Students will receive a solid foundation in beginner Ukulele skills for vocalists. Chords, Rhythm patterns, and basic theory will be introduced through songs with an uplifting message. Students will also learn to play the song that the Songwriting Class will be writing and get to record it in the One Mic Studio.

Join us Thursday November 2nd 5-8pm

Join Mosaic Realty and Bountiful Cities for an evening of delicious local food, beverages and a silent auction fundraiser at Haiku event space in Biltmore Village. This event is free to attend and we invite you to bring an item from our WISH LIST as a contribution.

All proceeds from the event will Benefit Bountiful Cities Programs.

We are a Food Access and Justice Organization working to create the conditions for Long-Term food security. 

Silent Auction Items Include (so far…its a growing list!)

Air BnB stays in Asheville and the Beach

Health and Wellness Practitioners

Books and Bookstore Gift Cards

Cookbooks from Local Authors

Biltmore Estate Tickets

Local Food Products

Gifts from Local Boutiques and Shops

Original Artwork

Restaurant and Entertainment Gift Cards

Local Art Tours

And More!

Please feel free to reach out with questions about this event [email protected]

Queer Music Exploration – Students will explore guitar, bass, drums, singing and piano with a focus on learning music by artists from the LGBTQ+ community. Students will have the chance to interact with their peers and share their experiences through music.

Come have a drink and experiment with art materials while connecting with your community! Asheville Art Museum will host Open Studio at Different Wrld on the the first Thursday evening of each month throughout the year.

This free drop-in program, which is facilitated by the Asheville Art Museum and hosted at Different Wrld, aims to expose and engage participants with the Museum’s Collection and changing exhibitions. Attendees must be 21 or older to participate. The Asheville Art Museum will provide all instruction, supplies, and materials.

DWBC is sponsoring the second annual women’s political forum to encourage political engagement at every level. This is for folks who may have considered running for office, working on a campaign, or volunteering, but still have some questions. Our panelists will tell how they became involved and what it means to be an active participant in our Democratic Party. They will be ready to answer your questions and provide insight and advice.

Panelists: Sarah Thornburg, Asheville City Schools Board of Education; Antanette Mosley, Asheville City Council; Kathie Kline, Chair, Buncombe County Democratic Party; and Carlos Linares, Buncombe County Hispanic Outreach Committee.

The event is at Buncombe Dems headquarters; there will also be a livestream.

First Thursday of every month Modelface Comedy brings you the best comedians from all over the country for Campfire Comedy at Wrong Way River Lodge

Campfire Comedy is a mix of stand-up and storytelling

Featuring Chris Ivey and more!

ages 18+

Join us for a lecture, made possible by an Arthur Vining Davis Grant, that will change the way you think about business by reimagining the world we all want to live and work in. Could it be that good business is good for business? At some point in your life you will either work for someone or work for yourself and potentially employ others. How can we use business as a force for good in the world?

Certified B Corps are for-profit companies that lead with their values of sustainability, diversity, and community. They meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. These values align with the WWC Business Department’s Green Entrepreneurship focus. Our interdisciplinary business program integrates sustainability and social responsibility throughout a traditional business curriculum, rooted in the liberal arts.

Nathan Stuck of Board Chair of B Local Georgia, CEO and Founder of Profitable Purpose Consulting and
Adrianne Gordon, WWC ‘99 Alumna, Board Chair of B Local Asheville, COO at Big Path Capital and Founder of Practical Insight will guide us through a thought provoking evening that will shape the way you do business in the world.

Steve Simon & The Kings of Jazz are Brevard’s newest and most exciting and entertaining jazz band with a sound that combines the funkiness of George Benson, the soulfulness of Ray Charles and the smoothness of Diana Krall all wrapped together in big Count Basie style arrangements of American and Latin jazz classics. If you are looking for an amazing live jazz experience then check out the hottest jazz band in the coolest city in North Carolina performing every Thursday at The DFR Lounge from 7pm to 9pm

Featuring Sean Mason, Kim Nalley and Sasha Dobson

Join us for an unforgettable evening as we celebrate 100 years of Disney through the lens of Jazz. From Snow White to Lady and the Tramp, Mary Poppins and Toy Story to The Jungle Book, popular songs from these famous films have been interpreted and recorded by Disney music fans such as Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis, Dave Brubeck, Dianne Reeves and many more. “Someday My Prince Will Come,” “He’s a Tramp,” “Everybody Wants to be a Cat” and “The Bare Necessities” are just a few of the iconic songs which will be celebrated as we look back on the impact of jazz on 100 years of Disney magic!

When You Wish Upon a Star will be performed by the newly created house band of The National Jazz Museum in Harlem, featuring pianist and musical director, Sean Mason, and vocalists Kim Nalley and Sasha Dobson, who will bring these famous songs to life.

This production is not affiliated with, sponsored, or authorized by The Walt Disney Company.

Written by Samuel D. Hunter

Keith, a mortgage broker and Ryan, a yogurt plant worker, are two men who, at first glance, have nothing in common. Their meeting, in Keith’s cubicle, evolves from a business discussion to a thoughtful exploration of parenthood, financial insecurity, and empathy. Both intimate and expansive, Samuel D. Hunter’s heartbreaking new play argues for hope even in the face of extreme disappointment as two men with seemingly very different lives grow to care for one another.

Content advisory: strong language

WELCOME TO MUSICAL COMEDY HEAVEN!

Featuring one of the most iconic scores of all time by Jule Styne and Bob Merrill, an updated book from Harvey Fierstein based on the original classic by Isobel Lennart, tap choreography by Ayodele Casel, choreography by Ellenore Scott, and direction from Michael Mayer, this love letter to the theatre has the whole shebang!

The sensational Broadway revival dazzles with celebrated classic songs, including “Don’t Rain On My Parade,” “I’m the Greatest Star,” and “People.” This bittersweet comedy is the story of the indomitable Fanny Brice, a girl from the Lower East Side who dreamed of a life on the stage. Everyone told her she’d never be a star, but then something funny happened—she became one of the most beloved performers in history, shining brighter than the brightest lights of Broadway.

Poetry Open Mic Hendo is the all-new sister event of Poetry Open Mic Asheville, the
longest-running open mic in Western North Carolina, this weekly event welcomes all people and all forms of creative expression at
Hendersonville’s only Kava lounge.

11.2.23 The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement PULP
What: Stand up Comedy at The Orange Peel’s Pulp Lounge
When: Thursday November 2, 2023. 8p-10p, doors at 7:30p
Where: The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement, Pulp Lounge103 Hilliard Ave, Downtown Asheville
Tickets: $15 (available at door or The Orange Peel website)
Cocktails available while you laugh the night away to some of the area’s best Stand Up Comics in a ridiculously fun adult environment!! Free snacks while availability lasts!
With Guest Host Hilliary Begley!!!
Hilliary Begley- Hilliary will make you cry with laughter with her larger that life personality!! Voted Asheville’s Favorite comic in the Mountain Xpress. Film debut in the Netflix original Dumplin’ as Aunt Lucy, or “Jennifer Anniston’s fat sister,” In Austin Film Festival winning movie When We Last Spoke with Cloris Leachman, now streaming on Amazon Prime.
https ://youtu.be/legRwEg4j-o
Featuring Justin Blackburn
Justin Blackburn is the Positive Progressive Comedian. Justin places hilarious, enlightening spins on the issues we face, making you laugh and feel inspired at the same time. Justin’s bits range from confronting social justice issues to healing his relationship with his conservative parents.
We afeature the area’s best comics, plus a comedy open mic. Open mic comics signup at door get 3-5m. [Free entry for performing comics, free snacks at comics table].
For more info and other standup comedy shows go to sliceoflifecomedy.com or contact Michele at [email protected]

With multiple parks featuring ballfields and volleyball, pickleball, tennis, and basketball courts, Asheville has plenty of opportunities to join pick-up games or play with organized sports leagues. Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) offers a broad line-up of youth athletics programs, adult sports leagues, and special events throughout the year with an emphasis on fair play and enjoyment for any level of experience, including the fall opportunities below.

Search Current Asheville Sports and Athletics

Limited spots available, so advance registration at AVLREC.com required. Some activities offer discounted registration for early sign ups. Most team sports also offer “looking for a team” options for free agents. Some activities charge a higher rate for participants who do not live in Asheville.

Leagues

6v6 Indoor Volleyball League, $200 per team

Registration opens November 27, games begin January 16 for winter season

Upper, middle, and lower divisions play at Tempie Avery Montford Community Center.

Over 40 Basketball League, $60 per player

Registration ends August 24, games begin September 12

Asheville’s newest team sports league provides an opportunity for community members over 40 who want to get back into the game or prefer to play with others around the same age. Sign up as an individual to be placed on a team based on height, position, and skill level for games played at Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center.

Flag Football League, $600 per team

Registration opens August 30, games begin October 17

Upper, middle, and lower divisions play at Asheville Middle School on 211 South French Broad Avenue.

Winter Basketball League, $600 per team

Registration opens October 10, games begin November 27

Upper and lower divisions play at Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center. Middle division plays at Stephens-Lee Community Center.

Clinics and Tournaments

Tennis Clinic, $20 per player

Registration ends September 6, clinics held each Tuesday and Thursday from September 12-21

Instructional clinics for beginners and intermediate players teach the basics and build on skills each class at Murphy-Oakley Park.

Doubles Grass Volleyball Tournament, $20 per team

Registration ends September 5, tournament on September 16

Six sets to 21 in pool play for advance and intermediate divisions in which all teams advance to the playoffs on a day of music, fun, and volleyball at Carrier Park.

Intro to Golf, $10 for series with players responsible for their own green fees

Registration ends September 28, games played each Wednesday from October 4-25

Travel to a different golf course each week for one-on-one coaching to learn the game. For more info, contact Colt Miller at [email protected] or (828) 707-2376.

Pumpkin Ball Softball Bash Tournament, $150 per team

Registration ends September 30, tournament on October 7

All players hit a 16-inch softball in games played on a 200-foot distance field with unlimited home runs with a three-game guarantee. Winning teams receive prizes and trophies. For more info, contact Zack Stewart at [email protected] or (828) 545-1644.

Late Night Wiffleball Tournament, $5 per team

Registration ends November 9, tournament on November 16

Five-player teams play in this two-game guarantee tournament at Tempie Avery Montford Community Center. For more info, contact Kiley Pritchard at [email protected] or (828) 507-3357.

Food Scraps Drop Off

The City of Asheville, in partnership with Buncombe County and the Natural Resources Defense Council, is offering a FREE Food Scrap Drop-Off program in two locations for all Buncombe County residents.  This organic matter will be collected and turned into good clean compost, keeping it OUT of our landfill and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Register for Food Scraps Drop Off

Need a handy kitchen countertop food scrap bin?  Let us know on the registration form! We’ll be having bin giveaways at city and county facilities and would love to give you one.

Locations Holidays call for hours

Buncombe County Landfill – Convenience Center

85 Panther Branch Road, Alexander

• • Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, 8 a.m. – 12:30 pm

Murphy Oakley Community Center and Library – “Food Scrap Bin Shelters” on the east side of the parking lot

749 Fairview Road, Asheville

• • Dawn – Dusk

Stephens-Lee Recreation Center “Food Scrap Shed” next to the Community Garden on the North side of the parking lot

30 Washington Carver Avenue, Asheville

• • Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Saturday, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • Sunday, 12 – 4 p.m.

West Asheville Library – “Food Scrap Bin Shelters” on the south side of the building

942 Haywood Road, Asheville

• • Library open hours

• WNC Farmers Market, 570 Brevard Rd., Farmers Truck Shed #1, daily, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

• Even though it’s getting colder, you can still find fresh, local food at area farmers markets. Nine markets in Buncombe County will offer extended seasons or special holiday dates in November and December. In addition to seasonal produce, meats, cheeses, eggs, and bread, these markets will feature local artists and handmade goods, such as wreaths, pottery, jewelry, and more.
• ASAP’s Double SNAP for Fruits and Vegetables and Farm Fresh Produce Prescription. Both programs offer participants free market tokens that can be spent on fresh fruits and vegetables. That includes in-season fall produce such as root veggies (including carrots, beets, radishes, and turnips), tubers (potatoes and sweet potatoes), brassicas (broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage), winter squash, greens, and fruits like apples and persimmons.

The WNC Farmers Market is the premier destination for buying and selling the region’s best agriculture products directly from farmers & food producers to household & wholesale customers in an environment that celebrates the region’s diverse culture, food & heritage.

House of Operation:

WNC Farmers Market: 24/7, 361 days a year market access for farmers
Office: Monday- Friday, 8am-5pm
Market Shops: 7 days a week, 8 am-5 pm
Wholesale and Truck Sheds: 7 days a week

Join us in celebrating outstanding women in business!  This fall, we will gather in the lovely, historic Grove Park Inn to make valuable connections and learn from other women who have made significant strides in their careers while offering valuable support to others in the workplace and greater community.

The year 2023 is also the Chamber’s 125th Anniversary year, and our WomanUP Celebration will feature historical as well as forward-thinking elements to inspire, support and engage women in our region.

We’re looking forward to celebrating with you!

Outstanding Women in Business Awards:

• Outstanding Woman Nonprofit Leader, presented by TD Bank
• Woman Executive of the Year Award, presented by MAHEC
• Women Entrepreneurs, Best in Business Award, presented by Webb Investments Services, Inc.
• Rising Star Young Woman Professional Award, presented by Western Carolina University
• Impact Award, presented by Kudzu Brands
• STEM Award, presented by Pratt & Whitney
• Suzanne DeFerie Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by First Bank

Nominations will be accepted beginning in early July. Submit a nomination here: WomanUP Award Nominations

Deadline to submit nominations is August 10.

WomanUP is an initiative from the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce focused on women in business who wish to build a strong network of women intent on inspiring one another to achieve individual potential; supporting each other in business endeavors; and creating a legacy through mentorship.

Chamber Event Refund Policy:  The Chamber requires payment in advance for admission to all Chamber events. Chamber event fees (regardless of attendance) are refundable only if a cancellation notice is received at least two weeks prior to the event. Event Refund & Photo Policy

Included with admission

Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.

Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.

Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!

There is still time to stop in for a smoothie! Now through Wednesday November 15th at Clean Juice Asheville, guests will receive a 16oz regular smoothie for free with a $2 donation to the Quarters for Kids charity benefiting Verner (this is an in-store promotion only, while supplies last)!

Join us on a journey into the world of butterflies and plants, and see the complex relationship between monarchs and milkweed. “Monarchs and Milkweed” explores how very survival of these majestic creatures has been shaped over time by one another, traveling through the seasons of a calendar year and revealing how both insect and plant grow and interact, culminating in a massive migration that crosses a continent.

SANTA’S SHOPPE

Santa’s Shoppe is the largest fundraiser for the Junior League of Spartanburg. Each year, thousands of shoppers head to downtown Spartanburg to find the perfect gifts from over 60 merchants and snap the perfect picture with Santa during Cookies with Santa. Tickets for Santa’s Shoppe and Cookies with Santa will be available in September, so start making your holiday gift lists, mark your calendars, and don’t miss this exciting shopping event that is sure to bring you many memories this holiday season!

This year’s Santa’s Shoppe will be held November 3 – November 5, 2023.

Friday, November 3rd: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday, November 4th: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sunday, November 5th: 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Tickets
Advance Tickets sales are coming soon. Get your tickets here!

Cost: $5 in advance and $10 at the door.

Tickets purchased online will be available at will call under the name used for purchase.

Saturday, November 4th – Cookies with Santa
Our ever-popular, Cookies with Santa, will take place on Saturday, November 4th. Join Santa for a fun hour of pictures, crafts, cookie decorating, and more! Be sure to purchase tickets early as this event does sell out and additional seats/tickets will not be available for purchase at the door.

Cost: $20 per child.

(*ticket includes one free accompanying adult); Tickets sold ONLINE ONLY – starting September 15th, 2023.

Seating times are: 8:30 am | 10:00 am | 11:30 am | 1:00 pm | 2:30 pm

MERCHANTS

Interested in being a merchant? Complete an application to be a part of this year’s event!

ABOUT SANTA’S SHOPPE

Established in 1989, Santa’s Shoppe is the signature fundraising event for the Junior League of Spartanburg, Inc. (JLS), for which all proceeds are used to support our community projects. Held annually each November, thousands of shoppers head to the Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium in downtown Spartanburg to find the perfect gifts from over 60 merchants and a chance to snap the perfect picture with Santa during Cookies with Santa.

The three-day shopping event raised over $48,000 in 2021 to support our mission and community projects, which includes Mini-Grants for Teachers, and literacy and school readiness across Spartanburg County.

Santa’s Shoppe would not be a success without the support of our many shoppers and wonderful merchants who travel across South Carolina and beyond. We are thankful for your continued support!

Questions? Contact [email protected]

Merchant? Contact [email protected]

Stay up to date on our Facebook and Instagram pages.