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, April 21, 2021
Chimney Rock’s Spring Homeschool Day
Apr 21 @ 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Chimney Rock State Park

Chimney Rock’s Spring Homeschool Day is the perfect time to explore the Park and get to know other homeschool families. The morning engages students through hands-on programs designed to help foster their appreciation of the natural world around us. Stay for a fun-filled afternoon with your choice of options.  Morning Programs are from 9:30am – 12:30pm; some afternoon times will also be available and may vary based on demand. Program details can be found online. Advance registration required, reserve your spot below. Registration closes April 13.

The Garden Helpline Is OPEN. Master Gardeners Work Remotely to Answer Your Questions
Apr 21 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Online w/ Extension Master Gardener Volunteers of Buncombe County

The pandemic continues to keep many of us at home and in our gardens! Our gardens will continue to grow and we will continue to have gardening questions.

To answer those questions, Extension Master GardenerSM Volunteers of Buncombe County are working from home to keep the Garden Helpline open to the public. We are available to respond to your phone calls and emails.  Send an email or leave a voice message at any time and a Master Gardener will respond during the Helpline hours listed below.

The information we provide is consistent with NC State University horticultural research and an integrated pest management approach which includes cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical methods.

Two ways to contact the Garden Helpline

Call 828-250-4878
Email questions and photos to [email protected]

Garden Helpline hours

Mondays and Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Fridays, 10 a.m. to noon

The Extension office remains closed to the public and most Master Gardener programs for the public are being held virtually. Soil test kits can be picked up at the Extension office. They are in a box outside the front door.

To learn more about Extension Master Gardener volunteers and gardening in Buncombe County, visit our website at https://www.buncombemastergardener.org/

For updates about programming and other information or to contact staff with the NC Cooperative Extension Buncombe County Center, visit https://buncombe.ces.ncsu.edu/

 

Thursday, April 22, 2021
Spring Photo Contest – “Buds + Blooms”
Apr 22 all-day
Chimney Rock State Park

THURSDAY, APRIL 1 – FRIDAY, APRIL 30

Time: 12:00 am – 11:59 pm
Cost: No additional cost to enter.

The dormancy of winter is coming to an end, and life is beginning to return to the forests. Wildflowers blooming and buds on trees are an indication that spring and warmer weather are right around the corner. This is the perfect opportunity to capture some beautiful images of the Park’s spring blooms and enter them into our “Buds & Blooms” Photo Contest. We’ll use the winning entries on our website and Facebook album, and you’ll win some fun prizes. Photos must be taken within the Chimney Rock section of the Park.

GREAT PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO 3 WINNING ENTRIES

Sustainability Consulting w/ Organic Growers School
Apr 22 all-day
Organic Growers School

Need help with your farm, garden, or homestead?

Contact us for a free 20 minute call helping you to identify your needs and goals and assess which service might be right for you. We offer a wide variety of consulting services—with hourly follow-up support and reduced fees available—including:

  • Assessment of land that you own or want to purchase.
  • Sustainability systems on your farm, garden, or homestead.
  • Guidance for your land-based project.

How the process works:

Step 1: We talk on the phone to identify your goals and needs.
Step 2: We select a service and price that best meets your needs.
Step 3: We set up a time for an in-person site visit or video call
Step 4: We coach you through a self-assessment process.
Step 5: We have our virtual or in-person site visit.
Step 6: We invoice you.
Step 7: We follow up with you with next steps, referrals, report, etc.

Projects Suitable for Consulting

Site Assessment, Earthworks, Water Catchment, Renewable energy, Garden Design &Installation, Orchards, Food Self Reliance, Soil Testing, Animal Systems, Ponds, Greenhouse, Barn & Shed Construction, Sustainable Forestry, Hardscaping, Landscaping, Mapping Your Land, Conservation, Composting, Pasture Management, Companion Planting, Organic Weed, Pest, & Disease Management, Food Storage & Preservation, Herb Gardens, Beekeeping, Wild Plant ID, Farm Planning, Land Design.

Need help with your farm, garden or land?
We offer a wide variety of consulting services—with hourly follow-up support and reduced fees available.
Contact us for a free 20 minute call helping you to identify your needs and goals and assess which service might be right for you.
Asheville Art in Action to benefit Pisgah Legal Services
Apr 22 @ 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Online w/ Pisgah Legal Services

Asheville Art in Action is a curated collection of local artists who donate 50% of their sales to local nonprofits. From April 11 through April 25th, they will split proceeds 50/50 between the artist and Pisgah Legal.

Below are the artworks available for sale. If there is a piece that you would like to purchase, please contact the artist directly to find out if the piece is still available and to purchase the piece. Each piece has the artist’s name, dimension and description. Click on the artist’s name under each individual artwork to send an email or from their their contact information listed above their artworks.

Listening Awe Walk
Apr 22 @ 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
NC Arboretum

Aurality, Wonder, Environment. Musician and environmental soundscape artist Tyler Kinnear takes participants on a Listening Awe Walk designed to deepen an aural connection to the local soundscape. Learn to give your ears priority and listen to the sounds around you.

Friday, April 23, 2021
Hiking for Hunger
Apr 23 all-day
Online w/ Hiking for Hunger

Former Volunteer Manager, Micah Tomlinson, and former MANNA Community Market Driver, Keeka Grant-Tomlinson, began hiking the Appalachian Trail together as part of Hiking for Hunger – a fundraiser created by both of them to help raise awareness of hunger and food insecurity in WNC, while also raising funds for MANNA FoodBank.
To follow along with their thru-hike and to learn more about Hiking for Hunger, Hiking for Hunger | Making miles for meals in Western North Carolina.
Organic Growers School Mentor Services
Apr 23 all-day
Organic Growers School

Erica was a HUGE supporter of my farm and was a major part in my expansion. Without the support and help from her, I am not sure I could have done this!

Erica Shanks

Farm Mentee, Farm Owner at Bearded Bird Farms

The purpose of the Mentor Services program is to support beginning and intermediate farmers by partnering them with experienced regional farmers who can provide them with one-on-one practical planning skills in the areas of:

  • farm design and production
  • marketing and business development
  • systems management
  • connecting them to the regional farming community

By serving as Mentors, regional farmers will be able to pass on the skills and knowledge that they possess to other farmers and help to build collaboration and community among the farming community.

 

Who is eligible to apply

We are looking for farmers who have been farming at least 1 year and/or have worked as a farm manager.

Preference is given to graduates of Farm Beginnings® (or other relevant farmer training programs) and members of CRAFT.

Each applicant will be evaluated on an individual basis. Farming partners who apply jointly will receive one mentor.

We are also offering a limited number of mentorships focused on forest farming, in partnership with Appalachian Beginning Forest Farmer Coalition. These will be offered as free or reduced fee mentorships. If you are interested, you can indicate that on your application.

Learn more about Forest Farming from ABFFC.

Spring Photo Contest – “Buds + Blooms”
Apr 23 all-day
Chimney Rock State Park

THURSDAY, APRIL 1 – FRIDAY, APRIL 30

Time: 12:00 am – 11:59 pm
Cost: No additional cost to enter.

The dormancy of winter is coming to an end, and life is beginning to return to the forests. Wildflowers blooming and buds on trees are an indication that spring and warmer weather are right around the corner. This is the perfect opportunity to capture some beautiful images of the Park’s spring blooms and enter them into our “Buds & Blooms” Photo Contest. We’ll use the winning entries on our website and Facebook album, and you’ll win some fun prizes. Photos must be taken within the Chimney Rock section of the Park.

GREAT PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO 3 WINNING ENTRIES

Sustainability Consulting w/ Organic Growers School
Apr 23 all-day
Organic Growers School

Need help with your farm, garden, or homestead?

Contact us for a free 20 minute call helping you to identify your needs and goals and assess which service might be right for you. We offer a wide variety of consulting services—with hourly follow-up support and reduced fees available—including:

  • Assessment of land that you own or want to purchase.
  • Sustainability systems on your farm, garden, or homestead.
  • Guidance for your land-based project.

How the process works:

Step 1: We talk on the phone to identify your goals and needs.
Step 2: We select a service and price that best meets your needs.
Step 3: We set up a time for an in-person site visit or video call
Step 4: We coach you through a self-assessment process.
Step 5: We have our virtual or in-person site visit.
Step 6: We invoice you.
Step 7: We follow up with you with next steps, referrals, report, etc.

Projects Suitable for Consulting

Site Assessment, Earthworks, Water Catchment, Renewable energy, Garden Design &Installation, Orchards, Food Self Reliance, Soil Testing, Animal Systems, Ponds, Greenhouse, Barn & Shed Construction, Sustainable Forestry, Hardscaping, Landscaping, Mapping Your Land, Conservation, Composting, Pasture Management, Companion Planting, Organic Weed, Pest, & Disease Management, Food Storage & Preservation, Herb Gardens, Beekeeping, Wild Plant ID, Farm Planning, Land Design.

Need help with your farm, garden or land?
We offer a wide variety of consulting services—with hourly follow-up support and reduced fees available.
Contact us for a free 20 minute call helping you to identify your needs and goals and assess which service might be right for you.
Asheville Art in Action to benefit Pisgah Legal Services
Apr 23 @ 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Online w/ Pisgah Legal Services

Asheville Art in Action is a curated collection of local artists who donate 50% of their sales to local nonprofits. From April 11 through April 25th, they will split proceeds 50/50 between the artist and Pisgah Legal.

Below are the artworks available for sale. If there is a piece that you would like to purchase, please contact the artist directly to find out if the piece is still available and to purchase the piece. Each piece has the artist’s name, dimension and description. Click on the artist’s name under each individual artwork to send an email or from their their contact information listed above their artworks.

The Garden Helpline Is OPEN. Master Gardeners Work Remotely to Answer Your Questions
Apr 23 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Online w/ Extension Master Gardener Volunteers of Buncombe County

The pandemic continues to keep many of us at home and in our gardens! Our gardens will continue to grow and we will continue to have gardening questions.

To answer those questions, Extension Master GardenerSM Volunteers of Buncombe County are working from home to keep the Garden Helpline open to the public. We are available to respond to your phone calls and emails.  Send an email or leave a voice message at any time and a Master Gardener will respond during the Helpline hours listed below.

The information we provide is consistent with NC State University horticultural research and an integrated pest management approach which includes cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical methods.

Two ways to contact the Garden Helpline

Call 828-250-4878
Email questions and photos to [email protected]

Garden Helpline hours

Mondays and Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Fridays, 10 a.m. to noon

The Extension office remains closed to the public and most Master Gardener programs for the public are being held virtually. Soil test kits can be picked up at the Extension office. They are in a box outside the front door.

To learn more about Extension Master Gardener volunteers and gardening in Buncombe County, visit our website at https://www.buncombemastergardener.org/

For updates about programming and other information or to contact staff with the NC Cooperative Extension Buncombe County Center, visit https://buncombe.ces.ncsu.edu/

FREE composting workshops Celebrate Earth Day Every Day
Apr 23 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Online w/ GreenWorks

Asheville Earth month graphic

  • This presentation will include an overview of the different types of composting, why it’s important, the science behind composting, and how to start your own compost or improve your current practices. The work is being performed for the residents of the City of Asheville in partnership with the City of Asheville. We will also be raffling off some of our static compost bins at the end of the workshop!
Saturday, April 24, 2021
Growing Minds Farm to School Program Spring Garden Bingo
Apr 24 all-day
Online w/ ASAP (Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project)

Spring Garden Bingp

This spring garden bingo card comes from our Growing Minds Farm to School Program, but anyone can play! Get a printable version of the card here or find more spring learning resources for kids here.

Hiking for Hunger
Apr 24 all-day
Online w/ Hiking for Hunger

Former Volunteer Manager, Micah Tomlinson, and former MANNA Community Market Driver, Keeka Grant-Tomlinson, began hiking the Appalachian Trail together as part of Hiking for Hunger – a fundraiser created by both of them to help raise awareness of hunger and food insecurity in WNC, while also raising funds for MANNA FoodBank.
To follow along with their thru-hike and to learn more about Hiking for Hunger, Hiking for Hunger | Making miles for meals in Western North Carolina.
Organic Growers School Cuba Trip 2021
Apr 24 all-day
Online

Another Cuba Trip!

We’re excited to announce we have scheduled a second trip to Cuba for June 22nd – July 1, 2021
In the case of trip cancellation, a full refund or roll over of funds paid to future trips will be offered to all registered participants. Flexible payment plans are available.
Organic Growers School Mentor Services
Apr 24 all-day
Organic Growers School

Erica was a HUGE supporter of my farm and was a major part in my expansion. Without the support and help from her, I am not sure I could have done this!

Erica Shanks

Farm Mentee, Farm Owner at Bearded Bird Farms

The purpose of the Mentor Services program is to support beginning and intermediate farmers by partnering them with experienced regional farmers who can provide them with one-on-one practical planning skills in the areas of:

  • farm design and production
  • marketing and business development
  • systems management
  • connecting them to the regional farming community

By serving as Mentors, regional farmers will be able to pass on the skills and knowledge that they possess to other farmers and help to build collaboration and community among the farming community.

 

Who is eligible to apply

We are looking for farmers who have been farming at least 1 year and/or have worked as a farm manager.

Preference is given to graduates of Farm Beginnings® (or other relevant farmer training programs) and members of CRAFT.

Each applicant will be evaluated on an individual basis. Farming partners who apply jointly will receive one mentor.

We are also offering a limited number of mentorships focused on forest farming, in partnership with Appalachian Beginning Forest Farmer Coalition. These will be offered as free or reduced fee mentorships. If you are interested, you can indicate that on your application.

Learn more about Forest Farming from ABFFC.

Spring Photo Contest – “Buds + Blooms”
Apr 24 all-day
Chimney Rock State Park

THURSDAY, APRIL 1 – FRIDAY, APRIL 30

Time: 12:00 am – 11:59 pm
Cost: No additional cost to enter.

The dormancy of winter is coming to an end, and life is beginning to return to the forests. Wildflowers blooming and buds on trees are an indication that spring and warmer weather are right around the corner. This is the perfect opportunity to capture some beautiful images of the Park’s spring blooms and enter them into our “Buds & Blooms” Photo Contest. We’ll use the winning entries on our website and Facebook album, and you’ll win some fun prizes. Photos must be taken within the Chimney Rock section of the Park.

GREAT PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO 3 WINNING ENTRIES

Sustainability Consulting w/ Organic Growers School
Apr 24 all-day
Organic Growers School

Need help with your farm, garden, or homestead?

Contact us for a free 20 minute call helping you to identify your needs and goals and assess which service might be right for you. We offer a wide variety of consulting services—with hourly follow-up support and reduced fees available—including:

  • Assessment of land that you own or want to purchase.
  • Sustainability systems on your farm, garden, or homestead.
  • Guidance for your land-based project.

How the process works:

Step 1: We talk on the phone to identify your goals and needs.
Step 2: We select a service and price that best meets your needs.
Step 3: We set up a time for an in-person site visit or video call
Step 4: We coach you through a self-assessment process.
Step 5: We have our virtual or in-person site visit.
Step 6: We invoice you.
Step 7: We follow up with you with next steps, referrals, report, etc.

Projects Suitable for Consulting

Site Assessment, Earthworks, Water Catchment, Renewable energy, Garden Design &Installation, Orchards, Food Self Reliance, Soil Testing, Animal Systems, Ponds, Greenhouse, Barn & Shed Construction, Sustainable Forestry, Hardscaping, Landscaping, Mapping Your Land, Conservation, Composting, Pasture Management, Companion Planting, Organic Weed, Pest, & Disease Management, Food Storage & Preservation, Herb Gardens, Beekeeping, Wild Plant ID, Farm Planning, Land Design.

Need help with your farm, garden or land?
We offer a wide variety of consulting services—with hourly follow-up support and reduced fees available.
Contact us for a free 20 minute call helping you to identify your needs and goals and assess which service might be right for you.
Asheville Art in Action to benefit Pisgah Legal Services
Apr 24 @ 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Online w/ Pisgah Legal Services

Asheville Art in Action is a curated collection of local artists who donate 50% of their sales to local nonprofits. From April 11 through April 25th, they will split proceeds 50/50 between the artist and Pisgah Legal.

Below are the artworks available for sale. If there is a piece that you would like to purchase, please contact the artist directly to find out if the piece is still available and to purchase the piece. Each piece has the artist’s name, dimension and description. Click on the artist’s name under each individual artwork to send an email or from their their contact information listed above their artworks.

Advanced “Photos by Phone” Photography Class
Apr 24 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Chimney Rock State Park

Join professional photographer Buddy Morrison for an interactive session on learning advanced settings and strategies for smartphone photography. Whether you’re an Android or iPhone user, you’re sure to take away some great skills from this three-hour class. This photographic odyssey will take you to various spots in the Park, so be prepared to do some moderate hiking.
This class does require advance registration as space is limited.

Pop Up Card Shop to Benefit Blue Ridge Humane
Apr 24 @ 9:30 am – 1:00 pm
Blue Ridge Humane Society Thrift Store

Proceeds from cards sold that day are donated directly to Blue Ridge Humane Society (BRHS) to provide funding for BRHS programs. Cards for HVL Causes are unique and thoughtful handmade greeting cards covering a wide range of occasions from Holidays, Thank You, Love and Friendship, Thinking of You, Birthday, Sympathy, and more. In addition, the limited edition BRHS Mother’s Day card will be available for purchase to honor the mothers and the people who show mom-like love.

Cards for HVL Causes was founded by Kathy Wrobel in 2019, and is a non-profit, volunteer-run organization that creates handmade cards for resale that benefit select area non-profits. Kathy shares: “When I began thinking about retirement, I knew I wanted to use my card-making expertise and materials to give back in thanksgiving for all my life’s blessings.” Cards for HVL Causes was created with the model of continuous circle of giving, encompassing volunteers, non-profits, customers, card recipients, and donors.

 

The Blue Ridge Humane Society, Inc., is a 501(c)3 animal welfare organization started in 1950 dedicated to ensuring the highest quality of life for animals in Henderson County and our neighboring communities. BRHS cares for pets awaiting adoption and in foster homes; offers low-cost vaccine clinics, animal education programs, pet training classes, and youth education and projects; coordinates community pet food assistance, emergency vet assistance, and the Spay Neuter Incentive Program (SNIP), which is a collaboration with Henderson County, the City of Hendersonville, and the Henderson County Animal Services Center.

 

If you believe in our cause, consider making a donation or learning how to volunteer by visiting the Blue Ridge Humane Society’s website at www.blueridgehumane.org or call (828) 692-2639.

Online Seminar: Wood Pallet and Straw Bale Gardening
Apr 24 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Online w/  Master Gardener ℠ Volunteers of Buncombe County

Straw bale gardening--good for small spaces and problem soils

Virtual attendance via Zoom video and audio internet connection.

Presenter: Phil Roudebush, Extension Master GardenerSM Volunteer

Join Phil as he explains how to use straw bales and recycled wood pallets for gardening in small spaces. This popular technique is also an easy and economical way to overcome problems gardeners encounter with heavy clay soils.

Registration: The talk is free but registration is required. Please click on the link below to register. If you encounter problems registering or if you have questions, call 828-255-5522

Wood Pallet and Straw Bale Gardening
Apr 24 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Virtual event

On-line Saturday Seminar presented by Extension Master Gardeners of Buncombe County
Join Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Phil Roudebush as he explains how to use straw bales and recycled wood pallets for gardening in small spaces. This popular technique is also an easy and economical way to overcome problems gardeners encounter with heavy clay soil. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.

Nature at Night Hike
Apr 24 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Chimney Rock State Park

Come observe the Park under a shadow of darkness and watch as it comes alive. Join a Park naturalist as you hike along the Hickory Nut Falls trail, a moderate hike. You never know what nocturnal animals you may hear or see.  You will want to bring a headlamp or flashlight, dress appropriately for the weather, wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring water. Space is limited to 15, and advance registration is required.

Sunday, April 25, 2021
Growing Minds Farm to School Program Spring Garden Bingo
Apr 25 all-day
Online w/ ASAP (Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project)

Spring Garden Bingp

This spring garden bingo card comes from our Growing Minds Farm to School Program, but anyone can play! Get a printable version of the card here or find more spring learning resources for kids here.

Hiking for Hunger
Apr 25 all-day
Online w/ Hiking for Hunger

Former Volunteer Manager, Micah Tomlinson, and former MANNA Community Market Driver, Keeka Grant-Tomlinson, began hiking the Appalachian Trail together as part of Hiking for Hunger – a fundraiser created by both of them to help raise awareness of hunger and food insecurity in WNC, while also raising funds for MANNA FoodBank.
To follow along with their thru-hike and to learn more about Hiking for Hunger, Hiking for Hunger | Making miles for meals in Western North Carolina.
Organic Growers School Cuba Trip 2021
Apr 25 all-day
Online

Another Cuba Trip!

We’re excited to announce we have scheduled a second trip to Cuba for June 22nd – July 1, 2021
In the case of trip cancellation, a full refund or roll over of funds paid to future trips will be offered to all registered participants. Flexible payment plans are available.
Organic Growers School Mentor Services
Apr 25 all-day
Organic Growers School

Erica was a HUGE supporter of my farm and was a major part in my expansion. Without the support and help from her, I am not sure I could have done this!

Erica Shanks

Farm Mentee, Farm Owner at Bearded Bird Farms

The purpose of the Mentor Services program is to support beginning and intermediate farmers by partnering them with experienced regional farmers who can provide them with one-on-one practical planning skills in the areas of:

  • farm design and production
  • marketing and business development
  • systems management
  • connecting them to the regional farming community

By serving as Mentors, regional farmers will be able to pass on the skills and knowledge that they possess to other farmers and help to build collaboration and community among the farming community.

 

Who is eligible to apply

We are looking for farmers who have been farming at least 1 year and/or have worked as a farm manager.

Preference is given to graduates of Farm Beginnings® (or other relevant farmer training programs) and members of CRAFT.

Each applicant will be evaluated on an individual basis. Farming partners who apply jointly will receive one mentor.

We are also offering a limited number of mentorships focused on forest farming, in partnership with Appalachian Beginning Forest Farmer Coalition. These will be offered as free or reduced fee mentorships. If you are interested, you can indicate that on your application.

Learn more about Forest Farming from ABFFC.

Spring Photo Contest – “Buds + Blooms”
Apr 25 all-day
Chimney Rock State Park

THURSDAY, APRIL 1 – FRIDAY, APRIL 30

Time: 12:00 am – 11:59 pm
Cost: No additional cost to enter.

The dormancy of winter is coming to an end, and life is beginning to return to the forests. Wildflowers blooming and buds on trees are an indication that spring and warmer weather are right around the corner. This is the perfect opportunity to capture some beautiful images of the Park’s spring blooms and enter them into our “Buds & Blooms” Photo Contest. We’ll use the winning entries on our website and Facebook album, and you’ll win some fun prizes. Photos must be taken within the Chimney Rock section of the Park.

GREAT PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO 3 WINNING ENTRIES