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.
Momentum Gallery in downtown Asheville hosts new summer exhibitions – Mariella Bisson, Setting Shapes; Oil paintings by two new painters: Samantha Keely Smith and Paul Sattler; and a group invitational called Give Me Wood. These exhibitions continue at 24 N Lexington Avenue through the end of August.
Mariella Bisson deftly delineates the sculptural planes of regional waterfalls and sylvan scenes creating refreshingly contemporary landscape paintings. Her oil-over-collage paintings feature built-up texture, suggesting the complex surface of stone and tree bark, lichen, and moss. Bisson’s paintings demonstrate a strong understanding of formal composition and reflect a sensibility honed from time she’s spent immersed in the outdoors. Of note, Bisson is a two-time recipient of the Pollock-Krasner grant and was awarded a New York Foundation for the Arts fellowship in painting.
Samantha Keely Smith creates inspired and stirring abstract paintings in oil. The Brooklyn-based artist sees her paintings “as an expression of our internal turbulence. They reflect the overwhelming reality of being constantly aware of what is happening in the wider world – Change is the only constant.” Smith’s nebulous compositions are evocative of luminous cloudscapes and primordial oceans. Brilliant areas of stained pigment collide with waves of painterly brush strokes ultimately conjuring imagined environments with a timeless quality. “These paintings are about the essence of who we all are, as human beings… We all want love and connection.” Smith’s works give form to fluctuations between turbulence and calm present in everything from our emotions to the temporal world. Overall, Smith’s focus is on the underlying psychological impact of the dawning awareness of our shifting reality.
An accomplished oil painter, Paul Sattler was the recipient of the John R. Solomon Guggenheim Foundation Fellowship. In 2004, he was selected to exhibit at the 179th Annual Invitational Exhibition of Contemporary Art at the National Academy of Design in New York, where he received the Wallace Truman Prize. Dramatic narratives unfold in his charged and enigmatic oil paintings which reference historic and literary sources. Sattler comments, “A diverse population of animals are enmeshed in my works’ human-inhabited environments, theatrical locales, and domestic dramas.”
Give Me Wood is an imaginative and evocative collection of contemporary painting and wood sculpture. Central to the identity and creation of all the extraordinary two- and three-dimensional works in the exhibition is the common material of wood. The participating artists defy logic, explore space (both real and imagined), carve, bend, turn, and otherwise construct some truly amazing and innovative work! Featuring Michael Alm, Garry Knox Bennett, Gil Bruvel, Christian Burchard, Tom Eckert, David Ellsworth, Ron Layport, Wendy Maruyama, and Sylvie Rosenthal.
Outback Give Back – Donate, Mate!
There’s never been a better time to stop by your local Outback Steakhouse! And The Blood Connection is giving you an easy way to eat for FREE.
For the entire month of August, TBC and Outback Steakhouse are working together to spread the word about blood donation. Partnerships like this are essential to the community’s blood supply. Outback Steakhouse’s enthusiasm to partner with TBC has helped the blood center reach new donors and save more lives!
The Outback Give Back Promotion runs August 1st – August 29th. Donors who give blood at any TBC center on any Thursday will receive a $20 Outback gift card and a free Bloomin’ Onion ® coupon. To find a center near you, click here.
On August 29th, 18 Outback Steakhouse locations will host a blood mobile for a collective blood drive at the same time, 2-7 P.M. Blood donors will receive a $20 Outback gift card and a free Bloomin’ Onion® coupon. After donating, they can walk right in and enjoy a free dinner at Outback, a thank you for saving lives!
Donors can visit any TBC center in the Upstate of South Carolina, and Raleigh and Asheville in North Carolina: 435 Woodruff Road, Greenville, SC; 341 Old Abbeville Highway, Greenwood, SC; 5116 Calhoun Memorial Hwy, Easley, SC; 1308 Sandifer Boulevard, Seneca, SC; 270 North Grove Medical Park Drive, Spartanburg, SC; 225 Airport Road, Arden, NC; 5925 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh, NC. Centers are open Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on the weekends 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Trails Forever Work Days | Every Wednesday, June – November
The Trails Forever crew’s working season is beginning again and they are always happy to have a helping hand. Volunteer with the crew on Trillium Gap Trail every Wednesday from June through November. No experience or tools are necessary, but pre-registration is required.
So, you want to raise more money. But you don’t know where to start. You’re not alone.
Nonprofits need a diversified funding strategy if they want to survive. And they need a robust development plan if they want to grow and thrive.
This half-day interactive workshop provides benchmarking data so you can see how your nonprofit stacks up against the competition. You’ll also consider your organization’s past results as well as new ways of raising money.
Participants will leave with conversation starters and actionable ideas to take back to other board and staff members.
Learn more or Register at https://www.thirdsectorconsulting.com/event/911026374/plan-for-your-fundraising-success-asheville-workshop-training-class
https://www.facebook.com/events/590500164692461/
So, you want to raise more money. But you don’t know where to start. You’re not alone.
Nonprofits need a diversified funding strategy if they want to survive. And they need a robust development plan if they want to grow and thrive.
This half-day interactive workshop provides benchmarking data so you can see how your nonprofit stacks up against the competition. You’ll also consider your organization’s past results as well as new ways of raising money.
Participants will leave with conversation starters and actionable ideas to take back to other board and staff members.
Summer is all about outdoor fun, spending quality time together as a family and taking in the wonderful sights of nature. Submit your photos of your family hiking, sunlight making its way through the trees or of the fantastic views that make Chimney Rock so special. We’ll use the winning entries on our website and Facebook album, and you’ll win some fun prizes. Photos must be taken within the Chimney Rock section of the Park.
Cost: No cost to enter contest.
https://www.facebook.com/events/2346811038665486/?event_time_id=2346811051998818
Join the High Country Audubon Society for a bird walk at Valle Crucis Community Park every Wednesday. Enjoy an opportunity to see our beautiful birds in the area in a walk led by one of your community members. These walks will start on April 3rd and end on October 30th, 2019. Please note that the 4th Wednesday walk of every month will not be guided by any specific person; this walk will be a group-led walk.
https://www.facebook.com/events/650396048754175/?event_time_id=650396115420835
There’s more than Chunky Monkey and New York Super Fudge Chunk in downtown Asheville’s Ben & Jerry’s this summer.
Art created by Vance Elementary School fifth grade students of art educator Robbie Lipe is now on display on the brick walls opposite the Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. The exhibit depicts the students’ interpretation of the artist Kehinde Wiley and the contemporary portraits he creates inspired by traditional Baroque paintings. It will be featured through the end of the summer.
“Ben & Jerry’s is excited about showcasing art from the community inside our scoop shop,” said general manager Chris Carter. “Making use of our walls to show what local artists are creating complements our social mission — to be actively involved in the places we live and do business. I hope this is the first of many art exhibits on our walls.”
Carter gave all the credit for the exhibit to Ms. Lipe, who teaches kindergarten through 5th-grade students at Vance Elementary. She was named the North Carolina Arts Educators Association “Art Educator of the Year” in 2017-2018.
Ben & Jerry’s is located at 19 Haywood Street. Current hours are Monday-Thursday 12 pm to 10 pm; Friday 12 pm – 11 pm; Saturday 11:30 am – 11 pm; Sunday 11:30 am – 10 pm.
For more information, call Carter at 310-601-6247.
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.
Let’s clean up the French Broad! Buncombe Young Democrats and Progressive Democrats of Buncombe County are joining together to participate in one of MountainTrue’s river cleanup days. Spend a summer day kayaking down the river while making an impact. Join us afterward for pizza (on us!) at Wedge Foundation.
Space is limited and volunteers must register in advance. No experience is necessary. More details (e.g. what to bring, where to meet) will be sent via text to registered volunteers closer to the event.
Register here: https://forms.gle/YjtewHGReWZCXnZS8
https://www.facebook.com/events/368547240483935/
There’s more to grant writing than just “writing.” A lot more.
This half-day workshop covers the basics of foundation grant research and grant writing. You’ll learn how to find your best prospects and write your own grant proposals.
This workshop combines lecture, group discussion, and hands-on activities to reinforce course material.
The focus of this workshop is foundation grants.
(State and federal grants are not part of this program.)
Learn more or Register at https://www.thirdsectorconsulting.com/event/411026418/grant-writing-101-asheville-workshop-training-class
https://www.facebook.com/events/1276434979172188/
There’s more to grant writing than just “writing.” A lot more.
This half-day workshop covers the basics of foundation grant research and grant writing. You’ll learn how to find your best prospects and write your own grant proposals.
This workshop combines lecture, group discussion, and hands-on activities to reinforce course material.
The focus of this workshop is foundation grants.
(State and federal grants are not part of this program.)
We are lucky to have incredible Animal Educators to help us spread the word on the important roles they play in the Park. Join one of our Park naturalists for an informal program where your family will love meeting some of our wilder teammates! Kids of all ages are sure to take home some fun facts and special memories. Then, grab a Track Trail brochure at the Animal Discovery Den and round out the day with a hike along our Great Woodland Adventure trail with 12 education stations. Don’t forget your camera!
Cost: Included with Park admission.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1102692779911730/?event_time_id=1102692829911725
We are lucky to have incredible Animal Educators to help us spread the word on the important roles they play in the Park. Join one of our Park naturalists for an informal program where your family will love meeting some of our wilder teammates! Kids of all ages are sure to take home some fun facts and special memories. Then, grab a Track Trail brochure at the Animal Discovery Den and round out the day with a hike along our Great Woodland Adventure trail with 12 education stations. Don’t forget your camera!
https://www.facebook.com/events/714700392244282/?event_time_id=714700435577611
Performances Wednesday and Thursday at 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM, Friday at 8:00 PM, Saturday at 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM, and Sunday at 2:00 PM.
Celebrate hit songs made famous by Elvis Presley at the Flat Rock Playhouse in the upcoming production, All Shook Up! A famous Broadway musical hit, All Shook Up combines the hilarity of Shakespearean comedies, such as A Midsummer Night’s Dream, with the rock & roll music of Elvis Presley. In a musical presentation akin to Godspell and Footloose, this jukebox musical tells the story of a small-town girl with big dreams, a stick-in-the-mud mayor who has squashed any fun in her town, and the surprise visit of a leather-jacketed, guitar-playing, hip-swinging stranger. Experience the magic of rock & roll, gospel, romance, mistaken identities alongside Broadway-caliber musical numbers and hits such as, “Love Me Tender,” “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Can’t Help Falling In Love”.
Scientists need YOUR help in studying animals everywhere, including your own backyard!Join us for an introduction to herpetology, the study of reptiles and amphibians. You’ll learn all about our scaly and slimy friends and even meet a few live animals! You can also join our crew of ecoEXPLORERS — kids who submit observations of plants and animals for scientists to study and earn prizes while they do it.Find out how you can earn your Herpetology Field Badge and a free pass to our Herpetology Season Summit event on August 24th. For ages 5 to 13 but all ages are welcome to attend.
https://www.facebook.com/events/462949597584215/
Have a pint and express yourself to creating works of art in the beer-themed coloring books! Adult Coloring will be held every 2nd Wednesday of the month. Bring in your own coloring gear or pick through our many gel pens and themed coloring books.
Art
https://www.facebook.com/events/320830388762640/?event_time_id=320830438762635
Head out to Oskar Blues every Wednesday to hang out with the families + locals of Brevard. We’ll feature artists, businesses, nonprofits, and other rad people that make this community so great. Each week will feature different events, live music, or activities, so check back here for what’s happening. Kids eat free with the purchase of a regular meal from the Oskar Blues CHUBwagon.
https://www.facebook.com/events/560723244441751/?event_time_id=560723314441744
Select a wine on draft and fill a plēb urban winery 500mL or 1L growler for a reduced price (see menu for availability and pricing). Growler purchase is separate. Carry out only.
https://www.facebook.com/events/859748727719594/?event_time_id=859748837719583
Have an item of clothing that needs repair? Want to learn how to do some simple fixes on clothes, like buttons, zippers, patches? Come to the library with your items and we’ll teach you how to mend that favorite pair of jeans or your favorite stuffed animal.
Children are welcome to sew as well, but they must be accompanied by their parent or guardian.
Program is free! Supplies will be provided.
Our weekly dose of James Hammel’s awesome selection of cover songs and original tunes! Always a good show, and you’re bound to see someone you know at the bar!
https://www.facebook.com/events/325013448112541/?event_time_id=325013548112531
A Wine Deconstructed is an Education Series hosted by plēb urban winery on the second Wednesday of the month. Depending on the topic, one or two wines will be deconstructed to identify the various components and discuss their meaning in the wine.
https://www.facebook.com/events/318802065417640/?event_time_id=318802088750971
Have a pint and express yourself to creating works of art in the beer-themed coloring books! Adult Coloring will be held every 2nd Wednesday of the month. Bring in your own coloring gear or pick through our many gel pens and themed coloring books.
Art
https://www.facebook.com/events/320830388762640/?event_time_id=320830442095968
The French Broad Valley Music Association: FBVMA jam session is focused on regional fiddle tunes and songs. Carol Rifkin and John Mitchell cohost weekly, bring an instrument to play or just enjoy the music, its free, kid friendly, donations encouraged. Key Players are intermediate to advanced but beginners are most welcome and encouraged to attend to listen, learn/quietly play along. More experienced players sit in the inner circle and take turns choosing fiddle tunes or songs. Guests, families and kids are invited to listen and often sing along. This style of community play has been used to entertain and pass down music to kids for generations.
The French Broad Valley Music Association is a 501c3 non-profit organization formed to celebrate local musical heritage. “Our community. Our music. Our sense of place.”
https://www.facebook.com/events/231970501048591/?event_time_id=231970607715247
In this interactive workshop, you will discover empowering insights about your financial life, gain tools and practices to shift your money life into prosperity, create a new inspiring perspective on marketing & sales, and learn the most important thing to focus on that will generate income.
Jen Aly is a bridge between the financial & business world and artists & creatives. She started her first of 7 businesses 15 years ago, has learned a lot the hard way, has filed bankruptcy, and has more than tripled her income within 3 years. She boot-strapped an Asheville-based jewelry design business that has grown every year since its start in 2013. Jen is determined to banish the notion of the “starving artist” through empowering creatives in money and business via coaching, workshops, and community.
This workshop is free for AAAC members, $5 for Non-members.
Join us every Wednesday at 6:30PM at One World Brewing (520 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC) in West Asheville for a community run around West AVL. https://www.facebook.com/groups/988486641322045/ Hang around and grab a drink afterwards. All paces welcome. Well behaved, leashed furry friends welcome.
We will begin with one 4-ish mile route (https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/2424498334) through West Asheville, though will expand to include various options in the future.
Food options nearby, including on-site food trucks during warmer weather.
https://www.facebook.com/events/516081612251742/?event_time_id=516081695585067
Monthly gathering of PFLAG members and interested community members. Peer-led support meeting; printed resources available.
Hello Friends! We will be hosting a General Support Meeting, consisting of peer to peer support, discussion and resources in a sharing circle format, facilitated by PFLAG Board Members. Free street parking after 6pm, after-business hours at TD Bank lot, parking lot behind church. Enter on first floor through glass doors, turn right, go down the staircase. Or, enter from back parking lot entrance and ring bell.
https://www.facebook.com/events/2346907582231159/
Head full of useless knowledge? Now’s your time to shine! Join us every Wednesday at 6:30pm for a night of interactive trivia perfect for all skill levels.
Live scoring, music rounds, photo rounds and even themed categories!
Prizes awarded each week for the 1st place team!
https://www.facebook.com/events/277072849778679/?event_time_id=357420415077255
Trivia Night is every Wednesday Night at Legends on the Lake starting at 6:30pm. Arrive early to secure your seats and ensure that you do not miss any of the action! Compete as a team or individually for prizes each week. Trivia is free to all who would like to compete. Prizes will be distributed by team, one prize per team. The certificates are good for any following visit. We ask that teams be limited to a maximum of 8 players for the sake of seating and space.
https://www.facebook.com/events/254689012071408/?event_time_id=299382890935353
¡TriskaTrivia! is Evolving!
It is now ¡InterActive TriskaTrivia!
Instead of one theme for the entire night, each round will have it’s own topic/theme… and you get to decide what it is!!!
In between each round, we will vote on a selection of topics, and the next round will be based on the one with the most votes! So… that means, the more people on your team, the more votes you get… and you’ll steer what direction the questions take.
Don’t like sports? Vote for Classic Movies… Don’t like movies? Vote for Comic Books or World Geography…
Top two teams still get Triskelion Gift Certificates (ie Glorious Prizes)…
You can still only have up to 6 people on your team…
There are still six rounds with ten questions each, and there is still a Very Hard Questions round… the only difference is that you get to decide what the topics are…
We start at 7pm promplty and proceed to rapid fire questions that usually last until 8:30…
Come on out and test yer brainz!!!
https://www.facebook.com/events/2020001851418998/?event_time_id=2020001958085654