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.
Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity is seeking six
AmeriCorps members for a year-long service opportunity beginning in August. Positions
are Construction Crew Leader, New Homes (2) Construction Crew Leader, Repair (3),
and Volunteer Services Coordinator (1). Members receive a living allowance and other
benefits. Those with a passion for affordable housing, an adventurous spirit, and a
sincere desire to serve others are encouraged to apply.
At Asheville Habitat, AmeriCorps members play an important role in providing
leadership on project sites, engaging volunteers to become champions for the mission,
and creating new tools and systems to build capacity. During a year of service,
members gain insight into a non-profit organization and receive hands-on experience in
leadership, team building, public speaking, and community development. For some,
AmeriCorps is an experiential gap year before college, grad school, or a career; for
others it is a stepping stone towards a job in the non-profit sector.
ccess the Groove – Celebrating Disability and Neurodiversity is a benefit concert, art fair, and inclusive community gathering on May 22nd from 1-5 pm at the Grey Eagle Music Hall in Asheville, NC.
The event will feature performances by a stellar lineup of musicians from Johnson City and Asheville with and without disabilities including Jordan Scheffer and Chinobay, Mad Mike Martinez , Will Gott, DIYabled, and Lavender Latte.
A variety of artists, entrepreneurs, and local agencies that act toward disability justice, equity, and inclusion will also be on-site selling wares and sharing information about their work. Vendors include Open Hearts Art Center, Madam Clutterbuckets Neurodiverse Universe, DIYabled, Austin Shreds, Bo Fisher, FIRST Resource Center, Access ETSU, and more.
Proceeds will help support Access ETSU, a new inclusive higher education program for students with intellectual disabilities at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, TN. In addition to raising crucial funds for program sustainability, Access ETSU will also be congratulating their first-ever graduate and second-ever full cohort of incoming students.
The Grey Eagle Taqueria will be open during the event, offering authentic and fresh Latin-American cuisine. There will also be a raffle with lots of local goodies available.
If you would like to perform, vend, or contribute to the raffle, please contact Daniel Scherer-Emunds ([email protected]).
Accessibility: The Grey Eagle building is ADA compliant and we always do everything we can to make sure that every guest we have is comfortable. For specific accessibility questions or needs, please contact [email protected].
It’s a suggested minimum donation of $15 for entry, but nobody will be turned away for lack of funds.

Join performers G Wick, Krave Amiko, Fiddlehead and Astoria for a groove-filled day of music, food trucks, lawn games and local bevs at French Broad Outfitters along the beautiful Hominy Creek.
GreenWorks’ Mind Your Plastic May Benefit Concert is an integral part of this year’s month-long Mind Your Plastic May (MYPM) campaign for community-wide change. The goal of the event is to raise funds which will be used to distribute useful, impactful, and sustainable items to populations in the Asheville community who may not otherwise have access, or whose access may be limited, and to explore other creative & impactful ways to reduce single-use plastic in our communities. This event is family-friendly and will also include local food & beer vendors, artisans, and much more!
What Is Mind Your Plastic May?
In 2019, GreenWorks challenged local community members to practice 30 days of #goingplasticfree. Over 400 people stepped up, and in 30 days we were able to divert an estimated 6750 lbs of trash from the landfill. We are bringing back the 30-day challenge. (And there will be locally-sourced, plastic-free prizes for participating of course!) Plus, all month long we’ll share plastic-related facts, tips for reducing your plastic usage, DIY videos, and more. Our goal is to foster knowledge and encourage mindfulness of plastic consumption and disposal.

Details
For its inaugural event, breethefest: a day of music benefiting the cystic fibrosis foundation, will be happening LIVE on the Indoor Stage at Salvage Station on Sunday, May 22nd!
The lineup will feature incredible bands covering roots, Americana, and soul — including YARN,Ruby Velle & The Soulphonics, Keep Left, and Heather Sarona!
ALL PROCEEDS WILL BENEFIT The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
Public on-sale is Friday, 4/8 @ 10AM ($75 ADV; $100 DOS)! A limited number of VIP tickets ($125) are available as well! VIP tickets include:
Early entry @ 2:30PM
Doors open @ 3PM and the music starts @ 4PM. FREE ON-SITE PARKING! Root Down will be serving their delicious twist on Southern Soul food PLUS we will have our FULL bar open for you to enjoy!
This is a General Admission, 16+ ONLY event (no exceptions).
Buncombe County Organizations Can Apply For Free Hotspots and Service As Part of $13 Million Dollar Pledge From UScellular

Access to reliable internet connectivity causes a divide between Asheville area youth who have access and those who do not. Millions of children nationwide and many right here in our area rely on public Wi-Fi to study when away from school. We are thrilled to announce that UScellular is providing $13 million dollars in free mobile hotspots and service to bridge this issue knows as the “homework gap”.
We encourage nonprofits working with youth in afterschool programs to apply and use this resource to enhance the important work they are already doing. Nonprofit organizations that meet the following criteria are encouraged to apply:
– Certified 501c3 nonprofit organizations
– Operate within UScellular’s service area
– Focused on kindergarten through 12th grade
– Not a school or government entity
To apply, click here.
If you’re not currently set up as an applicant on Grants Connect, you will need to set up an applicant profile first. Once you’ve set up your profile, click the above link or refresh your page to be taken to the After School Access Project landing page. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].
Students across Western North Carolina deserve the tools and resources they need to succeed. Hotspots are stand-alone Wi-Fi networks that can connect several devices at once wirelessly and have proven to be a vital tool for youth to access the internet, study and complete homework. In 2021, UScellular donated 2,800 hotspots and service to 33 Boys & Girls Clubs across the country, a $2.6 million investment. Clubs have used them to boost their connectivity on site and loaned the devices out to youth and their families to support reliable access at home. Now more organizations have the opportunity to apply.
NC DEACS Accepting Applications Now!
Last month DEACS launched a Multifamily Recycling Grant to support recycling at multifamily properties in North Carolina. Local governments, recycling businesses, and property management companies are all eligible to apply for funding. Grant funding can be used to purchase equipment and site developments to establish or expand recycling access for multifamily units. The maximum award is $250,000.
- Multifamily Recycling Grant Program – OPEN
This special grant program offers funding to initiate or expand multifamily recycling programs within the state. Eligible applicants include local governments, recycling businesses or non-profits, multifamily property owners, or multifamily property management companies. Grant funds may be used to purchase typical equipment needs to start or expand the collection of traditional household recyclables (paper, cardboard, metal cans, glass and plastic bottles and containers) from multifamily residences. Examples of eligible purchases include carts, dumpsters, collection vehicles, concrete pads, recycling corrals and education. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis with no due date. Approved grant applications will be funded in the order in which they are received until funding is exhausted.Download the Multifamily Recycling Grant request for proposals (RFP) by selecting one of the following links (PDF or Word). Please submit completed applications to Tara Nattress at [email protected].
The Chamber presents its top priorities of the Legislative Agenda to Western North Carolina’s legislative delegation. Based on member feedback, the Agenda is crafted by the Advocacy and Policy Committee and approved by the Chamber Board. During this event, members of the delegation will share their thoughts about the legislative session with the business community. Chamber members will have the opportunity to discuss critical issues directly with Western North Carolina members of the NC House and Senate.
Traditionally this is a luncheon event, however with the General Session schedule, we are pivoting to a morning event, hosted at The Venue in downtown Asheville. We will enjoy continental breakfast in a social setting, then move to the presentation area where seating is theater style.
Cost is $35 for Chamber members, and $55 for non-members. Space is limited and registration will close May 19th.
Influence, Champion and Signature partners (members at these tiers) should log in to use your member benefit for complimentary tickets.
Refunds available only if registration is cancelled prior to May 13th.
Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity is seeking six
AmeriCorps members for a year-long service opportunity beginning in August. Positions
are Construction Crew Leader, New Homes (2) Construction Crew Leader, Repair (3),
and Volunteer Services Coordinator (1). Members receive a living allowance and other
benefits. Those with a passion for affordable housing, an adventurous spirit, and a
sincere desire to serve others are encouraged to apply.
At Asheville Habitat, AmeriCorps members play an important role in providing
leadership on project sites, engaging volunteers to become champions for the mission,
and creating new tools and systems to build capacity. During a year of service,
members gain insight into a non-profit organization and receive hands-on experience in
leadership, team building, public speaking, and community development. For some,
AmeriCorps is an experiential gap year before college, grad school, or a career; for
others it is a stepping stone towards a job in the non-profit sector.
Buncombe County Organizations Can Apply For Free Hotspots and Service As Part of $13 Million Dollar Pledge From UScellular

Access to reliable internet connectivity causes a divide between Asheville area youth who have access and those who do not. Millions of children nationwide and many right here in our area rely on public Wi-Fi to study when away from school. We are thrilled to announce that UScellular is providing $13 million dollars in free mobile hotspots and service to bridge this issue knows as the “homework gap”.
We encourage nonprofits working with youth in afterschool programs to apply and use this resource to enhance the important work they are already doing. Nonprofit organizations that meet the following criteria are encouraged to apply:
– Certified 501c3 nonprofit organizations
– Operate within UScellular’s service area
– Focused on kindergarten through 12th grade
– Not a school or government entity
To apply, click here.
If you’re not currently set up as an applicant on Grants Connect, you will need to set up an applicant profile first. Once you’ve set up your profile, click the above link or refresh your page to be taken to the After School Access Project landing page. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].
Students across Western North Carolina deserve the tools and resources they need to succeed. Hotspots are stand-alone Wi-Fi networks that can connect several devices at once wirelessly and have proven to be a vital tool for youth to access the internet, study and complete homework. In 2021, UScellular donated 2,800 hotspots and service to 33 Boys & Girls Clubs across the country, a $2.6 million investment. Clubs have used them to boost their connectivity on site and loaned the devices out to youth and their families to support reliable access at home. Now more organizations have the opportunity to apply.
NC DEACS Accepting Applications Now!
Last month DEACS launched a Multifamily Recycling Grant to support recycling at multifamily properties in North Carolina. Local governments, recycling businesses, and property management companies are all eligible to apply for funding. Grant funding can be used to purchase equipment and site developments to establish or expand recycling access for multifamily units. The maximum award is $250,000.
- Multifamily Recycling Grant Program – OPEN
This special grant program offers funding to initiate or expand multifamily recycling programs within the state. Eligible applicants include local governments, recycling businesses or non-profits, multifamily property owners, or multifamily property management companies. Grant funds may be used to purchase typical equipment needs to start or expand the collection of traditional household recyclables (paper, cardboard, metal cans, glass and plastic bottles and containers) from multifamily residences. Examples of eligible purchases include carts, dumpsters, collection vehicles, concrete pads, recycling corrals and education. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis with no due date. Approved grant applications will be funded in the order in which they are received until funding is exhausted.Download the Multifamily Recycling Grant request for proposals (RFP) by selecting one of the following links (PDF or Word). Please submit completed applications to Tara Nattress at [email protected].

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Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity is seeking six
AmeriCorps members for a year-long service opportunity beginning in August. Positions
are Construction Crew Leader, New Homes (2) Construction Crew Leader, Repair (3),
and Volunteer Services Coordinator (1). Members receive a living allowance and other
benefits. Those with a passion for affordable housing, an adventurous spirit, and a
sincere desire to serve others are encouraged to apply.
At Asheville Habitat, AmeriCorps members play an important role in providing
leadership on project sites, engaging volunteers to become champions for the mission,
and creating new tools and systems to build capacity. During a year of service,
members gain insight into a non-profit organization and receive hands-on experience in
leadership, team building, public speaking, and community development. For some,
AmeriCorps is an experiential gap year before college, grad school, or a career; for
others it is a stepping stone towards a job in the non-profit sector.
No cost due to sponsor support
BEST PRACTICE: One of the best ways to be found on the Internet to market your business is with Google My Business to attract new customers that can be repeat profitable customers. Until you are Top of Mind in marketing this helps you become Top of Search in Marketing for free.
Prior to Google my Business, you had to consistently work to be found near the top of page one on search. By being listed on Google My Business and learning how to move up in Search Engine Optimization (SEO) tools, you are near the top of page one in search. Plus, it is free.
According to Google My Business:
A. Makes it easy for your business to be in one, easy-to-use location.
B. Puts your business info on Search, Maps and Google+ so that customers can find you, no matter what device they’re using.
C. Gives customers the right info at the right time, whether that be driving directions to your business in Maps, hours of operations in Search or a phone number they can click to call you on mobile phones.
D. Helps build a loyal fan base. Customers can show their appreciation with ratings and reviews, use the +1 button to endorse your content, and re-share your Google+ posts across the web.
This seminar is good for creating your Google My Business site and for those that “already” have Google My Business that want to move up in Google.
Speaker(s): Gary Heisey
Co-Sponsor(s): Henderson County Chamber of Commerce/Brevard Transylvania Chamber of Commerce
Webinar info will be emailed after registration
Buncombe County Organizations Can Apply For Free Hotspots and Service As Part of $13 Million Dollar Pledge From UScellular

Access to reliable internet connectivity causes a divide between Asheville area youth who have access and those who do not. Millions of children nationwide and many right here in our area rely on public Wi-Fi to study when away from school. We are thrilled to announce that UScellular is providing $13 million dollars in free mobile hotspots and service to bridge this issue knows as the “homework gap”.
We encourage nonprofits working with youth in afterschool programs to apply and use this resource to enhance the important work they are already doing. Nonprofit organizations that meet the following criteria are encouraged to apply:
– Certified 501c3 nonprofit organizations
– Operate within UScellular’s service area
– Focused on kindergarten through 12th grade
– Not a school or government entity
To apply, click here.
If you’re not currently set up as an applicant on Grants Connect, you will need to set up an applicant profile first. Once you’ve set up your profile, click the above link or refresh your page to be taken to the After School Access Project landing page. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].
Students across Western North Carolina deserve the tools and resources they need to succeed. Hotspots are stand-alone Wi-Fi networks that can connect several devices at once wirelessly and have proven to be a vital tool for youth to access the internet, study and complete homework. In 2021, UScellular donated 2,800 hotspots and service to 33 Boys & Girls Clubs across the country, a $2.6 million investment. Clubs have used them to boost their connectivity on site and loaned the devices out to youth and their families to support reliable access at home. Now more organizations have the opportunity to apply.
NC DEACS Accepting Applications Now!
Last month DEACS launched a Multifamily Recycling Grant to support recycling at multifamily properties in North Carolina. Local governments, recycling businesses, and property management companies are all eligible to apply for funding. Grant funding can be used to purchase equipment and site developments to establish or expand recycling access for multifamily units. The maximum award is $250,000.
- Multifamily Recycling Grant Program – OPEN
This special grant program offers funding to initiate or expand multifamily recycling programs within the state. Eligible applicants include local governments, recycling businesses or non-profits, multifamily property owners, or multifamily property management companies. Grant funds may be used to purchase typical equipment needs to start or expand the collection of traditional household recyclables (paper, cardboard, metal cans, glass and plastic bottles and containers) from multifamily residences. Examples of eligible purchases include carts, dumpsters, collection vehicles, concrete pads, recycling corrals and education. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis with no due date. Approved grant applications will be funded in the order in which they are received until funding is exhausted.Download the Multifamily Recycling Grant request for proposals (RFP) by selecting one of the following links (PDF or Word). Please submit completed applications to Tara Nattress at [email protected].

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Buncombe County Organizations Can Apply For Free Hotspots and Service As Part of $13 Million Dollar Pledge From UScellular

Access to reliable internet connectivity causes a divide between Asheville area youth who have access and those who do not. Millions of children nationwide and many right here in our area rely on public Wi-Fi to study when away from school. We are thrilled to announce that UScellular is providing $13 million dollars in free mobile hotspots and service to bridge this issue knows as the “homework gap”.
We encourage nonprofits working with youth in afterschool programs to apply and use this resource to enhance the important work they are already doing. Nonprofit organizations that meet the following criteria are encouraged to apply:
– Certified 501c3 nonprofit organizations
– Operate within UScellular’s service area
– Focused on kindergarten through 12th grade
– Not a school or government entity
To apply, click here.
If you’re not currently set up as an applicant on Grants Connect, you will need to set up an applicant profile first. Once you’ve set up your profile, click the above link or refresh your page to be taken to the After School Access Project landing page. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].
Students across Western North Carolina deserve the tools and resources they need to succeed. Hotspots are stand-alone Wi-Fi networks that can connect several devices at once wirelessly and have proven to be a vital tool for youth to access the internet, study and complete homework. In 2021, UScellular donated 2,800 hotspots and service to 33 Boys & Girls Clubs across the country, a $2.6 million investment. Clubs have used them to boost their connectivity on site and loaned the devices out to youth and their families to support reliable access at home. Now more organizations have the opportunity to apply.

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Hiking Challenge 6 is here! In Conserving Carolina’s and WPA’s White Squirrel Hiking Challenge 6, you get to explore the places you’re helping to protect—and they’re amazing! We invite you to take eight hikes on lands that Conserving Carolina has helped to protect, enhance, or open to the public.
This challenge includes two all-new Conserving Carolina trails with gorgeous views! Plus, you can see the highest waterfall east of the Rockies, lakes and waterfalls in DuPont State Recreational Forest, expanded trails in Bracken Mountain Preserve, and a beautiful creek in the Green River Game Lands. There’s also the all-time favorite Bearwallow Mountain with its 360-degree views over the mountains and countryside we’re working to protect.
These hikes will take you to some of our region’s “greatest hits,” as well as hidden gems where you may have the woods to yourself. If you’re into mountain biking, you have the option of biking some of these trails. And if you love to swim, fish, or just be near the water, five of these hikes take you to rivers, lakes, or waterfalls.
And the Hikes Are…
Drumroll please…. Here are the 8 hikes for this new Hiking Challenge! You can find more information and links to the full hike descriptions below. Which one will you do first?
- Bearwallow Mountain
- Wildcat Rock Trail – Extended
- Bracken Preserve
- DuPont State Recreational Forest: Fawn Lake and Lake Julia
- DuPont State Recreational Forest: Holly Road to Hooker Falls
- Green River Game Lands: Green River Cove Trail
- Whitewater Falls
- Youngs Mountain Trail
- LOG YOUR HIKES
- Log each hike as you complete it. You can check your progress in this roster.
- You can do the hikes at your own pace. You can take weeks, months, or over a year—whatever works for you.
- You must complete all your hikes before the start of the next Hiking Challenge. We launch a new challenge about every two years.
- Only hikes that you’ve done after Oct. 1, 2021 count toward Hiking Challenge 6.
- You can complete the hikes on your own or as a group.
- Please share about your hikes with the hashtag #whitesquirrelhikingchallenge (optional)
- Feel free to share about your hikes and connect with other hikers in our Facebook group, the Conserving Carolina Community.
The Hiking Challenge is free and open to all, but you must be a Conserving Carolina member to become a Hiking Challenge 6 Champion. If you are a member and you complete all 8 hikes, you will earn your White Squirrel Patch and exclusive perks from local businesses that support conservation, including Appalachian Coffee Company, Lazy Otter Outfitters, Murphy’s Naturals, and YAM Yoga and Massage. Most importantly, you get to experience eight great places and deepen your personal connection to land conservation.


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Buncombe County Organizations Can Apply For Free Hotspots and Service As Part of $13 Million Dollar Pledge From UScellular

Access to reliable internet connectivity causes a divide between Asheville area youth who have access and those who do not. Millions of children nationwide and many right here in our area rely on public Wi-Fi to study when away from school. We are thrilled to announce that UScellular is providing $13 million dollars in free mobile hotspots and service to bridge this issue knows as the “homework gap”.
We encourage nonprofits working with youth in afterschool programs to apply and use this resource to enhance the important work they are already doing. Nonprofit organizations that meet the following criteria are encouraged to apply:
– Certified 501c3 nonprofit organizations
– Operate within UScellular’s service area
– Focused on kindergarten through 12th grade
– Not a school or government entity
To apply, click here.
If you’re not currently set up as an applicant on Grants Connect, you will need to set up an applicant profile first. Once you’ve set up your profile, click the above link or refresh your page to be taken to the After School Access Project landing page. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].
Students across Western North Carolina deserve the tools and resources they need to succeed. Hotspots are stand-alone Wi-Fi networks that can connect several devices at once wirelessly and have proven to be a vital tool for youth to access the internet, study and complete homework. In 2021, UScellular donated 2,800 hotspots and service to 33 Boys & Girls Clubs across the country, a $2.6 million investment. Clubs have used them to boost their connectivity on site and loaned the devices out to youth and their families to support reliable access at home. Now more organizations have the opportunity to apply.

Hiking Challenge 6 is here! In Conserving Carolina’s and WPA’s White Squirrel Hiking Challenge 6, you get to explore the places you’re helping to protect—and they’re amazing! We invite you to take eight hikes on lands that Conserving Carolina has helped to protect, enhance, or open to the public.
This challenge includes two all-new Conserving Carolina trails with gorgeous views! Plus, you can see the highest waterfall east of the Rockies, lakes and waterfalls in DuPont State Recreational Forest, expanded trails in Bracken Mountain Preserve, and a beautiful creek in the Green River Game Lands. There’s also the all-time favorite Bearwallow Mountain with its 360-degree views over the mountains and countryside we’re working to protect.
These hikes will take you to some of our region’s “greatest hits,” as well as hidden gems where you may have the woods to yourself. If you’re into mountain biking, you have the option of biking some of these trails. And if you love to swim, fish, or just be near the water, five of these hikes take you to rivers, lakes, or waterfalls.
And the Hikes Are…
Drumroll please…. Here are the 8 hikes for this new Hiking Challenge! You can find more information and links to the full hike descriptions below. Which one will you do first?
- Bearwallow Mountain
- Wildcat Rock Trail – Extended
- Bracken Preserve
- DuPont State Recreational Forest: Fawn Lake and Lake Julia
- DuPont State Recreational Forest: Holly Road to Hooker Falls
- Green River Game Lands: Green River Cove Trail
- Whitewater Falls
- Youngs Mountain Trail
- LOG YOUR HIKES
- Log each hike as you complete it. You can check your progress in this roster.
- You can do the hikes at your own pace. You can take weeks, months, or over a year—whatever works for you.
- You must complete all your hikes before the start of the next Hiking Challenge. We launch a new challenge about every two years.
- Only hikes that you’ve done after Oct. 1, 2021 count toward Hiking Challenge 6.
- You can complete the hikes on your own or as a group.
- Please share about your hikes with the hashtag #whitesquirrelhikingchallenge (optional)
- Feel free to share about your hikes and connect with other hikers in our Facebook group, the Conserving Carolina Community.
The Hiking Challenge is free and open to all, but you must be a Conserving Carolina member to become a Hiking Challenge 6 Champion. If you are a member and you complete all 8 hikes, you will earn your White Squirrel Patch and exclusive perks from local businesses that support conservation, including Appalachian Coffee Company, Lazy Otter Outfitters, Murphy’s Naturals, and YAM Yoga and Massage. Most importantly, you get to experience eight great places and deepen your personal connection to land conservation.

Grindfest is BACK!
GrindFest is a free, 4-day festival that celebrates Black Business and entrepreneurship.
Grindfest is BACK! It is a free, 4-day event that celebrates the success of Black entrepreneurs + business owners in Asheville. A block-party style event will take place on 8 Rivers Arts Place! This includes a weekend full of music, games, live performance, food, local vendors + learning, employment and partnership opportunities. The goal of the festival is to highlight the progress made by people of color while also connecting folks in the community. A long weekend of fun and excitement
Over 30 sponsors will join together to celebrate this amazingly diverse and entertaining event. This year’s GRINDfest will showcase: ● World-renowned Slutty Vegan (Black, woman-owned vegan food truck recently featured in Essence Magazine) ● Curated Beer Garden by Highland Brewing ● Opportunity Tent featuring incentives, career development programs, grants, scholarships, and funding resources for businesses ● Food Trucks ● DJ Battle ● Poetry Slam ● Drag Show ● Outdoor Games ● Greater Asheville Cookoff (wings, chili, and BBQ categories); card games, and so much more!
The goal of the festival is to highlight the progress made by people of color while also connecting folks in the community. We will see you there! Let’s make HISTORY together!
Join the Chamber in kicking off GRINDfest 2022 hosted by Black Wall Street AVL!
BLACK WALL STREET AVL, a North Carolina based non-profit organization, is pleased to announce the 2nd Annual GRINDfest – a celebration of local Black business and entrepreneurship. Black Wall Street starts, grows and expands businesses, owners and networks to Honor History and Build Wealth together.
GRINDfest is a free, 4-day festival that celebrates Black Business and entrepreneurship. A block-party style event will take place on 8 River Arts Place! This includes a weekend full of music, games, live performance, food, local vendors + learning, employment and partnership opportunities. The goal of the festival is to highlight the progress made by people of color while also connecting folks in the community. A long weekend of fun and excitement.
The ribbon cutting/kickoff will feature Brian Hamilton, the founder of Brian Hamilton Foundation and its program, Inmates to Entrepreneurs. Come enjoy drinks, snacks and help kickoff this year’s festival.
FESTIVAL DATES: MAY 27-30, 2022
Parking Instructions: Parking is located behind, in front of and across the street from the Black Wall Street AVL Building at 8 River Arts Place.
Veterans Healing Farm (VHF) is excited to announce a benefit
performance of Brothers and Sisters Like These, Friday, May 27, 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the
Veterans Healing Farm, 38 Yale Rd., Hendersonville, NC. There is no fee to attend but
donations are welcome.
Brothers and Sisters Like These is a writing group founded by Vietnam combat veterans at the
Charles George VA Medical Center in 2014 to find their voices the war had taken from them. It
has since included veterans from all our wars and uses poetry and essay writing to help them
heal from past trauma.
The Veterans Healing Farm is a 501c3 nonprofit founded in 2014 to enhance the mental,
emotional, and physical well-being of our nation’s veterans through agri-therapy and
community.
This is an outdoor event so please plan on bringing a lawn chair or blanket to the Farm. For more
information, please contact the VHF at 828-595-6111 or [email protected]

Hiking Challenge 6 is here! In Conserving Carolina’s and WPA’s White Squirrel Hiking Challenge 6, you get to explore the places you’re helping to protect—and they’re amazing! We invite you to take eight hikes on lands that Conserving Carolina has helped to protect, enhance, or open to the public.
This challenge includes two all-new Conserving Carolina trails with gorgeous views! Plus, you can see the highest waterfall east of the Rockies, lakes and waterfalls in DuPont State Recreational Forest, expanded trails in Bracken Mountain Preserve, and a beautiful creek in the Green River Game Lands. There’s also the all-time favorite Bearwallow Mountain with its 360-degree views over the mountains and countryside we’re working to protect.
These hikes will take you to some of our region’s “greatest hits,” as well as hidden gems where you may have the woods to yourself. If you’re into mountain biking, you have the option of biking some of these trails. And if you love to swim, fish, or just be near the water, five of these hikes take you to rivers, lakes, or waterfalls.
And the Hikes Are…
Drumroll please…. Here are the 8 hikes for this new Hiking Challenge! You can find more information and links to the full hike descriptions below. Which one will you do first?
- Bearwallow Mountain
- Wildcat Rock Trail – Extended
- Bracken Preserve
- DuPont State Recreational Forest: Fawn Lake and Lake Julia
- DuPont State Recreational Forest: Holly Road to Hooker Falls
- Green River Game Lands: Green River Cove Trail
- Whitewater Falls
- Youngs Mountain Trail
- LOG YOUR HIKES
- Log each hike as you complete it. You can check your progress in this roster.
- You can do the hikes at your own pace. You can take weeks, months, or over a year—whatever works for you.
- You must complete all your hikes before the start of the next Hiking Challenge. We launch a new challenge about every two years.
- Only hikes that you’ve done after Oct. 1, 2021 count toward Hiking Challenge 6.
- You can complete the hikes on your own or as a group.
- Please share about your hikes with the hashtag #whitesquirrelhikingchallenge (optional)
- Feel free to share about your hikes and connect with other hikers in our Facebook group, the Conserving Carolina Community.
The Hiking Challenge is free and open to all, but you must be a Conserving Carolina member to become a Hiking Challenge 6 Champion. If you are a member and you complete all 8 hikes, you will earn your White Squirrel Patch and exclusive perks from local businesses that support conservation, including Appalachian Coffee Company, Lazy Otter Outfitters, Murphy’s Naturals, and YAM Yoga and Massage. Most importantly, you get to experience eight great places and deepen your personal connection to land conservation.



