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, August 5, 2020
Miss Malaprop’s Storytime LIVE STREAM
Aug 5 @ 10:00 am
Live Stream

Due to Covid-19, we are live streaming Storytime in lieu of an in-store event. Join us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/malapropsbookstore/ to tune into Miss Malaprop’s Storytime from your home.

Join us with your wee ones every week on Wednesdays at 10 am for classic and contemporary stories sure to enchant and entertain. Together, we’ll introduce children to the wonderful world of books! Recommended for ages 3-9.

Event date:
Wednesday, July 29, 2020 – 10:00am
Wednesday, August 5, 2020 – 10:00am
Wednesday, August 12, 2020 – 10:00am
Wednesday, August 19, 2020 – 10:00am
Event address:
Same Roots, Separate Sounds: Archiving Song Traditions in the Foothills
Aug 5 @ 10:00 am
Online

Archive-Flyer-final

Tryon Fine Arts Center (TFAC) proudly presents a series of free, live-streamed music and virtual exhibition events. Because Tryon Fine Arts Center is currently closed to live audiences, Illuminations is a first-ever, virtual-only series of events.

Illuminations Through Music and Heritage

This very special artistic and cultural series celebrates the international exploration of music and heritage between students of Tryon Fine Arts Center’s Pacolet Junior Appalachian Musicians and students with the Petra National Trust in Jordan (PNT). 

Same Roots, Separate Sounds: Archiving Song Traditions in the Foothills

Opens Wednesday, August 5 at 10 a.m.

A multi-media exhibition highlighting local musicians and the various multi-cultural genres they are preserving through photo, video, and audio clips. Artists include Wayne and Kristin Benson, Ella Hennessee and Mary Johnson, Greenville Fine Arts Center Jazz, Tonya Staley, Adib Chebli, and Brandon Turner & Freddie Vanderford. 

Carolina Shine Moonshine Experience with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Aug 5 @ 10:30 am – 3:00 pm
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

“Shine and Dine” on the railway! We cordially invite you to hop on board The Carolina Shine, GSMR’s All-Adult First Class Moonshine Car! We will be proudly serving hand crafted, triple-distilled, craft moonshine. Some of the smoothest tasting moonshine in the Carolinas!

Offered on the Nantahala Gorge excursion, this shine and dine experience begins in a renovated First Class train fleet car, The Carolina Shine. The interior features copper lined walls filled with the history of moonshining in North Carolina. Learn about the proud tradition that the Appalachians established when bootlegging was an acceptable way of life and local home brews were the best in town. Read about Swain County’s very own Major Redmond, the most famous mountain moonshine outlaw of the 19th century.

Once your appetite for knowledge is satisfied, enjoy sample tastings of flavors like Apple Pie, Blackberry, Blueberry, Cherry, Peach, and Strawberry moonshine. If the samples are not enough, there will be plenty of Moonshine infused cocktails like Copper Cola or Moonshiner’s Mimosa available for purchase.

 

GSMR is excited to feature multiple craft NC based distilleries to serve our guests only the best! Each jar is handcrafted and authentically infused with real fruit, the way moonshine was meant to be made.

Passengers will also enjoy a full service All-Adult First Class ride with an attendant serving GSMR’s freshly cooked pulled pork barbeque rubbed with Cajun spices then slow-roasted to perfection served with southern sweet cornbread muffin with honey butter, coleslaw, and cinnamon apples then finish with a delicious piece of Sea Salt Caramel Cheesecake. Riders will also receive their very own Carolina Shine mason drinking jar, refillable with soda beverages and tea throughout the day, and a souvenir GSMR tote bag (1 per couple/party).

Incredible Business Networking – Hendersonville
Aug 5 @ 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Mike's On Main

• What we’ll do
Network and have lunch with new and old friends while you promote your business products and services. Bring a big stack of business cards and a friend if you like. ALL are invited, no cost to attend the meeting, we just ask that you support our host restaurant and buy your lunch (don’t forget to add a hand-spun milkshake to your meal!).

• What to bring
Business Cards, Positive Attitudes, Smiles.

• Important to know
Perfect your one minute speech – make sure people know who you are and most importantly, how you can help them. Networking events are a great place to practice your pitch!

• Thanks to our Sponsors!
– Radius Chiropractic
– Montreat College School of Adult and Graduate Studies
– College Nannies+Sitters
– Charlotte Sheppard, Realtor
– The Super Signguy

Rising Leaders Program
Aug 5 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Online

DSC 0081

Rising Leaders is an eight-month long program, designed to develop the next generation of community leaders and board members for Henderson County nonprofit organizations. United Way of Henderson County has created the Rising Leaders program to educate individuals and give them the tools and connections to become key volunteers with our community partners and other nonprofits in Henderson County.

For the upcoming 2020/21 Rising Leaders program, we are offering a Virtual Rising Leaders program with monthly meetings happening on Zoom. It is our hope to hold our March 2021 Graduation in person, but attendance will not be required to successfully complete the program. We are offering an information session on Zoom on August 5, 2020 from 12-1 pm for those who would like to learn more. Register here.

Click here for a 2020/21 Virtual Rising Leaders application.

West Side Story POSTPONED to 2021 Season
Aug 5 @ 2:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse
Live Marbling
Aug 5 @ 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
Aug 5 @ 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!
Asheville Art Museum: WNC residents pay-as-you-wish 1st Wednesdays
Aug 5 @ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Asheville Art Museum

FIRST WEDNESDAYS

WNC residents pay-as-you-wish on Wednesday, 4–6pm!
Wednesday Night Date Night! UpCountry Brewing Company
Aug 5 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
UpCountry Brewing Company

Image may contain: pizza, text and food

We’re starting something new for you all: Wednesday Night Date Night! Join us for dinner from 5-9PM every Wednesday for a fun evening with a great deal.

For $27, you’ll get your choice of two small salads or one large salad, one appetizer, and one pizza (specialty or a 3-topping BYO) from Grata Pizzeria. Add two UpCountry beers for a total of $37.

See you here!

Karen Salyer McElmurray: Wanting Radiance, in conversation w/Abigail DeWitt
Aug 5 @ 6:00 pm
Online

This event is free but registration is required and attendance is limited.  If you elect to attend, we will email you on the day of the event with the link and password required to attend on Zoom.

Karen Salyer McElmurray won an AWP Award for creative nonfiction for her book Surrendered Child: A Birth Mother’s Journey and the Orison Award for creative nonfiction for her essay “Blue Glass.” She has had other essays recognized as “Notable Essays” in Best American Essays, while her essay “Speaking Freely” was nominated for a Pushcart Award. She currently teaches at Gettysburg College and at West Virginia Wesleyan’s Low-Residency MFA. She will be in conversation with Abigail DeWitt, author of News of Our Loved Ones. 

Like most of our events, this event is free. If you decide to attend and to purchase the author’s book(s), we ask that you purchase from Malaprop’s. When you do this you are supporting our work and keeping more dollars in our community. Thank you!

An Evening with Leah Grams Johnson
Aug 5 @ 7:00 pm
Isis Music Hall

With a distinct timbre akin to the untamable spirit of the American West, Leah Grams Johnson is her own breed of cowgirl mystic, living on gut feelings, with an unshakeable love for the world.

Seated Lounge Show – Limited Tables Available with a Dinner Reservation :: All Other Seating is First Come First Serve General Admission :: Please Call Venue for Dinner Reservations
Live Stream: The Travis Book Happy Hour
Aug 5 @ 7:00 pm
Online
LIVE STREAM: The Travis Book Happy Hour ft Lindsay Lou

Presented by The Grey Eagle and Worthwhile Sounds
ALL AGES
The 3rd installment of The Travis Book Happy Hour live from The Grey Eagle in Asheville, NC! Live streaming on The GE’s Facebook page.

TRAVIS BOOK (of The Infamous Stringdusters)

The Travis Book Happy Hour is a 90 minute variety show hosted by Travis Book; vocalist, songwriter, and bassist in the Grammy Award winning bluegrass band, The Infamous Stringdusters, streaming live from the historic Grey Eagle in Asheville, NC. Born from his desire to bring musicians and friends together for collaboration, Travis launched the series in the summer of 2020 amidst the uncertainty of the Covid-19 crisis and a country divided. Unique musical collaborations with friends and contemporaries leads to singular moments of harmony and the occasional musical train-wreck. Part eTown, part Late Night w/ David Letterman, and part spiritual talk, The Travis Book Happy Hour dives deep into questions about the nature of our being and what it means to be here and now through music and conversation while maintaining a sense of humor and perspective in an ever-changing world.

Jesus Christ Superstar
Aug 5 @ 11:30 pm – Aug 6 @ 1:30 am
Peace Center

Part of the 2019 – 2020 Broadway Season. Learn more about subscribing: http://bit.ly/2J6KMcs.

Jesus Christ Superstar is an iconic musical phenomenon with a worldwide fan base.

In celebration of its 50th Anniversary, a new mesmerizing production comes to North America. Originally staged by London’s Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and helmed by the acclaimed director Timothy Sheader (Crazy for You, Into the Woods) and award winning choreographer Drew McOnie (King Kong, Strictly Ballroom), this production won the 2017 Olivier® Award for Best Musical Revival, garnering unprecedented reviews and accolades. Appealing to both theater audiences and concert music fans, this production pays tribute to the historic 1971 Billboard Album of the Year while creating a modern, theatrical world that is uniquely fresh and inspiring.

With music and lyrics by Emmy®, Grammy®, Oscar®, and Tony® winners Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, Jesus Christ Superstar is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary series of events during the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ as seen through the eyes of Judas. Reflecting the rock roots that defined a generation, the legendary score includes “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” “Gethsemane,” and “Superstar.”

https://www.facebook.com/events/2277839588963726/?event_time_id=2277839592297059

Jesus Christ Superstar CANCELLED
Aug 5 @ 7:30 pm
Peace Center

Jesus Christ Superstar is an iconic musical phenomenon with a worldwide fan base.

In celebration of its 50th Anniversary, a new mesmerizing production comes to North America. Originally staged by London’s Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and helmed by the acclaimed director Timothy Sheader (Crazy for You, Into the Woods) and award winning choreographer Drew McOnie (King Kong, Strictly Ballroom), this production won the 2017 Olivier® Award for Best Musical Revival, garnering unprecedented reviews and accolades. Appealing to both theater audiences and concert music fans, this production pays tribute to the historic 1971 Billboard Album of the Year while creating a modern, theatrical world that is uniquely fresh and inspiring.

With music and lyrics by Emmy®, Grammy®, Oscar®, and Tony® winners Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, Jesus Christ Superstar is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary series of events during the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ as seen through the eyes of Judas. Reflecting the rock roots that defined a generation, the legendary score includes “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” “Gethsemane,” and “Superstar.”

Official Website

West Side Story POSTPONED until 2021 Season
Aug 5 @ 7:30 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse
Blue October CANCELLED
Aug 5 @ 8:00 pm
The Orange Peel

 

Ages 18+

BLUE OCTOBER, the San Marcos, TX-based band known for shimmering rock songs and haunting lyrics on albums such as 2009’s Billboard Top 15 debut, Approaching Normal, 2011’s Billboard Top Ten debut Any Man In America and the Platinum-selling Foiled, makes a triumphant return with Sway (Up/Down Records), the band’s first album in two years.

With lush, atmospheric songs such as “Bleed Out,” “Angels In Everything” and “Fear,” and the edgy rocker “Put It In,” the Texas four-piece comes back strong with a revitalized energy and a positive outlook. As singer Justin Furstenfeld puts it: “This album is about why life is so beautiful. It’s about facing fears and recognizing miracles every day. It’s about enjoying yourself and realizing that life is not something you can half-ass.”

The band began writing the album after coming off a series of tour dates in 2012. Drummer Jeremy Furstenfeld echoes his brother’s attitude. “, “The band is in a really great space now, everyone is healthy, happy, and doing well. That’s changed our point of view, and you can hear that new perspective on the album.”

Thursday, August 6, 2020
100 Days and 100 Ways to Get Ready for Election Day
Aug 6 all-day
Online

100 Days and 100 Ways to Get Ready for Election Day

FIND INFO AT:  https://www.lwv.org/blog/100-days-and-100-ways-get-ready-election-day?utm_source=MonthlyHighlights&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=July2020

7th Annual Business Plan Contest
Aug 6 all-day
Online

The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the 7th Annual Business Plan Contest. A well-written business plan lays the foundation for a financially successful business. A well prepared and executed business plan will grow sales, employment, and improve the bottom line. The business – start-up or existing – with the winning business plan will receive business services including advertising, tax, legal, and marketing for free, a value of over $5,000!

Please email your plan to Hoyle Adams at the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce
204 Kanuga Road, Hendersonville, NC 28739 • [email protected] (828) 692-1413

The 7th Annual Business Plan Contest is open to start-ups as well as existing businesses. You DO NOT have to be a Chamber member to participate. Electronic submissions are due to the Chamber by Friday, August 21, 2020. A panel of judges will select the winner and present the award at a reception on Monday, September 14 – part of Henderson County’s Small Business Week.
Artists Collective | Spartanburg 2020 Juried Exhibition Calling Artists
Aug 6 all-day
Online
showtime

Artists Collective | Spartanburg 2020 Juried Exhibition

4 state exhibit – SC, NC, TN, GA

We have struggled with whether to cancel this exhibit or not. We know that artists need this type of exhibit more than ever so we are continuing as planned. The dates are Sept. 15 – Oct. 17. There will not be an awards reception this year, but we will make the awards announcements online at a given time. The exhibit can be viewed during normal business hours. Last year this was a very successful event and prizes totaled $4500. We plan the same this year.

Arts Business Buncombe County, please fill out Survey
Aug 6 all-day
Online
Arts organizations were among the first to have to close their doors, and many have suffered substantial losses. Americans for the Arts Impact Dashboard shows over $5.2 million in lost revenue so far from the 89 arts organizations in Buncombe County that have responded. For perspective, there are (were) almost 500 arts organizations and close to 10,000 creative jobs in Buncombe County before the pandemic.

If you are an arts business in Buncombe County, please take a few minutes to fill out this survey! This data is vital to our advocacy efforts on behalf of the Buncombe County arts sector. Help us, help you!

Asheville Art Museum Now Offering Curbside Pickup
Aug 6 all-day
Asheville Art Museum

We’re excited to now offer curbside pickup on Monday and Saturday afternoons and Thursday mornings for your purchases from the Museum Store! Browse the selection of apparel, books, handcrafted jewelry and art, inspiring toys, and more online. Simply select “pickup” at checkout, and we’ll contact you to find a time that fits your schedule.

Beyond the Bag Challenge: $1 Million in Funding for Innovative Solutions
Aug 6 all-day
Online
The Challenge aims to identify innovative new design solutions that serve the function of today’s single-use plastic retail bag, delivering ease and convenience for consumers while striving to lessen the impact on the environment.
The Challenge is a part of the Beyond the Bag Initiative, a global initiative launched by Closed Loop Partners’ Center for the Circular Economy with Founding Partners CVS Health, Target, and Walmart. Kroger joins as Grocery Sector Lead Partner and Walgreens as a Supporting Partner, alongside Conservation International and Ocean Conservancy as Environmental Advisory Partners.
Solutions can be submitted from August 3 to September 10, 2020. Selected winners are eligible to receive a portion of $1 million in funding, participate in a Circular Accelerator to receive further assistance in scaling their solutions, and potential access to testing and piloting opportunities.

 

More Info at: https://www.openideo.com/challenge-briefs/beyond-the-bag-challenge?utm_source=oi-direct-outreach&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=beyond-the-bag&utm_source=July+2020+Newsletter&utm_campaign=june+2020&utm_medium=email

Buncombe County Area Meal Sites
Aug 6 all-day
Buncombe County

Find locations around Buncombe County working hard to feed our community.

FOR STUDENTS: text FOODNC to 877-877 to locate nearby free meal sites. The texting service is also available in Spanish by texting COMIDA to 877-877.

View meal sites by geographical area, day of the week, and/or service type offered.

Citizen Vinyl Record Pressing Plant Opens September
Aug 6 all-day
NC’s Citizen-Times building

CITIZEN VINYL RECORD PRESSING PLANT TO OPEN IN ASHEVILLE, NC THIS SEPTEMBER

NORTH CAROLINA’S FIRST VINYL MANUFACTURER WILL TAKE UP RESIDENCE IN HISTORIC CITIZEN-TIMES BUILDING

RECORD STORE, MUSIC STUDIO, BAR/CAFE AMONG PLANS FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION

A full circle revival is underway for Asheville, NC’s Citizen-Times building. Once home to the daily paper’s printing facility and offices, the historic site will soon be unveiled with a new identity as a boutique vinyl pressing plant, record store and bar/cafe (and a new name): Citizen Vinyl. Founded by veteran music producer Gar Ragland and supported by a dream team of industry professionals and craftsmen, Citizen Vinyl is slated to become North Carolina’s first on site pressing plant, though its mission goes beyond just manufacturing great quality records.

Completing the Census is Safe, Easy and Important! Make NC Count!
Aug 6 all-day
Online

Completing the survey is quick and easy to do. You can complete your Census questionnaire online, by phone or on paper. By using your phone, tablet or computer, or simply grabbing a pencil or pen, you can complete the questionnaire, spending less than 10 minutes on what can impact your community in the next 10 years.

The process is safe, easy and important and you can respond in one of three ways:

  • Online by visiting my2020census.gov.
  • By phone by calling 1-800-923-8282. For information on language support, click here for a listing of telephone numbers.
  • Via mail

Help Make NC Count! View and download resource materials by clicking on the button below.

NC Census Outreach & Engagement Toolkit

 

diverse group of people holding hands together in the park

COVID-19 Relief: NC Help Keep Your Recycling Program Going
Aug 6 all-day
 
The NC Division of Environmental Assistance and Customer Service (DEACS) recently a new grant funding opportunity available to North Carolina local governments and private recycling businesses through the COVID-19 Recycling Relief Grant Program.
Proposals are now being accepted for projects to purchase equipment and/or resources to support residential recycling programs that have been stopped or impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. DEACS is seeking grant projects that support or improve an existing recycling program operated by a local government or a private recycling business.  There is no deadline for grant proposals.  Proposals will be continuously accepted, and awards will be made for the winning proposals on a rolling basis while funding is available.
For more information, contact:
Matt James at (919) 707-8133, [email protected]
Craft Your Commerce Online Summer Workshop Series
Aug 6 all-day
Online

Craft Your Commerce is a Mountain BizWorks entrepreneurial program designed to connect, elevate and advance creative and craft-centered companies through a series of business training workshops and classes designed by makers for makers. The program is offered in partnership with Center for Craft, UNC Asheville, and area creative entrepreneurs.

The 2020 Summer Workshop Series: Creative Shifts will focus on adapting your craft business to thrive in a drastically changed market.

We will start with a speaker panel of leading WNC based craft business entrepreneurs to hear how they’ve adjusted their business model and operations to meet the challenges of COVID-19. We will then learn from a Portland-based craft manufacturing entrepreneur about the innovative techniques and leadership strategies that have helped him to successfully scale his business and continue to weather these challenging market conditions. Finally, we will open a window into the realm of commercial projects and buyers, which is a customer and revenue segment that remains untapped for many craft entrepreneurs.

Throughout the series, an integrative cohort-based learning program will help weave together lessons from the workshops and guide entrepreneurs in developing their own goals and actionable plans.

Don’t Waste Durham: Reduce Waste Survey
Aug 6 all-day
Online
Customer Survey about Takeout “Extras”
This survey is 17 questions long and should take approximately 5 minutes to complete. Responses will be recorded anonymously unless contact information is provided following completion.

WHY ARE WE DOING THIS? Don’t Waste Durham thanks you VERY much for taking this survey. Your responses are important to understanding whether and how much people are using the takeout “extras” (plastic forks, paper napkins, etc) that restaurants give you with your takeout/delivery. THANK YOU!

Gardening Video: Sun to Shade—Changing Light Patterns in Your Garden
Aug 6 all-day
Online

Presenter: Kay Green, Extension Master GardenerSM Volunteer

The amount of sun or shade in your garden will change as the sun moves across the sky during the day and with the seasons.  By knowing how much sun the garden gets, you can better plan where your plants will thrive.  In this video, Kay shows you how to create a “Sun Map” and a “Sun Chart” to record the sun and shade patterns in your garden.  Using these simple tools will help you make better plant selections and reward you with better results.

Video access:
To access these videos on the Buncombe County Master Gardener website, click on the link below:
Sun to Shade—Changing Light Patterns in Your Garden 

Or go to www.buncombemastergardener.org, click on the ‘Resources’ tab at the top of the page, and select ‘Gardening Videos’ from the drop down menu.