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.

Saturday, December 31, 2022
NYE Party with DJ GruntWerk
Dec 31 2022 @ 10:00 pm – Jan 1 2023 @ 1:00 am
Vintage Kava

Come bring in the New Year with your VK family! Campfire starts at dark and DJ GruntWerk will be spinning live beats through the New Year starting at 10PM!

Thirsty Monk at Biltmore Park’s Keg Drop
Dec 31 2022 @ 10:00 pm – Jan 1 2023 @ 1:30 am
Thirsty Monk

New York City drops a ball, Atlanta drops a peach, and Miami drops an orange. In Asheville, we drop a keg! Ring in the New Year as we welcome 2023 with our Annual New Year’s Eve Keg Drop Celebration at Thirsty Monk Biltmore Park in South Asheville, NC.

The Keg Drop Celebration is free to attend and ample parking is available for guests.

Sunday, January 1, 2023
Give Local: SAHAC and Wicked Weed
Jan 1 all-day
online
GiveLocal
                                                    campaign logo
SAHC is thrilled to be selected again this year to participate in the MountainXpress Give!Local Campaign. Our generous partners at Wicked Weed Brewing will MATCH donations up to $10,000! PLUS, anyone donating at a level of $100 or above will receive a $10 gift card from Wicked Weed. 

Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy

WHAT THEY DO: We permanently protect and steward our region’s most beloved natural areas. When you support local land and water conservation, you ensure our lands, our water, our wildlife and our farms will be there for future generations. SAHC is committed to creating and supporting equitable, healthy and thriving communities for everyone in our region.

sahc

Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy
Journeyperson Program NOW FREE! 12-Month Farm Support Cohort
Jan 1 all-day
Organic Growers School

The upcoming Journeyperson course is now available AT NO COST! Due to some timely grant funding, we can offer this in-depth farmer training for farmers in years 3-7 with no associated tuition fee! The course consists of monthly cohort meet-ups and 2-3 in-depth workshops, plus mentorship!

 

In addition, a select number of participants will also receive matched FUNDS for your farm savings account (Savings Incentive Program) and money to spend on a professional development opportunity of your choosing! Want to attend a workshop on livestock management? OGS will contribute towards that fee! Are you saving money for a farm asset? OGS will contribute up to a certain amount to that investment.

 

The Journeyperson Program is for farmers who have been independently farming for three or more years and are serious about operating farm businesses in the Southern Appalachian region.

Join the Journeyperson Info Session on Zoom!

November 15th at 7:00 pm

Sign up here

First Day Hike
Jan 1 @ 8:00 am – 10:00 am
Chimney Rock State Park--Old Rock Café

Kick off the new year in Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park during this First Day Hike! Start your morning bright and early with a stroll, hike or bike ride up to the 3.2-mile Park road. Usually restricted to motor vehicle traffic only, there will be no cars in your way if you show up for this special, early morning hike that’s free to participants! Bicyclists are allowed to use the road also on this special morning to climb and descend the steep park road under controlled speed. Helmets are required.

Meet at the Old Rock Café at 8am. Registration is not required.

National Gingerbread House Display
Jan 1 @ 9:00 am
The Omni Grove Park Inn

The 30th Annual National Gingerbread House Competition will be held in-person at The Omni Grove Park Inn on Monday, November 21, 2022 with an Awards Ceremony following in the Grand Ballroom. Competition judging will be conducted in-person and is closed to the public. The competition’s esteemed panel of judges, including Chef Carla Hall, will announce a winner on November 21st at the ResortAll entries will be on display at The Omni Grove Park Inn (290 Macon Ave., Asheville) throughout the holiday season.

The official 2022 Gingerbread display begins on Monday, November 28, 2022 and will continue through Monday, January 2, 2023. Guests not staying at the Resort are invited to view the display after 6:00 p.m. on Sundays or anytime Monday through Thursday, based on parking availability and excluding holidays and the following dates: December 23, 24, 25, 30, 31 and January 1. All Fridays and Saturdays are reserved for registered resort guests and those that have confirmed dining reservations. Display access is subject to hotel capacity, including pedestrian traffic. Please note that only Registered Resort Pets will be permitted. No outside pets will be allowed.

HOLIDAY PARKING PROGRAM

Since the inception of the Holiday Parking Partner program in 2013, we have been honored to contribute over $680,000 to not-for-profit partners in Western North Carolina. During the Fall & Holiday season, there is no complimentary parking on property. Starting Saturday, October 1st, guests can drive up to the main entrance at The Omni Grove Park Inn and be assisted by a valet for $35 for day guests and $30 for overnight guests. Self-parking for day guests is $25 and $20 for overnight guests. A portion of the parking proceeds is donated to the community in support of local not-for-profit organizations.

Deck The Trees “Let Heaven and Nature Sing!”
Jan 1 @ 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
Monte Vista Hotel

Come experience the charm of Black Mountain and get in the Christmas spirit. You will discover beautifully decorated Christmas trees at the Monte Vista Hotel and in stores and businesses throughout Black Mountain and the Swannanoa Valley area. Each tree, uniquely decorated around the theme: Let Heaven and Nature Sing, will be created by businesses, organizations, or individuals to help raise funds for the Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry Fuel Fund. This fund keeps our neighbors warm during the winter and raised an amazing $41,330 in 2021. Let’s beat that this year! Share in the Christmas spirit and support your favorite tree by donating with cash, check, or online by clicking the trees image below.
Deck The Trees presents: Let Heaven and Nature Sing!, December 1, 2022 – January 2, 2023 Come experience the charm of Black Mountain and get in the Christmas spirit. You will discover 35 (and possibly more) beautifully decorated Christmas trees situated at the Monte Vista Hotel and in stores and businesses throughout Black Mountain and the Swannanoa Valley area.

Each tree, uniquely decorated around the theme: A Black Mountain Christmas, will be created by businesses, organizations, or individuals to help raise funds for the Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry Fuel Fund. Come join us! Share in the Christmas spirit and support your favorite tree by donating with cash, check, or on-line at svcmblackmountain.org.

New Year’s Resolution Run
Jan 1 @ 10:00 am
Downtown Asheville

The 9th Annual Resolution Run 5K and 10K races through the streets of Downtown Asheville, NC on New Year’s Day, at a reasonable 10:00 am. Leave 2022 and let’s start 2023 off with a nice refreshing “leave it all behind” experience through downtown Asheville. This race welcomes families and participants of all ages to come run or crawl their way to completing their FIRST New Year’s Resolution! Bring warm layers of clothes, tie up your running shoes, and get ready to ‘run into’ 2023!

New Year’s Day Yoga Celebration
Jan 1 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
One World Brewing West

New Year's Day Yoga Celebration

Come celebrate 3 years at One World Brewing with Jamie!

 

Levels 1+ this class is designed to build heat in the body and release excess kapha during the winter. We are working as a class towards headstands with a goal of early April. Expect strength building.

 

Class is held inside. Bring your mat. Stay for complementary mimosas or non-alcoholic beverages afterwards!

 

Candlelight Christmas Evenings
Jan 1 @ 5:30 pm
Biltmore Estate

Biltmore House glows with candlelight and firelight during this nighttime tour, changing the daytime visit’s mood and experience. Candlelight Christmas Evenings in Biltmore House allows guests to step back in time with an experience reminiscent of the Vanderbilt’s first Christmas spent in Biltmore House in 1895. Musicians stationed throughout the house perform seasonal favorites. Setting the scene is a 55-foot Norway spruce encircled by illuminated evergreens and shrubs sparkling in the center of the front lawn.

Monday, January 2, 2023
National Gingerbread House Display
Jan 2 @ 9:00 am
The Omni Grove Park Inn

The 30th Annual National Gingerbread House Competition will be held in-person at The Omni Grove Park Inn on Monday, November 21, 2022 with an Awards Ceremony following in the Grand Ballroom. Competition judging will be conducted in-person and is closed to the public. The competition’s esteemed panel of judges, including Chef Carla Hall, will announce a winner on November 21st at the ResortAll entries will be on display at The Omni Grove Park Inn (290 Macon Ave., Asheville) throughout the holiday season.

The official 2022 Gingerbread display begins on Monday, November 28, 2022 and will continue through Monday, January 2, 2023. Guests not staying at the Resort are invited to view the display after 6:00 p.m. on Sundays or anytime Monday through Thursday, based on parking availability and excluding holidays and the following dates: December 23, 24, 25, 30, 31 and January 1. All Fridays and Saturdays are reserved for registered resort guests and those that have confirmed dining reservations. Display access is subject to hotel capacity, including pedestrian traffic. Please note that only Registered Resort Pets will be permitted. No outside pets will be allowed.

HOLIDAY PARKING PROGRAM

Since the inception of the Holiday Parking Partner program in 2013, we have been honored to contribute over $680,000 to not-for-profit partners in Western North Carolina. During the Fall & Holiday season, there is no complimentary parking on property. Starting Saturday, October 1st, guests can drive up to the main entrance at The Omni Grove Park Inn and be assisted by a valet for $35 for day guests and $30 for overnight guests. Self-parking for day guests is $25 and $20 for overnight guests. A portion of the parking proceeds is donated to the community in support of local not-for-profit organizations.

Registration is OPEN for the 30th Annual Spring Conference
Jan 2 @ 9:00 am
online
registration open SC-1 (1)-1

Registration is OPEN!

30th Annual Spring Conference at Mars Hill University
You’re in for a fun-filled weekend of learning and community building. This year our Tracks include Cooking, Food Justice, Farming Business + Production, Herbs, Mushrooms, Forest Farming, Gardening, Holistic Forestry, Livestock & Poultry, Living on the Land, Permaculture, Pests & Pollinators, Soils, & Sustainable Living!

For each Track subject, there are 4 different classes to choose from taught by expert educators. There will also be 8 half-day workshops to choose from if you want to dive deep into subjects like Fermentation, Spirulina Cultivation, Invasive Vine Basketry, and more!

View the full Spring Conference schedule here.

Sliding Scale Pricing for Spring Conference

OGS is implementing a Sliding Scale Price model for 2023

So many things are means-tested in our society, and it can be exhausting to justify why one needs a more affordable price point. The sliding scale model, which allows participants to select a price to pay for their ticket, meets several of the parameters we were looking for in an accessible pricing model.

 

While many of our community members need financial support, some of these community members have more than enough to share and are excited about supporting their fellow co-learners. These attendees can select the higher end of the sliding scale, which will be set at a price to offset the lower price paid by other attendees. We trust our attendees to select the option that best works for them while also considering how their selection would affect the ability of other participants to access a lower price point.

 

Accessibility is a priority for OGS, and implementing it is a risk for us as a small non-profit, given that we rely on our large events like the Spring Conference to support our year-round programming and staff salaries. This will certainly be an experimental year, and if we cannot secure enough income through sliding-scale registrations, we will have to rethink our approach to pricing. We trust that our community will be thoughtful in thinking about the value this conference has for them and what they can pay for at this time.

Ginseng-sliding-scale-EDIT USE THIS-1

Deck The Trees “Let Heaven and Nature Sing!”
Jan 2 @ 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
Monte Vista Hotel

Come experience the charm of Black Mountain and get in the Christmas spirit. You will discover beautifully decorated Christmas trees at the Monte Vista Hotel and in stores and businesses throughout Black Mountain and the Swannanoa Valley area. Each tree, uniquely decorated around the theme: Let Heaven and Nature Sing, will be created by businesses, organizations, or individuals to help raise funds for the Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry Fuel Fund. This fund keeps our neighbors warm during the winter and raised an amazing $41,330 in 2021. Let’s beat that this year! Share in the Christmas spirit and support your favorite tree by donating with cash, check, or online by clicking the trees image below.
Deck The Trees presents: Let Heaven and Nature Sing!, December 1, 2022 – January 2, 2023 Come experience the charm of Black Mountain and get in the Christmas spirit. You will discover 35 (and possibly more) beautifully decorated Christmas trees situated at the Monte Vista Hotel and in stores and businesses throughout Black Mountain and the Swannanoa Valley area.

Each tree, uniquely decorated around the theme: A Black Mountain Christmas, will be created by businesses, organizations, or individuals to help raise funds for the Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry Fuel Fund. Come join us! Share in the Christmas spirit and support your favorite tree by donating with cash, check, or on-line at svcmblackmountain.org.

Candlelight Christmas Evenings
Jan 2 @ 5:30 pm
Biltmore Estate

Biltmore House glows with candlelight and firelight during this nighttime tour, changing the daytime visit’s mood and experience. Candlelight Christmas Evenings in Biltmore House allows guests to step back in time with an experience reminiscent of the Vanderbilt’s first Christmas spent in Biltmore House in 1895. Musicians stationed throughout the house perform seasonal favorites. Setting the scene is a 55-foot Norway spruce encircled by illuminated evergreens and shrubs sparkling in the center of the front lawn.

Tuesday, January 3, 2023
Give Local: SAHAC and Wicked Weed
Jan 3 all-day
online
GiveLocal
                                                    campaign logo
SAHC is thrilled to be selected again this year to participate in the MountainXpress Give!Local Campaign. Our generous partners at Wicked Weed Brewing will MATCH donations up to $10,000! PLUS, anyone donating at a level of $100 or above will receive a $10 gift card from Wicked Weed. 

Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy

WHAT THEY DO: We permanently protect and steward our region’s most beloved natural areas. When you support local land and water conservation, you ensure our lands, our water, our wildlife and our farms will be there for future generations. SAHC is committed to creating and supporting equitable, healthy and thriving communities for everyone in our region.

sahc

Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy
Journeyperson Program NOW FREE! 12-Month Farm Support Cohort
Jan 3 all-day
Organic Growers School

The upcoming Journeyperson course is now available AT NO COST! Due to some timely grant funding, we can offer this in-depth farmer training for farmers in years 3-7 with no associated tuition fee! The course consists of monthly cohort meet-ups and 2-3 in-depth workshops, plus mentorship!

 

In addition, a select number of participants will also receive matched FUNDS for your farm savings account (Savings Incentive Program) and money to spend on a professional development opportunity of your choosing! Want to attend a workshop on livestock management? OGS will contribute towards that fee! Are you saving money for a farm asset? OGS will contribute up to a certain amount to that investment.

 

The Journeyperson Program is for farmers who have been independently farming for three or more years and are serious about operating farm businesses in the Southern Appalachian region.

Join the Journeyperson Info Session on Zoom!

November 15th at 7:00 pm

Sign up here

Candlelight Christmas Evenings
Jan 3 @ 5:30 pm
Biltmore Estate

Biltmore House glows with candlelight and firelight during this nighttime tour, changing the daytime visit’s mood and experience. Candlelight Christmas Evenings in Biltmore House allows guests to step back in time with an experience reminiscent of the Vanderbilt’s first Christmas spent in Biltmore House in 1895. Musicians stationed throughout the house perform seasonal favorites. Setting the scene is a 55-foot Norway spruce encircled by illuminated evergreens and shrubs sparkling in the center of the front lawn.

Wednesday, January 4, 2023
Registration is OPEN for the 30th Annual Spring Conference
Jan 4 @ 9:00 am
online
registration open SC-1 (1)-1

Registration is OPEN!

30th Annual Spring Conference at Mars Hill University
You’re in for a fun-filled weekend of learning and community building. This year our Tracks include Cooking, Food Justice, Farming Business + Production, Herbs, Mushrooms, Forest Farming, Gardening, Holistic Forestry, Livestock & Poultry, Living on the Land, Permaculture, Pests & Pollinators, Soils, & Sustainable Living!

For each Track subject, there are 4 different classes to choose from taught by expert educators. There will also be 8 half-day workshops to choose from if you want to dive deep into subjects like Fermentation, Spirulina Cultivation, Invasive Vine Basketry, and more!

View the full Spring Conference schedule here.

Sliding Scale Pricing for Spring Conference

OGS is implementing a Sliding Scale Price model for 2023

So many things are means-tested in our society, and it can be exhausting to justify why one needs a more affordable price point. The sliding scale model, which allows participants to select a price to pay for their ticket, meets several of the parameters we were looking for in an accessible pricing model.

 

While many of our community members need financial support, some of these community members have more than enough to share and are excited about supporting their fellow co-learners. These attendees can select the higher end of the sliding scale, which will be set at a price to offset the lower price paid by other attendees. We trust our attendees to select the option that best works for them while also considering how their selection would affect the ability of other participants to access a lower price point.

 

Accessibility is a priority for OGS, and implementing it is a risk for us as a small non-profit, given that we rely on our large events like the Spring Conference to support our year-round programming and staff salaries. This will certainly be an experimental year, and if we cannot secure enough income through sliding-scale registrations, we will have to rethink our approach to pricing. We trust that our community will be thoughtful in thinking about the value this conference has for them and what they can pay for at this time.

Ginseng-sliding-scale-EDIT USE THIS-1

Candlelight Christmas Evenings
Jan 4 @ 5:30 pm
Biltmore Estate

Biltmore House glows with candlelight and firelight during this nighttime tour, changing the daytime visit’s mood and experience. Candlelight Christmas Evenings in Biltmore House allows guests to step back in time with an experience reminiscent of the Vanderbilt’s first Christmas spent in Biltmore House in 1895. Musicians stationed throughout the house perform seasonal favorites. Setting the scene is a 55-foot Norway spruce encircled by illuminated evergreens and shrubs sparkling in the center of the front lawn.

Thursday, January 5, 2023
Journeyperson Program NOW FREE! 12-Month Farm Support Cohort
Jan 5 all-day
Organic Growers School

The upcoming Journeyperson course is now available AT NO COST! Due to some timely grant funding, we can offer this in-depth farmer training for farmers in years 3-7 with no associated tuition fee! The course consists of monthly cohort meet-ups and 2-3 in-depth workshops, plus mentorship!

 

In addition, a select number of participants will also receive matched FUNDS for your farm savings account (Savings Incentive Program) and money to spend on a professional development opportunity of your choosing! Want to attend a workshop on livestock management? OGS will contribute towards that fee! Are you saving money for a farm asset? OGS will contribute up to a certain amount to that investment.

 

The Journeyperson Program is for farmers who have been independently farming for three or more years and are serious about operating farm businesses in the Southern Appalachian region.

Join the Journeyperson Info Session on Zoom!

November 15th at 7:00 pm

Sign up here

Registration is OPEN for the 30th Annual Spring Conference
Jan 5 @ 9:00 am
online
registration open SC-1 (1)-1

Registration is OPEN!

30th Annual Spring Conference at Mars Hill University
You’re in for a fun-filled weekend of learning and community building. This year our Tracks include Cooking, Food Justice, Farming Business + Production, Herbs, Mushrooms, Forest Farming, Gardening, Holistic Forestry, Livestock & Poultry, Living on the Land, Permaculture, Pests & Pollinators, Soils, & Sustainable Living!

For each Track subject, there are 4 different classes to choose from taught by expert educators. There will also be 8 half-day workshops to choose from if you want to dive deep into subjects like Fermentation, Spirulina Cultivation, Invasive Vine Basketry, and more!

View the full Spring Conference schedule here.

Sliding Scale Pricing for Spring Conference

OGS is implementing a Sliding Scale Price model for 2023

So many things are means-tested in our society, and it can be exhausting to justify why one needs a more affordable price point. The sliding scale model, which allows participants to select a price to pay for their ticket, meets several of the parameters we were looking for in an accessible pricing model.

 

While many of our community members need financial support, some of these community members have more than enough to share and are excited about supporting their fellow co-learners. These attendees can select the higher end of the sliding scale, which will be set at a price to offset the lower price paid by other attendees. We trust our attendees to select the option that best works for them while also considering how their selection would affect the ability of other participants to access a lower price point.

 

Accessibility is a priority for OGS, and implementing it is a risk for us as a small non-profit, given that we rely on our large events like the Spring Conference to support our year-round programming and staff salaries. This will certainly be an experimental year, and if we cannot secure enough income through sliding-scale registrations, we will have to rethink our approach to pricing. We trust that our community will be thoughtful in thinking about the value this conference has for them and what they can pay for at this time.

Ginseng-sliding-scale-EDIT USE THIS-1

Candlelight Christmas Evenings
Jan 5 @ 5:30 pm
Biltmore Estate

Biltmore House glows with candlelight and firelight during this nighttime tour, changing the daytime visit’s mood and experience. Candlelight Christmas Evenings in Biltmore House allows guests to step back in time with an experience reminiscent of the Vanderbilt’s first Christmas spent in Biltmore House in 1895. Musicians stationed throughout the house perform seasonal favorites. Setting the scene is a 55-foot Norway spruce encircled by illuminated evergreens and shrubs sparkling in the center of the front lawn.

Friday, January 6, 2023
Candlelight Christmas Evenings
Jan 6 @ 5:30 pm
Biltmore Estate

Biltmore House glows with candlelight and firelight during this nighttime tour, changing the daytime visit’s mood and experience. Candlelight Christmas Evenings in Biltmore House allows guests to step back in time with an experience reminiscent of the Vanderbilt’s first Christmas spent in Biltmore House in 1895. Musicians stationed throughout the house perform seasonal favorites. Setting the scene is a 55-foot Norway spruce encircled by illuminated evergreens and shrubs sparkling in the center of the front lawn.

Saturday, January 7, 2023
Journeyperson Program NOW FREE! 12-Month Farm Support Cohort
Jan 7 all-day
Organic Growers School

The upcoming Journeyperson course is now available AT NO COST! Due to some timely grant funding, we can offer this in-depth farmer training for farmers in years 3-7 with no associated tuition fee! The course consists of monthly cohort meet-ups and 2-3 in-depth workshops, plus mentorship!

 

In addition, a select number of participants will also receive matched FUNDS for your farm savings account (Savings Incentive Program) and money to spend on a professional development opportunity of your choosing! Want to attend a workshop on livestock management? OGS will contribute towards that fee! Are you saving money for a farm asset? OGS will contribute up to a certain amount to that investment.

 

The Journeyperson Program is for farmers who have been independently farming for three or more years and are serious about operating farm businesses in the Southern Appalachian region.

Join the Journeyperson Info Session on Zoom!

November 15th at 7:00 pm

Sign up here

Candlelight Christmas Evenings
Jan 7 @ 5:30 pm
Biltmore Estate

Biltmore House glows with candlelight and firelight during this nighttime tour, changing the daytime visit’s mood and experience. Candlelight Christmas Evenings in Biltmore House allows guests to step back in time with an experience reminiscent of the Vanderbilt’s first Christmas spent in Biltmore House in 1895. Musicians stationed throughout the house perform seasonal favorites. Setting the scene is a 55-foot Norway spruce encircled by illuminated evergreens and shrubs sparkling in the center of the front lawn.

Sunday, January 8, 2023
Journeyperson Program NOW FREE! 12-Month Farm Support Cohort
Jan 8 all-day
Organic Growers School

The upcoming Journeyperson course is now available AT NO COST! Due to some timely grant funding, we can offer this in-depth farmer training for farmers in years 3-7 with no associated tuition fee! The course consists of monthly cohort meet-ups and 2-3 in-depth workshops, plus mentorship!

 

In addition, a select number of participants will also receive matched FUNDS for your farm savings account (Savings Incentive Program) and money to spend on a professional development opportunity of your choosing! Want to attend a workshop on livestock management? OGS will contribute towards that fee! Are you saving money for a farm asset? OGS will contribute up to a certain amount to that investment.

 

The Journeyperson Program is for farmers who have been independently farming for three or more years and are serious about operating farm businesses in the Southern Appalachian region.

Join the Journeyperson Info Session on Zoom!

November 15th at 7:00 pm

Sign up here

Monday, January 9, 2023
2023 School Garden Grants
Jan 9 all-day
online

Extension Master GardenerSM Volunteers of Buncombe County are happy to announce for the sixteenth year we are offering School Garden Grants to Asheville City and Buncombe County public schools, including state charter schools.

Growing Vegetables at Childcare Centers_photo by NC State Extension
Learning to plant veggie seeds

We provide a notice of the application period along with instructions to all school principals, elementary through senior high. Additional information is available on our websitebuncombemastergardener.org, where you can learn more about the guidelines for receiving a grant and get online access to the 2023 School Garden Grants Application.

All applications must be completed online. Completed applications will be accepted beginning January 9, 2023, and must be submitted no later than 9 p.m. on February 3, 2023. If you have any questions, please call the Extension Office at 828-255-5522.

We are proud of our partnership with Asheville City and Buncombe County Schools. Since 2007, we have awarded 52 School Garden Grants totaling over $45,000. These grants have involved more than 16,500 students and hundreds of teachers, parents, and community volunteers.

School gardens grow more than plants. They grow imagination and creativity. They make math and science come alive, and they build community. We hope your school will join us in 2023.

Click on the link below to review the guidelines for school garden grants:
Guidelines for 2023 School Garden Grants

Registration is OPEN for the 30th Annual Spring Conference
Jan 9 @ 9:00 am
online
registration open SC-1 (1)-1

Registration is OPEN!

30th Annual Spring Conference at Mars Hill University
You’re in for a fun-filled weekend of learning and community building. This year our Tracks include Cooking, Food Justice, Farming Business + Production, Herbs, Mushrooms, Forest Farming, Gardening, Holistic Forestry, Livestock & Poultry, Living on the Land, Permaculture, Pests & Pollinators, Soils, & Sustainable Living!

For each Track subject, there are 4 different classes to choose from taught by expert educators. There will also be 8 half-day workshops to choose from if you want to dive deep into subjects like Fermentation, Spirulina Cultivation, Invasive Vine Basketry, and more!

View the full Spring Conference schedule here.

Sliding Scale Pricing for Spring Conference

OGS is implementing a Sliding Scale Price model for 2023

So many things are means-tested in our society, and it can be exhausting to justify why one needs a more affordable price point. The sliding scale model, which allows participants to select a price to pay for their ticket, meets several of the parameters we were looking for in an accessible pricing model.

 

While many of our community members need financial support, some of these community members have more than enough to share and are excited about supporting their fellow co-learners. These attendees can select the higher end of the sliding scale, which will be set at a price to offset the lower price paid by other attendees. We trust our attendees to select the option that best works for them while also considering how their selection would affect the ability of other participants to access a lower price point.

 

Accessibility is a priority for OGS, and implementing it is a risk for us as a small non-profit, given that we rely on our large events like the Spring Conference to support our year-round programming and staff salaries. This will certainly be an experimental year, and if we cannot secure enough income through sliding-scale registrations, we will have to rethink our approach to pricing. We trust that our community will be thoughtful in thinking about the value this conference has for them and what they can pay for at this time.

Ginseng-sliding-scale-EDIT USE THIS-1

Tuesday, January 10, 2023
2023 School Garden Grants
Jan 10 all-day
online

Extension Master GardenerSM Volunteers of Buncombe County are happy to announce for the sixteenth year we are offering School Garden Grants to Asheville City and Buncombe County public schools, including state charter schools.

Growing Vegetables at Childcare Centers_photo by NC State Extension
Learning to plant veggie seeds

We provide a notice of the application period along with instructions to all school principals, elementary through senior high. Additional information is available on our websitebuncombemastergardener.org, where you can learn more about the guidelines for receiving a grant and get online access to the 2023 School Garden Grants Application.

All applications must be completed online. Completed applications will be accepted beginning January 9, 2023, and must be submitted no later than 9 p.m. on February 3, 2023. If you have any questions, please call the Extension Office at 828-255-5522.

We are proud of our partnership with Asheville City and Buncombe County Schools. Since 2007, we have awarded 52 School Garden Grants totaling over $45,000. These grants have involved more than 16,500 students and hundreds of teachers, parents, and community volunteers.

School gardens grow more than plants. They grow imagination and creativity. They make math and science come alive, and they build community. We hope your school will join us in 2023.

Click on the link below to review the guidelines for school garden grants:
Guidelines for 2023 School Garden Grants

Journeyperson Program NOW FREE! 12-Month Farm Support Cohort
Jan 10 all-day
Organic Growers School

The upcoming Journeyperson course is now available AT NO COST! Due to some timely grant funding, we can offer this in-depth farmer training for farmers in years 3-7 with no associated tuition fee! The course consists of monthly cohort meet-ups and 2-3 in-depth workshops, plus mentorship!

 

In addition, a select number of participants will also receive matched FUNDS for your farm savings account (Savings Incentive Program) and money to spend on a professional development opportunity of your choosing! Want to attend a workshop on livestock management? OGS will contribute towards that fee! Are you saving money for a farm asset? OGS will contribute up to a certain amount to that investment.

 

The Journeyperson Program is for farmers who have been independently farming for three or more years and are serious about operating farm businesses in the Southern Appalachian region.

Join the Journeyperson Info Session on Zoom!

November 15th at 7:00 pm

Sign up here