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.

Tuesday, September 21, 2021
Garden Pots Needed! GreenWorks
Sep 21 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sand Hill Nursery / Buncombe County Sports Complex

Garden pots are essential to our operations at the tree nursery, and we’re running low! Do you have extra plastic nursery pots lying around your house?

 

Please drop your pots off at our Sand Hill Nursery in the “Return Pots” section (Buncombe County Sports Park, 24 Apac Circle, Asheville) look for a sign on the fence.

Literacy Together Little Libraries
Sep 21 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Various "little" libraries throughout the community

AVL Arts Town Hall
Sep 21 @ 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
online

 

Local venue operators discuss live event health and safety protocols

Photos (left to right): Liz Whalen Tallent (The Orange Peel/ Rabbit Rabbit), Fletcher Tove (BCDHHS), Jon Fillman (City of Asheville), Rae Geoffrey (Wortham Center), Russ Keith (The Grey Eagle), Katie Hild (Salvage Station), Bob Hinkle (White Horse), Chris Corl (Harrah’s Cherokee Center), and Jeff Santiago (The Orange Peel/ Rabbit Rabbit).

The Asheville Area Arts Council will host a virtual AVL Arts Town Hall on September 21 at 12 pm on implementing health and safety protocols at local live events.

Liz Whalen Tallent– arts council board member and special events director for The Orange Peel and Rabbit Rabbit– will moderate the webinar. Panelists include representatives from Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, The Grey Eagle, Salvage Station, White Horse Black Mountain, Harrah’s Cherokee Center- Asheville, The Orange Peel. and Rabbit Rabbit.

The discussion will focus on pandemic related health and safety protocols currently in place at these venues, the lessons these venue operators have learned, and their current challenges.

“I’m so grateful the arts council is able to facilitate this conversation amongst Asheville’s public facing arts-organizations,” said Tallent. “This has been an incredibly challenging time for all of us, and it’s so valuable to share conversation and learn from our mutual experiences.”

Buncombe County Health Preparedness Director Fletcher Tove and City of Asheville Community Event Manager Jon Fillman will also be on hand to help answer questions.

“We are still in the middle of a global pandemic and we are currently seeing surges around the country more aggressive than anything we saw in 2020,” said Buncombe County Public Health Preparedness Director Fletcher Tove. “Each one of us has a role to play in safeguarding our community and that starts with getting vaccinated and wearing masks indoors.”

To register go to ashevillearts.com/town-hall.

Wednesday, September 22, 2021
Asheville Area Arts Council JOB BOARD
Sep 22 all-day
online

Job Board

Make sure to check out all the great job postings and arts opportunities listed on the arts council’s website.

Do you have a job opening you would like us to share? Please email us a link to your listing at [email protected].

Festivals + Cultural Events Grant Opportunity
Sep 22 all-day
Online

Background and Goals of the Festivals & Cultural Events Program

The Festivals & Cultural Events Support Fund Grant Program was launched in 2016 by the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) and is designed to provide financial support for events that both serve the residents of Buncombe County and the visitors who travel to the Asheville area for the sense of authenticity and welcoming spirit that the destination exudes.

The primary purposes of this fund are to:

  • Support and preserve cultural identity within Buncombe County;
  • Stimulate the creation of new, or expansion of existing, festivals and cultural events; and
  • Contribute to the financial viability and long-term sustainability of the area’s festivals and cultural events.

Explore Asheville CVB is offering grants for Festivals & Cultural Events ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, not to exceed 50% of the total event budget. Application deadline is Sept 29th at 5 pm.

Matching Gift Challenge! for Asheville Community Theatre
Sep 22 all-day
online

Amazing!

Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor all donations given through Sunday, November 21 will be matched up to $8,500 – turning each donation into a SUPER DONATION! When you donate to ACT, you are assisting with scholarships, helping to keep ticket prices affordable, and so much more!

Help us reach this goal with a gift of any size!

New Benefits for Arts Businesses!
Sep 22 all-day
online

Add your arts business and upcoming events to the Asheville Area Arts Council website by becoming an Arts Business Member! Benefits include:

  • Login access to the arts council’s website to edit your directory listing and add events (new perk!)
  • Submit jobs and calls for artists to be shared on AAAC’s website
  • Ability for you and your staff to serve on the Arts Coalition
  • Discounted rates for you and your staff on tickets to the Creative Sector Summit (happening Nov. 2021)
  • Option to add something to the Creative Sector Summit swag bag
  • Local arts sector representation & advocacy
  • And so much more!
September is Hunger Action Month Donate to Manna Food Bank
Sep 22 all-day
online
HUNGER ACTION MONTH - THE GOOD
                                  YOU CAN DO TODAY
You Can Fill Plates for Those Who Need it Most
September is Hunger Action Month — a time to acknowledge the work we do all year long alongside our community in the fight against hunger, and a time to raise awareness of the obstacles that face more than 100,000 people in Western North Carolina who don’t have enough food tonight.
The dramatically widening gap between income and cost of living in our region continues to create deep hardship for working families, seniors, and single parents who reach out to MANNA and our partners for help. And thanks to you, and the supportive community joining us in this daily work to make a real, lasting difference for our neighbors. You see it in the eyes of a man who lights up at the sight of a watermelon, and in the tears of relief from a young mother receiving a box full of food.
The good you can do today is with a simple donation.
Make a Difference
Your support today has the power to change lives. Thank you for joining us in the action to address hunger in WNC. With your generous partnership, MANNA can continue to be there with food, anytime a family reaches out for help.
YMI Cultural Center Business Incubation
Sep 22 all-day
online

_MG_0157_edited.jpg

YMICC is committed to economic development and entrepreneurship for Black individuals and communities. Through this program entrepreneurs will receive six (6) months to one (1) year of business incubation support that will include business development training, startup and capacity building funding, as well as, mentorship opportunities. We are interested in you and your business ideas.

YMI Cultural Center Workforce Development Program
Sep 22 all-day
online

The “HMMM” (Hospitality, Medical, Manufacturing, Municipality) workforce training initiative and business development program is designed to support participants with training to build technical and workforce skills. The expansion of this program is “Operation Gateway” which provides a “circle of support” that addresses barriers to successful employment.  In this program participants will receive wraparound services along their pathway to the workplace. This circle of services includes childcare, transportation, financial support, guidance, and re-entry skill development (e.g., resume-building and interviewing).

Sharing Life. Saving Lives. Donate Blood
Sep 22 @ 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
The Blood Connection

We are Asheville’s Community Blood Center.

 

We’re proud to call Western North Carolina home. Our dedicated staff work and live in the area, just like you. Whether you’re here for the breath-taking mountain views or the cooler weather, we’re glad you’re here to help us save the lives of your neighbors.

Our centers are the perfect places to give back and kick back. Open every day, yes weekends too, makes it easy to fit donating into your schedule.

You could probably use a little peace, and every Blood Connection center offers that. Clean, spacious, and comfortable, a center getaway may be exactly what you need…it’s exactly what 3 blood recipients need too.

Every donation has the power to save up to 3 lives. Every 2 seconds, someone in the U.S. is in need of a life-saving blood transfusion. You’re 1 person who can make a difference!

Eblen Charities Fall Coat Drive
Sep 22 @ 8:30 am – 6:00 pm
Ingles on Smoky Park Hwy
Get your closet ready for winter! Donate new, gently used and ready to wear coats and winter items at the Fall Coat Drive this Wednesday, Sept. 22 at the Ingles on Smoky Park Hwy! Coats and winter items will be given to those in need this winter through Eblen Charities! Please share with family and friends!
Thank to our partners: Ingles Markets, WLOS ABC 13, Star 104.3, 99.9 Kiss Country, News Radio 570 WWNC, Rock 105.1, 97.7 The Brew, The New ESPN Asheville, Alt 101.1 For more information visit www.eblencharities.org
Garden Pots Needed! GreenWorks
Sep 22 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sand Hill Nursery / Buncombe County Sports Complex

Garden pots are essential to our operations at the tree nursery, and we’re running low! Do you have extra plastic nursery pots lying around your house?

 

Please drop your pots off at our Sand Hill Nursery in the “Return Pots” section (Buncombe County Sports Park, 24 Apac Circle, Asheville) look for a sign on the fence.

Literacy Together Little Libraries
Sep 22 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Various "little" libraries throughout the community

Craft Your Business workshop series: Contracts for Creatives
Sep 22 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
online

Guest Presenter: Dr. Katherine de Vos DeVine

Join lawyer Dr. Katherine de Vos Devine to explore the how, when, where, and why of contracts for creative businesses.

Contracts help us establish expectations when sharing our work and collaborating with others. A good contract can help you form lucrative partnerships, license your artwork, hire your first employee, negotiate a gig, or publish your book. But contracts can be so hard to understand. What is a “force majeure” clause? Why is “choice of law” important? What does “indemnification” mean, anyway?

Join lawyer Dr. Katherine de Vos Devine to explore the how, when, where, and why of contracts for creative businesses. This presentation will help you understand the elements of a good contract, know when you need a contract, and improve your contract negotiation skills.

The Contracts for Creatives panel discussion is part of the Craft Your Commerce Workshop Series Beyond the Studio: Financials and Operations.

Foundations Business Planning Class
Sep 22 @ 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
online

Our Foundations business planning class helps guide ideas from concept to reality in a participatory, supportive learning environment.

Join a cohort of aspiring and existing entrepreneurs to gain an aerial perspective of your vision and the comprehensive business skills necessary to help bring your visions into reality. Participants will gain a clear aerial perspective of their business operations, financials, research and development, and marketing strategies. They will leave the course with a comprehensive business plan, a clear vision for their business, and concrete tasks for future work.

Throughout the class, emphasis will be placed on developing the social capital of the group. Participants will be encouraged to gather feedback from their peers, creating a strong network of deep support and synergy. For more info, visit the Foundations Business Planning overview page.

 

Registration

Complete our online registration form to hold your seat in the class of your choice.  We will follow up with you within a few days. You are welcome to contact us with any follow-up questions or ask about the status of your request.

The course fee is $375; however, we offer a modest discount for virtual classes and needs-based scholarships are available (see below). If you are not applying for a scholarship, a minimum deposit of 50% of the total is due upon enrollment to reserve your seat and will be followed by an email confirmation of your placement within a few business days.  A pay link will be included in your email confirmation for submitting any remaining class balances.

Class Schedule

Some classes have a built-in make up class for holidays or inclement weather. Attendance for all classes is recommended to not fall behind in any of the material.  Week 1 is required, but if you have a scheduling conflict where you would miss any other classes, please let us know. Additional support may be available for any missed class material.

Thursday, September 23, 2021
Asheville Area Arts Council JOB BOARD
Sep 23 all-day
online

Job Board

Make sure to check out all the great job postings and arts opportunities listed on the arts council’s website.

Do you have a job opening you would like us to share? Please email us a link to your listing at [email protected].

Festivals + Cultural Events Grant Opportunity
Sep 23 all-day
Online

Background and Goals of the Festivals & Cultural Events Program

The Festivals & Cultural Events Support Fund Grant Program was launched in 2016 by the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) and is designed to provide financial support for events that both serve the residents of Buncombe County and the visitors who travel to the Asheville area for the sense of authenticity and welcoming spirit that the destination exudes.

The primary purposes of this fund are to:

  • Support and preserve cultural identity within Buncombe County;
  • Stimulate the creation of new, or expansion of existing, festivals and cultural events; and
  • Contribute to the financial viability and long-term sustainability of the area’s festivals and cultural events.

Explore Asheville CVB is offering grants for Festivals & Cultural Events ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, not to exceed 50% of the total event budget. Application deadline is Sept 29th at 5 pm.

Matching Gift Challenge! for Asheville Community Theatre
Sep 23 all-day
online

Amazing!

Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor all donations given through Sunday, November 21 will be matched up to $8,500 – turning each donation into a SUPER DONATION! When you donate to ACT, you are assisting with scholarships, helping to keep ticket prices affordable, and so much more!

Help us reach this goal with a gift of any size!

New Benefits for Arts Businesses!
Sep 23 all-day
online

Add your arts business and upcoming events to the Asheville Area Arts Council website by becoming an Arts Business Member! Benefits include:

  • Login access to the arts council’s website to edit your directory listing and add events (new perk!)
  • Submit jobs and calls for artists to be shared on AAAC’s website
  • Ability for you and your staff to serve on the Arts Coalition
  • Discounted rates for you and your staff on tickets to the Creative Sector Summit (happening Nov. 2021)
  • Option to add something to the Creative Sector Summit swag bag
  • Local arts sector representation & advocacy
  • And so much more!
September is Hunger Action Month Donate to Manna Food Bank
Sep 23 all-day
online
HUNGER ACTION MONTH - THE GOOD
                                  YOU CAN DO TODAY
You Can Fill Plates for Those Who Need it Most
September is Hunger Action Month — a time to acknowledge the work we do all year long alongside our community in the fight against hunger, and a time to raise awareness of the obstacles that face more than 100,000 people in Western North Carolina who don’t have enough food tonight.
The dramatically widening gap between income and cost of living in our region continues to create deep hardship for working families, seniors, and single parents who reach out to MANNA and our partners for help. And thanks to you, and the supportive community joining us in this daily work to make a real, lasting difference for our neighbors. You see it in the eyes of a man who lights up at the sight of a watermelon, and in the tears of relief from a young mother receiving a box full of food.
The good you can do today is with a simple donation.
Make a Difference
Your support today has the power to change lives. Thank you for joining us in the action to address hunger in WNC. With your generous partnership, MANNA can continue to be there with food, anytime a family reaches out for help.
YMI Cultural Center Business Incubation
Sep 23 all-day
online

_MG_0157_edited.jpg

YMICC is committed to economic development and entrepreneurship for Black individuals and communities. Through this program entrepreneurs will receive six (6) months to one (1) year of business incubation support that will include business development training, startup and capacity building funding, as well as, mentorship opportunities. We are interested in you and your business ideas.

YMI Cultural Center Workforce Development Program
Sep 23 all-day
online

The “HMMM” (Hospitality, Medical, Manufacturing, Municipality) workforce training initiative and business development program is designed to support participants with training to build technical and workforce skills. The expansion of this program is “Operation Gateway” which provides a “circle of support” that addresses barriers to successful employment.  In this program participants will receive wraparound services along their pathway to the workplace. This circle of services includes childcare, transportation, financial support, guidance, and re-entry skill development (e.g., resume-building and interviewing).

Sharing Life. Saving Lives. Donate Blood
Sep 23 @ 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
The Blood Connection

We are Asheville’s Community Blood Center.

 

We’re proud to call Western North Carolina home. Our dedicated staff work and live in the area, just like you. Whether you’re here for the breath-taking mountain views or the cooler weather, we’re glad you’re here to help us save the lives of your neighbors.

Our centers are the perfect places to give back and kick back. Open every day, yes weekends too, makes it easy to fit donating into your schedule.

You could probably use a little peace, and every Blood Connection center offers that. Clean, spacious, and comfortable, a center getaway may be exactly what you need…it’s exactly what 3 blood recipients need too.

Every donation has the power to save up to 3 lives. Every 2 seconds, someone in the U.S. is in need of a life-saving blood transfusion. You’re 1 person who can make a difference!

DIGITAL MARKETING CERTIFICATE
Sep 23 @ 9:00 am – 3:30 pm
WCU Biltmore Park, Asheville
September-November 2021 (6 Thursdays/Fridays)

Digital Marketing and Public RelationsCreate an online marketing communications strategy and powerhouse digital toolbox by completing six, full-day workshops taught by expert marketing and public relations professionals. Gain new insights into PR & marketing strategy, branding, budgeting, online content creation, video creation and use and social media.

Garden Pots Needed! GreenWorks
Sep 23 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sand Hill Nursery / Buncombe County Sports Complex

Garden pots are essential to our operations at the tree nursery, and we’re running low! Do you have extra plastic nursery pots lying around your house?

 

Please drop your pots off at our Sand Hill Nursery in the “Return Pots” section (Buncombe County Sports Park, 24 Apac Circle, Asheville) look for a sign on the fence.

Literacy Together Little Libraries
Sep 23 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Various "little" libraries throughout the community

Hendersonville Racquet Club Ribbon Cutting
Sep 23 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Hendersonville Racquet Club
Thursday, September 23rd at 10:30 AM
Join us in celebration of Hendersonville Racquet Club!
Join us in celebrating the grand opening of the pickle ball courts at Hendersonville Racquet Club with a Chamber Ribbon Cutting! The celebration begins at 10 am with the ribbon cutting taking place at 10:30 am. Please RSVP, so we know that you plan to attend.
2021 NC CCIM State Conference
Sep 23 @ 3:00 pm – 9:00 pm
DoubleTree by Hilton Asheville-Biltmore
Invested Course: An Investment Crowdfunding Learning Journey
Sep 23 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
online

The State of North Carolina recently passed legislation (NC PACES) making it possible to take on non-accredited investors for your small business. This allows you to raise funds from your friends, family, and broader community and to offer them a stake in – and a return on – the success that they are helping you to build.

Invested: An Investment Crowdfunding Learning Journey will assist a small cohort of interested business owners who are currently experiencing growth opportunities in preparing for, designing, and launching an investment crowdfunding campaign. The full course will entail five 2.5-hour sessions starting Thursday, September 23rd and running through October 21st.

The 7th Cohort of our Invested Course is coming up! The 5-session VIRTUAL COURSE will take place on the following dates:

  • Sep 23 – Session 1: 3-5pm
  • Sep 30 – Session 2: 3-5pm
  • Oct 07 – Session 3: 3-5pm
  • Oct 14 – Session 4: 3-5pm
  • Oct 21 – Session 5: 3-5pm

In between classes, the Invested program includes several one on one technical sessions with facilitators. Following the course, those that decide to execute investment crowdfunding campaigns will move into launch with the assistance of our BizWorks team and specialist partners.

Add your name to the Cohort 7 Interest Formand we will follow up with a brief consultation and informative call on specifications for the course. The course fee is $100 and $25 for additional participants from the same company. We also have an interest list for potential investors (those of us that may want to participate in a local crowdfunding campaign and attend one of the Invested course pitch events) that you can sign up for here.

A big thanks to our partners Jake Farrar (Van Winkle Law Firm), Annie Milroy Price (Birds Eye), and Jeffrey Scott (Metamorphic) who have assisted in developing and delivering this course.