or by emailing us at [email protected].
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Environmental Education
Clean Streams Day is going virtual! We’re partnering with MountainTrue and Asheville GreenWorks to share a mix of educational videos and activities, action steps and petitions, and hands-on service opportunities to highlight the 44th Clean Streams Day. Connecting with our streams and rivers is vital during these difficult times, and we hope you will join us on social media from May 21-30 to learn about our waterways, create positive environmental change, and help clean up our community!
Since 1976, Asheville GreenWorks has held “Clean Streams Day” to kick off the summer river cleanup season. Teams sign up prior to the day of the event to take on a particular stream, river or roadside of their choosing. Teams then report back their findings at the after cleanup party.
Thousands of bags of trash and tires have been removed over the last 42 years making our waterways cleaner and safer to use.
Contact our Volunteer Coordinator if you have any questions about this event or if you would like to be a sponsor. Ph 828-232-7144 |
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This National Scavenger Hunt Day, be a part of this record-crushing, earth-shattering, worldwide event! Let’s Roam is hosting a custom scavenger hunt experience where teams around the globe will participate from their own homes. If we can get 2,733 people to go on our specially-crafted scavenger hunt on the same day, we’ll break the record and make scavenger hunt history!
It’s all led by Let’s Roam’s celebrated app and can be completed from any home (no “extra” supplies required). You’ll have 2 hours to complete as many challenges in the “World Record Attempt” scavenger hunt as possible. Since this is a worldwide event, this scavenger hunt will explore global cultures and help you travel the world from your own home. Through this event, we hope to connect people around the globe through the spirit of exploration!
Registration includes access to the “World Record Attempt” scavenger hunt in the Let’s Roam app, a t-shirt to help you commemorate your participation in the international event, a special certificate, and downloadable, sharable photos of your record-breaking experience.
Share with your friends, your family and loved ones to make May 24th, 2020 a day to go down in the history books!
| For many of us, air travel has been off the table for the last few months. According to the Asheville Airport, air travel has practically come to a complete halt. However, as the state gradually begins to reopen, flight demand will increase, and the airport would like to know the public’s thoughts on safety, sanitation, and more.
Take their short, 3-minute survey to share your opinions. |
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COVID-19 testing is available for people who think that they may have COVID-19. The Buncombe Ready COVID-19 Self Checker can help you assess whether or not you need to be tested for COVID-19.
If your primary care provider does not offer COVID-19 testing, they can refer you to an option that works for you. Please go online or call ahead to schedule a visit and to confirm the location of the testing site.
Testing guidance for COVID-19 has expanded to encourage the following individuals to get tested for COVID-19 at one of the locations listed below or at a community testing site.
The new guidance recommends that clinicians test any patient in whom COVID-19 is suspected.
- Anyone with symptoms suggestive of COVID-19
- Close contacts of known positive cases, regardless of symptoms
- Persons who live in or have regular contact with high-risk settings (e.g., long-term care facility, homeless shelter, correctional facility, migrant farmworker camp)
- Persons who are at high risk of severe illness (e.g., people over 65 years of age, people of any age with underlying health conditions)
- Persons who come from historically marginalized populations
- Health care workers or first responders (e.g. EMS, law enforcement, fire department, military)
- Front-line and essential workers (grocery store clerks, gas station attendants, etc.) in settings where social distancing is difficult to maintain
Paying for COVID-19 Testing:
If you have private insurance, payment should be covered by your insurance company. If you are uninsured, please ask about the CARES Act which may cover the cost of the medical provider assessment and testing for COVID-19. Some providers offer charity care assistance or sliding scale options for payment. Check with your provider about these details.
COVID-19 Testing Providers
MAHEC Family Health Center
- Please call the MAHEC Family Health Center for a telemedicine visit before you arrive.
- MAHEC Family Health Center
- Call (828) 257-4730
- Sliding Scale may apply.
Mercy Urgent Care
- Visit www.mercyurgentcare.org to schedule a telemedicine appointment or a safe visit at one of our eight WNC locations.
Mission My Care Now
- Mission Health’s Virtual Clinic at www.missionhealth.org/virtualclinic can direct you to COVID-19 testing
- Most insurance plans will reimburse the costs
- $25 virtual visit fee
- Additional lab fee (if tested)
Range Urgent Care
COVID-19 VOLUNTEER RESPONSE EFFORTS
STORIES & APPRECIATION
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So many of you are doing amazing things right now to help each other and our community. Volunteers are showing up in unprecedented numbers, giving their time and talents. In fact, Hands On Asheville-Buncombe has seen a 59% increase in overall volunteerism compared to this same time last year. And make no mistake, your efforts are making a difference.
https://www.handsonasheville.org/need/index/?q=&age=&agency_id=&county=&min_available_slots=&dateOn=&distance=&zip=&need_impact_area=&need_init_id=&qualification_id=&cat_id=&meta[]=&meta[]=&meta[]=virtual_need&meta[]=&allowTeams=&ug_id=&s=1
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| Please take 15 seconds and support WNC history by voting for us – and you can vote once a day every day for the next 10 days!
Just click the link and vote for the “Smith-McDowell House Museum” – we’re right in the center and we need you!!!! |
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Vote for us every day until May 29!
We are excited to announce that we have been selected as a finalist in the Kudzu Brands Brand New Start 10k Brand Giveaway! This means we are eligible to win a complete brand development to help our organization pivot, adjust, and succeed, but we need YOUR VOTE to win. To vote for us, simply go to www.kudzubrands.com/brand-new-start-giveaway-voting and select our business as your choice for the most deserving of this amazing opportunity. Also, you can vote for us EVERY DAY. The deadline for votes is May 29, so please VOTE and SHARE!
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The upcoming Second Primary Election is on Tuesday, June 23. Buncombe County Election Services wants to make sure you have all the information you need. Below is information about Early Voting, absentee ballots, finding out if you’re registered, sample ballots, and more. If you have additional questions, contact Election Services at (828) 250-4200.
The White House has unveiled Guidelines for Opening Up America Again, a three-phased approach based on the advice of public health experts. Employers are encouraged to adhere to the following at all phases:
- Develop and implement appropriate policies, in accordance with Federal, State, and local regulations and guidance, and informed by industry best practices, regarding:
- Social distancing and protective equipment
- Temperature checks
- Sanitation
- Use and disinfection of common and high-traffic areas
- Business travel
- Monitor workforce for indicative symptoms. Do not allow symptomatic people to physically return to work until cleared by a medical provider.
- Develop and implement policies and procedures for workforce contact tracing following employee COVID+ test.
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https://ymcawnc.org/sites/default/files/May%202020%20Nutrition%20mobile%20market.pdf
While the doors of our wellness centers remain closed, other doors are opening even wider. Beginning June 1:
- We are excited to welcome you back to pool season. Indoor pools will reopen at the Asheville YMCA, Black Mountain YMCA, Corpening Memorial YMCA, Hendersonville Family YMCA, and the Reuter Family YMCA. We will also open Patton Pool in Hendersonville.
- We are excited to kick off a series of outdoor group exercise classes while continuing to provide virtual classes you can enjoy at home.
- Summer day camp will return to give children ages 5-12 fun and adventure.
Please check
ymcawnc.org, the YMCA of WNC mobile app, and social media for updates on hours, schedules, and safety measures.
We know that for a while longer, visits to restaurants, stores, and even our Y will feel a bit different. We’ve worked with health experts and our local health department to prepare our facilities for your safe return. We’re grateful for your understanding and for the concern you’ve shared for our staff who are stepping up during this pandemic to feed our community, provide emergency child care, make wellness calls to seniors feeling isolated, help people stay healthy at home, and organize blood and supply drives. We remain grateful to our members and donors for continuing to #StayWithUs as we continue to serve our neighbors when they need us most.
Youth Education Video – Our Mountains
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| Click Here to View Our Mountains Video |
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| Have you ever wondered how the southern Appalachian mountains were formed, or how the underlying geology affects the biodiversity we work to protect? Check out this short 5-minute lesson, followed by a fun craft for all ages. |
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DuPont State Recreational Forest and neighboring Holmes Educational State Forest have begun a phased reopening in Western North Carolina.
To encourage responsible use and to maintain required social distancing, phased reopening will begin by allowing public access only to areas of the forest that promote movement-focused activities. Some areas and facilities of the forest will not be available to the public during phase one of the reopening but will become available in accordance with Governor Cooper’s phased plan for reopening the state.
“N.C. Forest Service staff are working hard, taking every precaution, to make sure our state forests are available for families and visitors to safely enjoy some of North Carolina’s most beautiful views,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Now, we need the public to join our efforts. We must take care of public lands and each other by following social distancing guidelines and recommendations from our public health experts.”
Minimal services, facilities and assistance will be available for visitors. Responsible recreation is critical during this time. Visitors are asked to be good stewards and good neighbors. Visitors may find limited parking at busy times. Please only park in designated parking areas.
What can visitors expect during a visit to DuPont State Recreational Forest during phase one of the reopening?
- DuPont State Recreational Forest is open daily, 5 a.m. until 10 p.m.
- Most of the trail system is open, and visitors should come prepared to access trails and to keep moving. Come prepared to share trails with all types of users. Trail courtesy is critical during this time to ensure safe access for everyone.
- Parking is limited to Fawn Lake Access Area, Guion Farm Access Area and Corn Mill Shoals Access Area. Expect crowding and limited parking.
- Portable toilets are available. Permanent restrooms are not available.
- Gathering areas of the forest remain closed to encourage movement and separation. These areas include the following:
- High Falls Access Area Hooker Falls Access Area, and Lake Imaging Access Area
- Visitor Center and Office
- Triple Falls Trail and Staircase, Base of High Falls Trail, Wintergreen Falls, and the area at the base of Bridal Veil (Waterfall viewing areas remain available. Remember social distancing. Remain patient. Wait your turn.)
- Three Lakes Trail
- All picnic areas
- Swimming areas and waterfronts
- Hooker Falls, Fawn Lake, Lake Dense and Lake Alford
Digital and Contactless Adoption Procedure:
- Check out the available animals online and find that special one!
- Fill out the online application.
- Our staff will reach out soon during our current regular business hours of 8am-5pm, Tuesday-Sunday to provide adoption counseling and information about the animal, as well more details about our current adoption procedure.
- A Meet and Greet may be scheduled for you virtually or contact-free at our Adoption Center (these are only by appointment and following application and adoption counseling). Cats, kittens and puppies in foster will only be available for a virtual Meet and Greets. Adult dogs will have a contactless Meet and Greet on site by appointment.
Note: Potential adopters will be asked not to come to the Adoption Center if they have experienced any coronavirus symptoms and will be asked to adhere to best hygiene practices. We are not accepting walk-up adoptions or visits at this time due to the safety precautions we are taking in response to COVID-19. All staff at the adoption center will practice social distancing, hand hygiene and will wear a mask. Potential adopters are encouraged to do the same.
- Pickup will be arranged and all details shared for a contactless encounter.
- Adoption Delivery may be available for Henderson County Residents only if an adoption is confirmed and the animal is currently housed as the Adoption Center (not in foster care).
- All adoptions will be processed with credit or debit only.
- Have questions? Send us a message or email [email protected]!
See where the cougars and otters sleep overnight, meet black bears that are not commonly on display, learn the ins and outs of what it takes to care for the animals year-round, observe a training session and find out why the animals call Grandfather Mountain home.
Offered on weekends, April – October.
This annual exhibition features award-winning roses of every color and size. Experts from the Asheville-Blue Ridge Rose Society will be on hand to answer questions and provide information about the selection, care, and history of roses. Educational programs will be offered throughout the weekend.
