Calendar of Events
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.
You can’t beat a walk with a friend over good conversation. So, why not take a walk with lots of friends and a history expert to boot? Buncombe County Libraries is excited to announce its Strolling Through History program focused on getting you moving while taking in some experiential history. “Each one of the strolls is a little different. We’ll talk about the evolution of the architecture, famous (or not quite so famous) residents, important events, and more,” explains Pack Memorial Librarian Katherine Calhoun Cutshall. “On our Haywood Street stroll, we talked about how the street has seen two major rebirths and discussed the careers of two WWI nurses who grew up on the street while it was mostly residential.”
Pack Librarians are always looking for innovative ways to showcase the library’s portfolio of initiatives and resources. “The North Carolina Room is a hidden gem in our library system, so programs like Strolling Through History bring the collection to the streets of downtown while showing off resources and programs in a fun new way,” notes Katherine. And of course, exercising your muscles and social skills are important at any age
So, how can you get involved with the monthly Strolling Through History? There are two versions: one for elder adults and one for babies and their caregivers. If you’re interested in participating, the elder adults strolls are the third Friday of every month, and the babies and caretakers strolls are the third Wednesday of every month (except July). All strolls will meet at Pack Memorial Library at 10:30 a.m., and participants should wear comfortable shoes and bring water to stay hydrated. Registration is required.
Community Garden located at the Buncombe County Sports Park.
The mission of Sand HIll Community Garden is to share in garden space, knowledge, and labor with all members of the community. Using organic growing practices we promote community health and wellness by providing fresh produce for garden members and local people in need of food.
Application deadline Sept. 15
Wildlife Triage interns help in all aspects of operations including the full rehabilitation process, answering phone calls and emails about wildlife interactions, the daily care of injured and orphaned wildlife and their enclosures, assisting with transport, and communications with the wildlife rehabilitation network in western NC. Interns assist in facility upkeep and maintenance as needed and are provided the opportunity to experience all aspects of the non-profit if there is interest. No two days in wildlife rehabilitation are the same. Interns must be flexible, dedicated, dependable, and comfortable working in a team setting with other volunteers and communicating with the public. Interns are required to commit to a 4-5 month internship period with positions available in the Spring, Summer, and Fall. Schedules are determined during each season and based on animal intake.
Homework Diners take place weekly (except on school holidays or early release days). Families are invited to the cafeteria of the middle school during the scheduled time each week. No pre-registration is required to attend. Homework Diners currently take place at four area middle schools: Asheville, Enka, Erwin and Owen Middle. All are open to any family with a K-12 student in the surrounding school district with an adult family member in attendance with the participating student.
The 2019-20 Homework Diner schedule:
- Erwin Middle on Monday nights starting September 23, 2019 from 5:30-7:00 p.m.
- Asheville Middle on Tuesday nights starting September 24, 2019 from 5-7:00 p.m.
- Enka Middle on Tuesday nights starting September 24, 2019 from 5:30-7:00 p.m.
- Owen Middle on Thursday nights starting September 26, 2019 from 5:30-7:00 p.m.
Asheville on Bikes, the Blue Ridge Bicycle Club, and more have worked with representatives of the City of Asheville for almost 10 years to find out how many people are walking and bicycling in various locations around the city. You can help!
This year, in coordination with the National Bicycle and Pedestrian Documentation Project, we will count non-motorized users of our streets at a number of specific sites from 5-7 p.m. on one of the following dates:
*Tuesday, September 10th, OR
*Wednesday, September 11th, OR
*Thursday, September 12th.
There are also a few sites available from 7-9 a.m. on those days, and a few sites that are counted on Saturday, September 15th from 9-11 a.m. Volunteer hours are extremely valuable in this effort. A short training is required, but no special skills are needed. Sign up at Bike/Ped Site Registration or if you have questions, email [email protected].
Application deadline Sept. 15
Wildlife Triage interns help in all aspects of operations including the full rehabilitation process, answering phone calls and emails about wildlife interactions, the daily care of injured and orphaned wildlife and their enclosures, assisting with transport, and communications with the wildlife rehabilitation network in western NC. Interns assist in facility upkeep and maintenance as needed and are provided the opportunity to experience all aspects of the non-profit if there is interest. No two days in wildlife rehabilitation are the same. Interns must be flexible, dedicated, dependable, and comfortable working in a team setting with other volunteers and communicating with the public. Interns are required to commit to a 4-5 month internship period with positions available in the Spring, Summer, and Fall. Schedules are determined during each season and based on animal intake.
Homework Diners take place weekly (except on school holidays or early release days). Families are invited to the cafeteria of the middle school during the scheduled time each week. No pre-registration is required to attend. Homework Diners currently take place at four area middle schools: Asheville, Enka, Erwin and Owen Middle. All are open to any family with a K-12 student in the surrounding school district with an adult family member in attendance with the participating student.
The 2019-20 Homework Diner schedule:
- Erwin Middle on Monday nights starting September 23, 2019 from 5:30-7:00 p.m.
- Asheville Middle on Tuesday nights starting September 24, 2019 from 5-7:00 p.m.
- Enka Middle on Tuesday nights starting September 24, 2019 from 5:30-7:00 p.m.
- Owen Middle on Thursday nights starting September 26, 2019 from 5:30-7:00 p.m.
The Junior League of Asheville, Inc. (JLA) will hold its third annual Volunteer Expo, on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at the Crowne Plaza Expo Center from 10am to 3pm. Modeled after a job fair, this free event will feature more than 70 local nonprofits looking to fill ongoing and future volunteer needs. Nonprofits in almost every area of community concern will be present at the event: health, poverty, legal aid, environmental stewardship, women’s issues, arts, civic leadership, technology, education and animal welfare.
Excitement for the Volunteer Expo continues to grow, with nonprofit participation growing year over year. The 2019 event featured over 70 non-profits with attendance at well over 1,000 community members coming to network and sign up to volunteer with nonprofit organizations.
The 2020 Volunteer Expo will be accepting applications starting in September. Due to the increase in interest for booths at the Expo, this year the League plans to review all applications received instead of awarding booths on a first come first serve basis. They hope this will ensure a good mix of volunteer opportunities in a variety of service areas as well as allow new nonprofits the chance to have a booth at the event. There will be a silent auction fundraiser, Cheers to Volunteers, the evening before the Volunteer Expo from 6pm to 9pm at the Masonic Temple in downtown Asheville. All community members are invited to attend both events. If you are a nonprofit interested in participating in the 2020 Volunteer Expo, please email us at [email protected].
Asheville on Bikes, the Blue Ridge Bicycle Club, and more have worked with representatives of the City of Asheville for almost 10 years to find out how many people are walking and bicycling in various locations around the city. You can help!
This year, in coordination with the National Bicycle and Pedestrian Documentation Project, we will count non-motorized users of our streets at a number of specific sites from 5-7 p.m. on one of the following dates:
*Tuesday, September 10th, OR
*Wednesday, September 11th, OR
*Thursday, September 12th.
There are also a few sites available from 7-9 a.m. on those days, and a few sites that are counted on Saturday, September 15th from 9-11 a.m. Volunteer hours are extremely valuable in this effort. A short training is required, but no special skills are needed. Sign up at Bike/Ped Site Registration or if you have questions, email [email protected].
This urban scavenger hunt will take teams of four around the downtown area via a series of clues to sixteen different locations where they will be required to complete a task before receiving their next clue. Two volunteers will staff each secret location, checking teams in and out, throughout the day. Contact [email protected] directly if you are interested in assisting with this event or sign up by CLICKING HERE.
Do you have an interest or passion for playing in streams, working with kids, or doing science outdoors? If so come join our team of volunteer educators to help us lead lessons as part of our RiverRATS Education Program! This program works with schools throughout the watershed to teach students about aquatic ecosystems and inspire an appreciation of the river.
In this training RiverLink staff will teach you all about these spaces, including physical structures of streams, the various creatures that live there, and water chemistry. You’ll learn a bit about our strategies for sharing this information with the public, and have opportunities to play with some interactive models. Once you’ve completed this training and been cleared by a background check, you’ll be ready to come with us to schools, and start teaching the next generation of river stewards!
You can’t beat a walk with a friend over good conversation. So, why not take a walk with lots of friends and a history expert to boot? Buncombe County Libraries is excited to announce its Strolling Through History program focused on getting you moving while taking in some experiential history. “Each one of the strolls is a little different. We’ll talk about the evolution of the architecture, famous (or not quite so famous) residents, important events, and more,” explains Pack Memorial Librarian Katherine Calhoun Cutshall. “On our Haywood Street stroll, we talked about how the street has seen two major rebirths and discussed the careers of two WWI nurses who grew up on the street while it was mostly residential.”
Pack Librarians are always looking for innovative ways to showcase the library’s portfolio of initiatives and resources. “The North Carolina Room is a hidden gem in our library system, so programs like Strolling Through History bring the collection to the streets of downtown while showing off resources and programs in a fun new way,” notes Katherine. And of course, exercising your muscles and social skills are important at any age
So, how can you get involved with the monthly Strolling Through History? There are two versions: one for elder adults and one for babies and their caregivers. If you’re interested in participating, the elder adults strolls are the third Friday of every month, and the babies and caretakers strolls are the third Wednesday of every month (except July). All strolls will meet at Pack Memorial Library at 10:30 a.m., and participants should wear comfortable shoes and bring water to stay hydrated. Registration is required.
Come learn more and be trained as an SAHC ambassador! A SAHC Ambassador is a volunteer who represents SAHC at public and tabling events. This will be a short orientation to learn more about this volunteer opportunity.
Why does SAHC need Ambassadors?
One of our goals at SAHC is to connect with members of our community and let them know about our local land and water conservation work. Often times we are asked to participate during events that fall outside our normal business hours, so it is helpful to have informative volunteers able to relieve our staff. SAHC Ambassadors are crucial to our engagement efforts and add capacity to our community-building.
Head to the bucolic hills of Fairview, just southeast of Asheville, where western North Carolina’s rich agricultural heritage lives on at family farms and artisan food producers. Experience the century-plus legacy of Hickory Nut Gap Farm, a sustainable farm run by the fifth generation of family owners. Savor award-winning farmstead cheeses at Looking Glass Creamery–a place so hands-on, the cheese maker milks the cows herself–and pick up fresh-from-the-fields produce at Flying Cloud Farm. Along the way, enjoy locally produced beverages. Live music at Hickory Nut Gap Farm by Zoe and Cloyd.
at each farm, there is a guest chef providing a dish featuring products from that particular farm. There will be a beverage pairing at each stop. At Hickory Nut Gap Farm, there are a few chef stations and live music. Transportation to and from downtown is also provided for this event.
Must be 21 and older to attend all Chow Chow events!
All events, prices, personalities, performances, venues, dates, and times are subject to change without notice. All sales are final.
Sponsored and coordinated by The Carolina Foothills Chamber of Commerce, the team lovingly refers to this year’s event as the Second-THIRD-ANNUAL HARMON FIELD MUSIC FESTIVAL. On Saturday, September 14 (12:00 noon to 8:00 pm), five great bands all headline the event Rich Nelson Band, Nobody’s Fault, Citizen Mojo, Lecretia w/Thunder Road, Shane Pruitt and Gregory Hodges. The music offerings are a blend of Country, Rock and Blues.
Bring your dancing shoes, a pop-up chair and a great attitude to enjoy Harmon Field at its very best! The music festival is going to be a BLAST! An assortment of food trucks will be on site. Beer and wine will also be available for purchase. A car show and craft/vendor market will also be available for perusing during the day.
Tickets can be purchased at the gate or online at CarolinaFoothillsChamber.com. Tickets are also available at the Carolina Foothills Chamber of Commerce office, One of the goals was to make this event affordable for attendees. Starting at 12:00 noon and running until 8:00 pm – it runs about a $1 an hour! Tickets are $8. In advance and $10. at the gate. Children 12 and under are free.
Band schedule:
Nobody’s Fault
12:20-1:45
Rich Nelson Band
2:05-3:20
Lecretia w/ Thunder Road
3:40-4:55
Citizen Mojo
5:15-6:30
SHANE PRUITT w/ Gregory Hodges
6:45-8:00 pm
Festival gate and parking will be near the Tryon Arts & Crafts Building. For more information, contact the Carolina Foothills Chamber of Commerce at 828-859-6236 or visit the chamber’s website and Facebook Page.
Application deadline Sept. 15
Wildlife Triage interns help in all aspects of operations including the full rehabilitation process, answering phone calls and emails about wildlife interactions, the daily care of injured and orphaned wildlife and their enclosures, assisting with transport, and communications with the wildlife rehabilitation network in western NC. Interns assist in facility upkeep and maintenance as needed and are provided the opportunity to experience all aspects of the non-profit if there is interest. No two days in wildlife rehabilitation are the same. Interns must be flexible, dedicated, dependable, and comfortable working in a team setting with other volunteers and communicating with the public. Interns are required to commit to a 4-5 month internship period with positions available in the Spring, Summer, and Fall. Schedules are determined during each season and based on animal intake.
Call for Volunteers!! We are grateful that the Bookwalter Binge Gran Fondo supports conservation of land and water resources — and we need YOUR help to make it happen. Binge volunteers enjoy fun and camaraderie while helping in a variety of ways, from course marshals to Binge party hosting.
Homework Diners take place weekly (except on school holidays or early release days). Families are invited to the cafeteria of the middle school during the scheduled time each week. No pre-registration is required to attend. Homework Diners currently take place at four area middle schools: Asheville, Enka, Erwin and Owen Middle. All are open to any family with a K-12 student in the surrounding school district with an adult family member in attendance with the participating student.
The 2019-20 Homework Diner schedule:
- Erwin Middle on Monday nights starting September 23, 2019 from 5:30-7:00 p.m.
- Asheville Middle on Tuesday nights starting September 24, 2019 from 5-7:00 p.m.
- Enka Middle on Tuesday nights starting September 24, 2019 from 5:30-7:00 p.m.
- Owen Middle on Thursday nights starting September 26, 2019 from 5:30-7:00 p.m.
The Junior League of Asheville, Inc. (JLA) will hold its third annual Volunteer Expo, on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at the Crowne Plaza Expo Center from 10am to 3pm. Modeled after a job fair, this free event will feature more than 70 local nonprofits looking to fill ongoing and future volunteer needs. Nonprofits in almost every area of community concern will be present at the event: health, poverty, legal aid, environmental stewardship, women’s issues, arts, civic leadership, technology, education and animal welfare.
Excitement for the Volunteer Expo continues to grow, with nonprofit participation growing year over year. The 2019 event featured over 70 non-profits with attendance at well over 1,000 community members coming to network and sign up to volunteer with nonprofit organizations.
The 2020 Volunteer Expo will be accepting applications starting in September. Due to the increase in interest for booths at the Expo, this year the League plans to review all applications received instead of awarding booths on a first come first serve basis. They hope this will ensure a good mix of volunteer opportunities in a variety of service areas as well as allow new nonprofits the chance to have a booth at the event. There will be a silent auction fundraiser, Cheers to Volunteers, the evening before the Volunteer Expo from 6pm to 9pm at the Masonic Temple in downtown Asheville. All community members are invited to attend both events. If you are a nonprofit interested in participating in the 2020 Volunteer Expo, please email us at [email protected].
Asheville on Bikes, the Blue Ridge Bicycle Club, and more have worked with representatives of the City of Asheville for almost 10 years to find out how many people are walking and bicycling in various locations around the city. You can help!
This year, in coordination with the National Bicycle and Pedestrian Documentation Project, we will count non-motorized users of our streets at a number of specific sites from 5-7 p.m. on one of the following dates:
*Tuesday, September 10th, OR
*Wednesday, September 11th, OR
*Thursday, September 12th.
There are also a few sites available from 7-9 a.m. on those days, and a few sites that are counted on Saturday, September 15th from 9-11 a.m. Volunteer hours are extremely valuable in this effort. A short training is required, but no special skills are needed. Sign up at Bike/Ped Site Registration or if you have questions, email [email protected].
This urban scavenger hunt will take teams of four around the downtown area via a series of clues to sixteen different locations where they will be required to complete a task before receiving their next clue. Two volunteers will staff each secret location, checking teams in and out, throughout the day. Contact [email protected] directly if you are interested in assisting with this event or sign up by CLICKING HERE.
The semi-annual event is open to all children ages 15 and under and is sponsored by Buncombe County Recreation Services.
Fishing begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends promptly at 11:30 a.m.
Register online now through September 12 at midnight. On-site registration will also be available at 8:00 a.m. the day of the tournament. Your registration fee covers fishing bait, snacks, and a hot dog lunch at the conclusion of the tournament. No fishing license is required for children under 16 years of age.
This is a catch and release event. Lake Julian Park will supply a bucket for each competitor’s catch. After the fish has been weighed and measured, it will be released back into the lake. Participants bring their own pole.
Fishing is allowed anyplace inside the Lake Julian Park boundaries. No boat fishing is allowed. All children must be accompanied by at least one adult.
Children will be grouped into one of five age categories and prizes awarded in each category. Prizes will be given for the biggest fish, the smallest fish, and the most fish caught. In addition, all competitors in every age group will have an opportunity to show off their casting skills. Casting poles and targets are provided and children can demonstrate their ability anytime during the tournament. There are prizes for the winners of the casting competition, too!
Community Garden located at the Buncombe County Sports Park.
The mission of Sand HIll Community Garden is to share in garden space, knowledge, and labor with all members of the community. Using organic growing practices we promote community health and wellness by providing fresh produce for garden members and local people in need of food.
Asheville Outlets (ShopAshevilleOutlets.com), The Blue Ridge EV Club and Tesla Owners Group of Western North Carolina present The Exciting World of Electric Vehicles on Saturday, September 14, 2019 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Asheville Outlets as part of National Drive Electric Week. Electric vehicle owners and dealers will be present with the latest long range EVs, 4-wheel drive EVs, Plug-In Hybrids, used and new electric vehicles and more. Residents, electric vehicle enthusiasts, and those wanting to learn more are invited to this free event taking place at the parking lot behind Gap Factory Store. Rain date is Sunday, September 22, 2019.
Save the date for our End of Summer Pop Up Market featuring some of Asheville’s finest artisans. Celebrate our Indian summer with shopping, bubbly, and tasty treats on Saturday, September 14th from 4-6pm!
Atlas Beauty will be hosting a market like no other that will feature local makers including Rachel Weisberg Apparel and Natalie Ray Fine Art, Sleep Swag, and Robin Lee Essentials, among other exciting brands!
Homework Diners take place weekly (except on school holidays or early release days). Families are invited to the cafeteria of the middle school during the scheduled time each week. No pre-registration is required to attend. Homework Diners currently take place at four area middle schools: Asheville, Enka, Erwin and Owen Middle. All are open to any family with a K-12 student in the surrounding school district with an adult family member in attendance with the participating student.
The 2019-20 Homework Diner schedule:
- Erwin Middle on Monday nights starting September 23, 2019 from 5:30-7:00 p.m.
- Asheville Middle on Tuesday nights starting September 24, 2019 from 5-7:00 p.m.
- Enka Middle on Tuesday nights starting September 24, 2019 from 5:30-7:00 p.m.
- Owen Middle on Thursday nights starting September 26, 2019 from 5:30-7:00 p.m.
The Junior League of Asheville, Inc. (JLA) will hold its third annual Volunteer Expo, on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at the Crowne Plaza Expo Center from 10am to 3pm. Modeled after a job fair, this free event will feature more than 70 local nonprofits looking to fill ongoing and future volunteer needs. Nonprofits in almost every area of community concern will be present at the event: health, poverty, legal aid, environmental stewardship, women’s issues, arts, civic leadership, technology, education and animal welfare.
Excitement for the Volunteer Expo continues to grow, with nonprofit participation growing year over year. The 2019 event featured over 70 non-profits with attendance at well over 1,000 community members coming to network and sign up to volunteer with nonprofit organizations.
The 2020 Volunteer Expo will be accepting applications starting in September. Due to the increase in interest for booths at the Expo, this year the League plans to review all applications received instead of awarding booths on a first come first serve basis. They hope this will ensure a good mix of volunteer opportunities in a variety of service areas as well as allow new nonprofits the chance to have a booth at the event. There will be a silent auction fundraiser, Cheers to Volunteers, the evening before the Volunteer Expo from 6pm to 9pm at the Masonic Temple in downtown Asheville. All community members are invited to attend both events. If you are a nonprofit interested in participating in the 2020 Volunteer Expo, please email us at [email protected].
Asheville on Bikes, the Blue Ridge Bicycle Club, and more have worked with representatives of the City of Asheville for almost 10 years to find out how many people are walking and bicycling in various locations around the city. You can help!
This year, in coordination with the National Bicycle and Pedestrian Documentation Project, we will count non-motorized users of our streets at a number of specific sites from 5-7 p.m. on one of the following dates:
*Tuesday, September 10th, OR
*Wednesday, September 11th, OR
*Thursday, September 12th.
There are also a few sites available from 7-9 a.m. on those days, and a few sites that are counted on Saturday, September 15th from 9-11 a.m. Volunteer hours are extremely valuable in this effort. A short training is required, but no special skills are needed. Sign up at Bike/Ped Site Registration or if you have questions, email [email protected].
Collier Cove
Distance: 2 Mile Loop
Degree of Difficulty: Some Obstacles, Very Steep
Estimated Duration: 1.5 hours
| Our final group trek in the Sampler Hike Series takes place on Sunday, September 15. Small treats such as a play meadow and splashing streams highlight this trail with 360-degree views of surrounding summits. |
Newer trails with small treats such as a play meadow and splashing streams highlight this trail with a 360-degree view that includes the summits of Bearwallow Mountain, Little Pisgah Mountain, and the upper end of Hickory Nut Gorge. This medium-steep hike is a 2-mile loop and its suburban location offers plenty of lunch options nearby. Meet at the Collier Cove Nature Preserve parking area (175 Rhododendron Drive in Arden).