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.
Explore the world of fermented foods with us! Fermentation is transformation. Fermentation
preserves both our food and our cultural diversity and connects us to thousands of years
of hands-on knowledge and ingenuity. The Southern Appalachian culinary and beverage
community includes many devotees of this time-honored process. Join us for a delicious
and informative dinner that showcases the many creative fermentation processes that are
practiced in our region: kimchi, beer and kombucha, cheeses, chocolates, breads, coffee, sake,
charcuterie, kefir, sour beers, hot sauces, natural wines, miso and pickled Appalachian produce.
Meg Chamberlain of Fermenti will lead an engaging discussion, and guests will enjoy the
opportunity to meet and shop with local makers, to bring some fermented goodness home!
Come In Community and join with the women you want to be around – ones who have vision, are making big moves, and invest in themselves.
As part of our “Expand Your Circle” series for women entrepreneurs, we are having another roundtable session in August. For more details please visit plrconnectevents.com
Hendersonville yoga studio, YAM, is offering free outdoor yoga at The Park at Flat Rock on Thursdays and Saturdays. Get outside and get moving with these fun and refreshing classes. Click to learn more about YAM’s community yoga.
Like most of our events, this event is free, but registration is required. Click here to RSVP for this event.
If you decide to attend and purchase the authors’ books, we ask that you purchase from Malaprop’s. When you do this you make it possible for us to continue hosting author events and you keep more dollars in our community. You can also support us by making a donation below. Thanks!
Lora Beth Johnson will sign and personalize books pre-ordered from Malaprop’s. Use the order comments field to tell us to whom a book should be inscribed, e.g. “to Maria.”
Join us for a discussion with Y.A. authors Lora Beth Johnson, Andrea Tang, and Emily Suvada to celebrate the launch of Lora Beth Johnson’s newest book, Devil in the Device!
Lora Beth Johnson delivers a stunning conclusion to the Goddess in the Machine duology with this brilliant novel. Part political conspiracy, part technological thriller, its deeply emotional core deftly explores what it means to be human, and how to hold on when everything seems lost.
As an only child, Lora Beth Johnson grew up telling herself stories and reading past her bedtime. She spent her adulthood collecting degrees, careers, and stamps in her passport before realizing her passion for creating fictional worlds. When she’s not writing, she’s teaching college English and learning new languages. She lives in Davidson, North Carolina, with her little roommate, Colocataire the Yorki-poo. She is also the author of Goddess in the Machine. Find Lora Beth on Twitter @LoraBethWrites.
Andrea Tang grew up in Princeton, New Jersey, and currently resides in Washington, DC, where she pens fiction by night and collects geopolitical gossip by day. A graduate of Bryn Mawr College and the University of Oxford, she’s also a perpetually recovering theater kid, Fulbright grantee, former pentathlete, tae kwon do black belt, and serial dabbler in various martial and movement arts. Among other things, she enjoys superheroes, giant robots, and the endless versatility of pie. Andrea is also the author of Rebelwing.
Emily Suvada is the award-winning author of the Mortal Coil trilogy, a science fiction thriller series for young adults. She was born and raised in Australia, where she went on to earn a degree in mathematics. She previously worked as a data scientist, and still spends hours writing algorithms to perform tasks which would only take her minutes to complete on her own. When not writing, she can be found hiking, cycling, and conducting chemistry experiments in her kitchen. She currently lives in Portland, Oregon, with her husband.
Marilynn Seits is a performer, composer, and jazz piano teacher. She has played at the Waldorf Astoria and Plaza Hotels in New York City, in the SunFest Festival in South Florida, and all around the Asheville area at the Biltmore estate, Isis Music Hall, Asheville Area Piano Forum benefit concerts, and for the Museum’s own Pianoforte series. Seits is accompanied by Sean McAusland, who has played a six-string fretless bass for many years with jazz, rock, and blues bands in Asheville, West Palm Beach, FL, and Burlington, VT.
Seits and McAusland play music themes from the Olympic games in conjunction with Golden Hour, Precious Medals, and Artistic Tribute, plus and songs from the South in conjunction with Huffman Gifts of Contemporary Southern Folk Art.
Join the Asheville Fit Tribe Group for a 60 minute of strength training. You will get personalized training with the power of the group to positively motivate you. Get ready to get a full body workout in for all fitness levels. So, no matter where you are at from beginner to collegiate athlete Trainer Preston will make sure you get a phenomenal workout. For Strength day we focus on slow controlled weight lifting. Learning how to become more aware of our bodies. We hope you give us a shot and see what we are all about!! For any question shoot Preston a text/call (984)204-0591.
Fall ’21 Men’s Softball League – aa21030201
Non-resident of Asheville fee and free agent (looking for a team) – $25
Game Day Information – M/Th, starting at 6:30pm, regular season & postseason tournament
3 Divisions; Upper, Middle, and Lower (divisions could be combined based on team registrations)
Questions, contact Mikkel Patterson @ [email protected] | 828.707.2376
Non-resident of Asheville fee and free agent (looking for a team) – $25
Game Day Information – M/Th, starting at 6:30pm, regular season & postseason tournament
3 Divisions; Upper, Middle, and Lower (divisions could be combined based on team registrations)
Questions, contact Mikkel Patterson @ [email protected] | 828.707.2376
Slice of Life Comedy & Disclaimer Lounge present: Sunset Rooftop Standup Comedy by Local Professional Comics Every Thursday at Rabbit Rabbit
Come grab dinner and a show at Rabbit Rabbit, in Downtown Asheville Outside Theatre Space:
**Great Craft Rabbit-themed cocktails available
**AVL Pizza truck on-site & AVL Pizza full menu available
**Rooftop-seating, depending on weather
**Sanitized Headphones provided so you don’t miss a joke while getting your food & drinks, works anywhere around the venue
Hosted by: Cody Hughes
Featuring: Petey Smith McDowell, Hilliary Begely, Cary Goff, Morgan Bost, Blaine Perry, Marlene Thompson, Ben Sia Hian
Would you like to have a voice in the future of Buncombe County Public Library facilities? The Library Advisory Board and Buncombe County Communications & Public Engagement invite the community to take part in an upcoming feedback session.
Last fall, more than 1,500 residents weighed in during the development of the proposed Library Facilities Master Plan, and this series of feedback sessions is designed specifically to gather input on facility structures and locations.
In June, the Board of County Commissioners paused moving forward with the Library Facilities Master Plan to allow for more community input. This is your opportunity to share your vision for the future library facilities model.
During the feedback sessions, community members will share their opinion on the proposed regional model and share information that will go to the Board of Commissioners about the proposed plan.
“We know that our libraries are true community hubs and our patrons are passionate about their local branches,” says Library Director Jim Blanton. “Our goal with the feedback sessions is to take the consultant’s recommendations and ideas out to the community to continue our public engagement process.”
At the end of the series, the Library Board will compile input, and report back to the Board of Commissioners in late October.
There will be at least 20 upcoming sessions, making it easier for people to attend, and interpretation will be available for specific sessions. Attendance does not have to be at your home library region, please join any session.
A devised collection of ghost stories and folk tales, performed outdoors on the Hominy Creek Greenway.
The songs come first with Liz Frame & the Kickers, and with her powerful and supple voice, she does justice to them all. “Consistently first-rate,” says No Depression.
Liz Frame has been crafting her unique brand of Americana music since her teens, garnering fans of all ages and high praise along the way. No Depression has called her music “consistently first-rate,” and she was a 2018 NewSong Music Competition finalist. With a voice that is both big and supple, her songwriting has been compared to everyone from Lucinda Williams to Dolly Parton to Merle Haggard. She is currently in the studio recording a batch of new songs to be released at the end of the year.
Come enjoy an evening of live music, food and drinks at Isis Music Hall. Advanced Reservations are highly recommended.
A year-long program
Individualized to meet you where you are
in your farm business journey
Starting a farm is a formidable challenge, but keeping a farm business going, growing and thriving is even harder! The Journeyperson Program is designed for farmers who have been independently farming for 3 or more years, and are serious about operating farm businesses in the Southern Appalachian region. This program will give you the space and time to work on your business while making connections that deepen your peer-to-peer support.
This 12-month program starts in November 2021 and ends in October 2022.
Qualifications
Eligible applicants have:
- A minimum of three years independently farming
- A demonstrated commitment to farming in the Southern Appalachian region
- Production goals of feeding their community and region
- A demonstrated commitment to sustainable practices
Although not required, The Journeyperson Program is best suited for applicants that have the following:
- Secure medium to long-term land tenure (such as owned land or a lease contract)
- A focus on livestock and/or crop production for direct-to-consumer and/or wholesale markets
- An established farm business that needs support to refine their vision, apply whole-farm planning practices and willingness to fully utilize the resources of the program
Program Components
OGS offers you a comprehensive package of support over 12 months:
- 2-4 Webinar Trainings (Jan-Feb)
- Topics may include Holistic Financial Planning (including Holistic Goal Setting). Farm Communications, Advanced Enterprise Development, Advanced Marketing, and more. (topics will be finalized based on the cohort’s needs and interests)
- Topics may include Holistic Financial Planning (including Holistic Goal Setting). Farm Communications, Advanced Enterprise Development, Advanced Marketing, and more. (topics will be finalized based on the cohort’s needs and interests)
- Mentorship: Work with an experienced Farmer Mentor for individualized one-on-one support
- Seasonal monthly virtual cohort meetings
- WNC CRAFT Farmer Network: Membership and mentoring in a regional farmer network
- Identify & connect with Regional resource providers (lenders, land access organizations, small business centers)
- Discount Offers to OGS Services:
- 15% off of Sustainability Coaching & Consulting program for farm design and systems development
- 15% off attendance at OGS Spring Conference
- 15% off of any other OGS workshops
Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.
Hosted by Sahaja Yoga Meditation DFW
Join this FREE evening session for Meditation, specifically for Moms.
About this Event
We are creating this Meditation space for moms 💟 that can help
🤲 create a supportive community of moms who can come together and meditate
🤲 build a meditation routine
🤲 implement self-care, and take pause in hectic lives
🤲 bring calmness and balance that can reflect on kids and household
🤲 share experiences and learn to grow in this journey together
Join this FREE evening session for Meditation, specifically for Moms. Meditation is a simple way to de-stress, and it can help bring peace and balance, especially in these hectic times.
What we’re about
COVID-19 UPDATE: An email was sent out to Awakening Asheville advising all in-person meetups should be postponed or moved to virtual attendance only. Please contact hosts with any questions. Thank you, and be well! Courtney
We are an LGBTQ+ BIPOC safe spiritual group that enjoys the coming together of community lightworkers sharing our journeys. We offer meditations, healing energy, and many different workshops. Come join us!
Spice up your life with Latin sounds by local DJs Nex Millen & Mtn Vibez every Thursday.
Super bonus if you come early and get Dance Lessons from our knowladable instructors and get your body ready with sabor for the night. NO COVER All events 21+
The Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity ReStore is hosting the 10th annual ReUse Contest to showcase innovative building projects constructed predominantly of used building materials.
Winners will be selected in the following categories:
- Furniture: $200 ReStore gift card
- Homesteading (i.e. chicken coop, raised bed): $200 ReStore gift card
- Live and/or work space: $200 ReStore gift card
- Art: $200 ReStore gift card
- Home Decor: $200 ReStore gift card
- Vans & Vehicle (NEW!): $200 ReStore gift card
- Best in Show: $500 ReStore gift card
Winners will be announced in a press release, on Asheville Habitat’s website and social media pages, and featured in the Asheville Habitat ReStore.
The purpose of this annual contest is to showcase innovative building and DIY projects
constructed predominantly of reused building materials. A large number of ReStore shoppers
purchase items intended to be repurposed or reused in unique and creative ways; the ReStore
Reuse contest is a great way to showcase their projects and inspire others to reuse, recycle
and repurpose usable materials.
The creativity of this community never ceases to amaze. Past projects have included a fence
fashioned from doors, a potting bench built from pallets, a chair crafted from an oil drum, yard
art made from old tools, and so much more. To see photos from the 2020 contest, click here.
A panel of five judges will select winners in the following categories: Furniture, Homesteading,
Live and/or Work Space, Art, Home Décor, Vans and Vehicles (NEW!), and Best in Show.
Winners will be announced in mid-October.
Official 2021 Raffle Rules
PROCEEDS
This raffle is a fundraising event, and all net proceeds benefit the Brevard Music Center (BMC). Brevard Music Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN# 56-0729350
DRAWING
The drawing will take place on Monday, November 15, 2021 at 3:00pm EDT. All mail, phone, and internet orders must be received by 11:59pm EDT on Sunday, November 14, 2021.
TICKETS
The cost to purchase a single entry (“Ticket”) for the Raffle is $125 (U.S. Funds only) and is not tax deductible.
Based on recommendations of the CDC, the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services announced that North Carolinians who are moderately to severely immunocompromised and received the Moderna or Pfizer immunizations could begin receiving an additional dose of these immunizations to better protect themselves from COVID-19. Currently, the CDC recommendation for an additional dose includes people who have:
- Been receiving active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood
- Received an organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
- Received a stem cell transplant within the last 2 years or are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
- Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome)
- Advanced or untreated HIV infection
- Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress your immune response
Individuals must attest that they qualify for the additional dose by having a condition or taking a medication that causes them to be moderately to severely immunocompromised.
Buncombe County Health and Human Services will administer these doses at our walk-in clinic at 40 Coxe and at mobile outreach events. Additional doses can be secured at any vaccine provider, and individuals do not need to go back to where they got their original doses. This recommendation does not include individuals who received the J&J immunization at this time.
Experience Asheville’s premiere independent film festival! We are a non-profit, competitive festival with the mission to cultivate a spirited collective of homegrown filmmakers. We uplift up-and-coming filmmakers of Asheville and the Southeast with screenings, workshops, music performances and after parties throughout the weekend.
BYOF – Bring Your Own Film
8pm at Fleetwood’s Chapel
496 Haywood Rd
West Asheville, North Carolina
It’s like an open mic, but movies. Bring a USB drive with a film 7 minutes or less and share with the community. First come, first service.
Open to the public and donations go to future festival screenings.
WORKSHOP #1 – INQUEERY
10am-11:30am at Asheville School of Film
45 S French Broad Ave #120, Asheville, NC 28801
INQUEERY is a creative workshop designed for LGBTQIA2S+ people to connect and reflect on their lived experiences through visualizations, creative writing and story. This offering also includes time to read an excerpt from and discuss Asheville-based feature film script Whistle Down Wind, which is currently in development.
Open to the public and 100% of donations go to the instructors.
WORKSHOP #2 – Comrades Help Comrades Make Movies
12pm-3pm at Asheville School of Film
45 S French Broad Ave #120, Asheville, NC 28801
Running an equitable, inclusive, and sustainable set on a hyper indie budget.
Private Work in Progress screening of the feature film E IS FOR with the Co-Writer/Director, Writer/Producer/Lead, DP and EP in attendance with discussion and feedback opportunities.
Pull up a seat at the table and we’ll deep dive into how we made a feature film during the time of COVID and how our intention to honor the insight and labor of our comrades shaped everything from the budget, size of the crew and much of the creative while preserving and sustaining the mental health and experience of everyone on set. We’ll outline resources, cover funding hurdles, pre-production workflow, paperwork and set ethics.
Open to the public and 100% of donations go to the instructors.
SCREENING – Opening Night
Doors at 7pm, Screening at 8pm at The Barrelhouse at the Funkatorium
147 Coxe Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
Arrive dressed to impress in (encouraged) black tie attire to witness the “best of” in indie drama, comedy, and documentary short films.
AFTER DARK
Doors at 10pm at Cultivated Cocktails Tasting Room
25 Page Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
Keep the party going into the night. Featuring a local DJ and exclusive Cat Fly projection installation and living gallery highlighting local and regional animated films.
Included with purchase of any screening.
Rooftop Pool Party
12pm-5pm at Aloft Air Level
51 Biltmore Avenue, Asheville, North Carolina 28801 USA
Present your VIP badge or ticket to any screening to hotel check-in for a key to access the pool.
Included with purchase of any screening.
WORKSHOP #3 – Gillybear Presents: “Garbage Monsters”
3pm-5pm at Asheville School of Film
45 S French Broad Ave #120, Asheville, NC 28801
A look at low-budget, big-impact Special Effects for filmmakers who ain’t got two nickels to rub together.
Open to the public and 100% of donations go to the instructors.
SCREENING – Community Night
Doors at 7pm, Screening at 8pm at The Orange Peel
101 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
Weird, experimental and off-the-beaten path shorts from up-and-coming filmmakers of Asheville and the Southeast.
- a love for North Carolina through mixed media on paper by Sophia Allison;
- well known local landscapes through acrylic on canvas by Carrie Jenson;
- a change in perspective through oil on linen by Joan Lesikin,
- communicative vessels through earthenware sculptures by Robert Milnes,
- vibrant abstract motion through acrylics on paper by Eleanor Palmer;
- and a glimpse of Asheville through oil on canvas by Maureen Scullin.
Some things you should know
-
WE ARE A HYBRID FESTIVAL THIS YEAR
We will be presenting a combination of in-person and online shows. Email us if you’ve got any questions.
-
WE HAVE 5 DIFFERENT TYPES OF SHOWS
We accept performances from 5 to 60 minutes in length, plus installations and films. Depending on its length, your piece may be grouped with others, or scheduled as a Random Act of Fringe.
1. FRINGE SHOT
A piece that is
5-20 minutes long
May be featured in a showcase, as part of our popular LaZoom Bus Tour, or as free Random Act of Fringe
2. SHORT FORM
A piece that is
25-40 minutes long
May be combined with one or more shows.
3. FULL-LENGTH
A piece that is
45-60 minutes long
Ticketed theater-style show.
4. INSTALLATION
A piece that is
Site-specific (any length)
May be in an unusual location, or repeated many times. May be seen by as few as one person at a time.
Help our neighbors in need! Buncombe and Haywood county experienced devastation from the recent storm including flooding, loss of homes, and more. Now through Sunday, August 29, Asheville Outlets will host an Essentials Drive in partnership with Pole Creek Baptist Church. Supplies will be distributed by the Church. Items of need include: non-perishable food items, bottled water, and hygiene products. Donation Bins are located in the food court at Customer Service at Asheville Outlets. For more information, visit ShopAshevilleOutlets.com.
Buncombe County is excited to announce the launch of a new website to help qualified homeowners streamline the process of submitting an inquiry to the Homeowner Grant Program. As of Friday, Aug. 6, qualified Buncombe County homeowners will have an opportunity to receive financial assistance for housing-related costs. The Homeowner Grant Program is now accepting inquiries for support on the program website or by calling (828) 250-5500. You must call or submit an inquiry to determine eligibility.
With the FY22 budget approval, the Board of Commissioners unanimously approved $300,000 for this new initiative aimed at helping qualified homeowners. Through a collaborative partnership, residents in the City of Asheville and the Town of Woodfin will be eligible to receive additional assistance, and the program will be administered through Buncombe County Health and Human Services (HHS).
“This is a new idea for our community, and I’m glad we are thoroughly evaluating it,” said Chairman Brownie Newman at the July 13 meeting. “We are trying to provide some financial relief for folks seeing cost of living go up for a variety of reasons. We’ll make adjustments based on what works well,” he said, noting the County might increase the program’s investment in the future.
Through this program, residents who own residential property in Buncombe County that they have lived in as their primary residence for at least five years and who earn at or less than 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) as a household may be eligible to participate. Those who apply for the program and meet these criteria may receive up to $300 from Buncombe County and up to $200 from the City of Asheville or the Town of Woodfin.
Starting Friday, Aug. 6, eligible homeowners can submit an inquiry on the homeowner grant website or call (828) 250-5500 to start the application process. Phone support is available in any language.
“If you think you may qualify, but you aren’t sure, please give our team a call,” said Economic Services Director Phillip Hardin. “We know there are a number of unique circumstances, and our staff will work with homeowners to help find solutions.”
Homeowner Grant Details
- Grant amount: Up to $300 for Buncombe County residents
- City of Asheville and Town of Woodfin residents may receive additional grant of up to $200
- Frequency: Annual
- Length of primary residence: Five years
- Household Income: at or below 80% of AMI
- Application: Income documentation required, unless already enrolled in HHS means-tested economic assisted programs
- Other programs: Applicant will be paired with best fitting programs with no duplication of benefits.
- You must apply. This is not an automatic enrollment.
- Eligible payment types:
- If eligible, grantees may choose to have grant funds applied to their property tax bill, city/municipality taxes, and/or applied to other housing-related obligations such as housing costs, mortgage, or insurance. Payments are made directly to the source of the approved bill. Payments will not be made directly to individuals.
*For households over 5, please contact the HHS Call Center for assistance
Buncombe County Permits & Inspections is taking another step toward streamlining the inspections scheduling process. Effective Friday, Aug. 20, scheduling building, electrical, mechanical, or plumbing inspections will transition to the Development & Permits online portal.
The portal offers the ability to search permit records and inspection results, and the addition of online inspection scheduling makes this an exciting new tool for our contractors and owner/builders.
“The convenience of an online scheduling tool is something the building community has been waiting for a long time,” says Permits & Inspections Director Matt Stone. “The 24/7 online system allows more flexibility in how and when they will be able to schedule their inspections, and will free up staff time normally spent each day handling these requests.”
Visit buncombecounty.org/permits to access the Development & Permits online portal, and click here for directions on how to log in and schedule an inspection. Please be advised when scheduling an inspection, some inspections will appear as optional even though they might required. Please contact our office with any questions at (828) 250-5360.
Note: Contractors without online access will still have the ability to schedule same day inspections by calling (828) 250-5360 between 7-8:30 a.m., the day of the required inspection.
Buncombe County Permits & Inspections provides building inspections and permitting services for all unincorporated areas of Buncombe County and through contractual agreements, provides these services for the towns of Biltmore Forest, Weaverville, and Woodfin.
On Wednesday, Aug. 18, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners declared a Local State of Emergency. The Local State of Emergency also applies within the municipal limits of the City of Asheville, the Town of Weaverville, the Town of Woodfin, the Town of Black Mountain, the Town of Montreat, and the Town of Biltmore Forest.
With the declaration, Buncombe County Emergency Mangement personnel will implement plans for the prevention of, preparation for, response to, and recovery from any and all emergency situations that may result from the impacts of the storm.
The implementation of such Emergency Management plans will allow sufficient personnel to be mobilized and positioned in order to:
a) Reduce vulnerability of people and property of Buncombe County to damage, injury, and loss of life and property;
b) Prepare for prompt and efficient rescue, care, and treatment of threatened or affected persons;
c) Coordinate with state and federal agencies for the orderly rehabilitation of persons and restoration of property; and
d) Provide for cooperation and coordination of activities relating to emergency mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery among agencies and officials of Buncombe County and with similar agencies and officials of other counties, with state and federal governments, with interstate organizations, and with other private and quasi-official organizations.
The emergency management plan will remain in effect until the declaration expires at 4 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 16 or is rescinded.
Click here to read the Local State of Emergency.