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.
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.

September and October are a special time of year at the farm. Beginning Labor Day weekend, we welcome guests to experience the fall through our many on-site activities:
– Hay Rides
– Baby Farm Animals
– Bouncy House
– Kiddie Cart Rides
– Horseback Rides
– Pumpkin picking
– Apple Tasting and picking
– Corn Maze
– Lawn Games
– Trike Track
– Scavenger Hunt
– Corn Pit
Ticket price includes cost of fall admission, dinner*, rides, and entertainment. Horseback rides are separate and will be scheduled at time of arrival based on availability.
*Adult Plate= 1 Meat, 2 Sides, Bread, Tea/Water
Child Plate = 1 Meat, 1 Side, Bread, Tea/Water
Join us for “Saturday Night Lights,” a family-friendly event at Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, NC, happening every Saturday evening May through October featuring FREE carousel rides, pony rides, bounce house, face painting, entertainers and live music, plus horse show competition. General admission and parking are also free and open to the public. With onsite dining options, concessions, shopping, and lodging, come for the night or for a vacation getaway! Learn more at Tryon.com/SNL.
Phone: 828-863-1000
Email: [email protected]

Fast Track Your Nonprofit Career!
This extremely hands-on Leadership Development Program is proven to position professionals for long-term employment success.
How it Works
After completing the core requirements, students are awarded the CNP credential, which gets uploaded to LinkedIn and other digital platforms. Throughout the program, students receive career support and assistance connecting to nonprofit employers.
CNP Course Modules (approximately 12 months to complete)
The following courses makeup the curriculum required for the Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP). Each course starts with a one-day workshop at the WCU Biltmore Park Instructional Site, that will be held on a Thursday or Friday, and is followed by 4 weeks of online content with discussion boards, presentations, and weekly assignments. There is approximately one week in between each course and a holiday break after the third course.

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KEYNOTE SPEAKER:
JOSE ANTONIO VARGAS
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Jose Antonio Vargas is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, Emmy-nominated filmmaker, author of Dear America: Notes of An Undocumented Citizen and a leading voice for the human rights of immigrants. He is the Founder and CEO of Define American, the nation’s leading nonprofit media organization that fights injustice and anti-immigrant hate through the power of storytelling.
Mr. Vargas will share details of his childhood journey to the United States from the Philippines and his life in America as an immigration reform activist. Some have called him the most famous undocumented immigrant in America.
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Registration is now open for the next session of indoor youth tennis classes starting September 3rd at Hendersonville Racquet Club. Kids are put in groups based on age and ability with seven levels available. The session is six weeks long and is $79 for members or $99 for non-members for one class a week or $129/$149 for two classes a week plus a play day at the end of the session. Each player also gets a half hour one-on-one session with one of our certified pros.
The format for this session is having classes once or twice a week for six weeks. Then the session concludes with a fun L6 Play Day where they can get match experience. All classes are taught by certified tennis professionals and will be held on HRC’s outdoor or indoor courts.

Spend some time with your family detoxing naturally in the Salt Cave. Adults $25, 4-12 years old $15, 3 and younger are free.
Registration is now open for the next session of indoor youth tennis classes starting September 3rd at Hendersonville Racquet Club. Kids are put in groups based on age and ability with seven levels available. The session is six weeks long and is $79 for members or $99 for non-members for one class a week or $129/$149 for two classes a week plus a play day at the end of the session. Each player also gets a half hour one-on-one session with one of our certified pros.
The format for this session is having classes once or twice a week for six weeks. Then the session concludes with a fun L6 Play Day where they can get match experience. All classes are taught by certified tennis professionals and will be held on HRC’s outdoor or indoor courts.

Did you know that the Development Services Department offers training opportunities for professional development? Classes are held at Wesley Grant Sr. South Center, 285 Livingston St, Asheville, NC 28801 (unless noted otherwise).
Below is a list of upcoming classes:
- Mechanical Code Class: Sept. 3 and 10, 1 to 4 p.m. (tentative dates). Cost: $65.
- National Electrical Code (NEC) Class for Contractors: Oct. 14-15, 6 to 10 p.m. Cost: $80.
- Electrical Journeyman Test: Oct. 15, 8 a.m. to noon. Cost: $50.
- Building Code Class: Nov. 5 and 12 (tentative dates), 1 to 4 p.m. Cost: $65.
- Plumbing Code Class: Dec. 3 and 10, 1 to 4 p.m. (tentative dates). Cost: $65.

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.

The Council on Aging of Buncombe County in conjunction with the N.C. Department of Insurance’s Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) announces its classes “Introduction to Medicare – Understanding the Puzzle” for August – September 2019. The classes will explain how Medicare works, the enrollment process, how to avoid penalties, and ways to save money.
The classes are free and open to the public.
Residents who are new to Medicare, caregivers, and others who help senior citizens with their Medicare insurance should consider attending this informative class. The information presented is unbiased and accurate. No products are sold, recommended, or endorsed.
Medicare Classes: August – September 2019
- Aug. 21, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. PM Blue Ridge Health, 2579 Chimney Rock Rd, Hendersonville
- Aug. 23, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Goodwill, 1616 Patton Ave, Asheville
- Aug. 28, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 150 Brian Berg Dr, Brevard
- Sept. 5, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Reuter YMCA, 3 Town Square Blvd, Asheville
- Sept. 13, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. OLLI/Reuter Center, UNCA, One University Heights, Asheville
- Sept. 17, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Woodfin YMCA, 40 N Merrimon Ave #101, Asheville
- Sept. 20, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Goodwill, 1616 Patton Ave, Asheville
- Sept. 25, 2 p.m.- 4 p.m. Black Mountain YMCA, 25 Jane Jacobs Rd, Black Mountain
- Oct. 1, 2 p.m.- 4 p.m. Ferguson YMCA, 31 Westridge Market Pl, Candler

Buncombe County and the City of Asheville recognize the urgency of fighting climate change. Over the past 18 months, both the City of Asheville and Buncombe County have passed resolutions committing the city and county to power their government operations with 100% renewable energy by 2030 and for the entire county to be powered by 100% renewable energy by 2042. Brownie Newman, Chair of the Buncombe County Commission, and Julie Mayfield of the Asheville City Council will talk about the city and county’s plans and initiatives to begin the process of meeting these goals. This event is free and open to the public.
What
Do you dream of a diverse and beautiful farm or yard filled with food-bearing plants?
Instead of fighting a landscape that quickly returns back to its natural forested state, learn to use tree crops and land practices that enhance productivity, beauty, and usefulness. Forest farming or ‘agroforestry’ is the art and science of putting plants together in ways that forge mutually beneficial relationships and create vibrant and resilient ecosystems.
As you prioritize these sustainable design systems, you’ll discover the extraordinary ecological and social implications such as: renewal and regeneration of soil, reduction of erosion, enhanced beauty and usefulness, sequestration of carbon, and mitigation of water issues. Each effect leads to climate resilience and further integration with natural designs.
In these two full-day workshops, learn everything you need to know about working with trees on your land, no matter the scale.
When
Friday 9/6: Agroforestry & Silvopasture
Saturday 9/7: Forest Gardening
Each day-long workshop is independent. Take a worskhop with any instructor on Friday and/or Saturday; receive a discount for registering for both days.
When
Friday and Saturday, Sept. 6-7, 2019
9:30am–4:30pm both days
Where
Garden Cabin
Warren Wilson College, Swannanoa, NC
How Much
$75 = One day only (either Friday or Saturday)
$125 = Both days (Friday & Saturday) of any two workshops at the Harvest Conference
Hemp is a promising crop ecologically, financially, and politically for North Carolina growers.
Get an inside look at this budding (pun intended) industry with these experienced NC hemp farmers. Discuss potential pitfalls and how to avoid them, understand the industry trends, and discover specific actions you can take to get involved with legislation and regulation of this important crop.
The state’s hemp production has skyrocketed in the last few years; come learn how to be a part of it!
When
Friday 9/6: Growing Hemp at Any Scale!
Saturday 9/7: Understanding the Hemp Industry
Each day-long workshop is independent. Take a workshop with any instructor on Friday and/or Saturday; receive a discount for registering for both days.
More than a botanist, Luke Cannon is a long time pursuer and teacher of our living natural world. Over the last two decades, Luke has instructed numerous wilderness awareness programs and led hundreds of classes, walks and workshops. An avid naturalist, he blends biological studies with ecology, organic farming, survival skills, permaculture, rural homesteading, and experiential education. He has taught for the North Carolina Arboretum, the Elisha Mitchell Audubon Society, Organic Growers School, the Finger Lakes Native Plant Society, the Asheville Mushroom Club, Wild Abundance, and the Appalachian School of Holistic Herbalism to name a few. In 2011 he became the founder and director of Astounding Earth, an organization dedicated to helping people deepen their relationships with the living Earth. Luke currently lives in the mountains of North Carolina, studying and teaching Appalachian ecology and ethnobotany. He offers regular public walks and workshops to share his knowledge of local plants, birds, mammals, mushrooms and ecology.

The big North Carolina Mountain State Fair in Asheville is the official “state fair” of the western part of NC. More than 180,000 people attend the 10-day event that celebrates our people, agriculture, art and tradition. It’s fun for all ages, with plenty of exhibits, animals, food, rides and more. The fair is held at the Western North Carolina Agriculture Center, near the Asheville Regional Airport (I-26 East, exit 40). It’s a big place, so wear comfy walking shoes and allow time to see it all. Tip: Bring cash since credit card use is limited.
Hours
- Friday: Gates open 9 AM; Rides open 10 AM, close 1 AM
- Saturdays: Gates open 9 AM; Rides open 10 AM, close Midnight
- 1st Sunday: Gates open 9 AM; Rides open 10 AM, close 11 PM
- 2nd Sunday (Closing Night): Gates open at 9 AM; Rides open 10 AM, close 9 PM
- Monday-Thursday: Gates open at 3 PM; Rides open 4 PM, close 11 PM
Parking
FREE parking is available on fairground property and satellite property. Parking is located on Highway 280 at Gate 6. Satellite parking is located 1 mile South of Gate 6 (follow the signs) with free bus transportation to the fairgrounds (shuttle runs every 10-15 minutes).

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.

The Council on Aging of Buncombe County in conjunction with the N.C. Department of Insurance’s Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) announces its classes “Introduction to Medicare – Understanding the Puzzle” for August – September 2019. The classes will explain how Medicare works, the enrollment process, how to avoid penalties, and ways to save money.
The classes are free and open to the public.
Residents who are new to Medicare, caregivers, and others who help senior citizens with their Medicare insurance should consider attending this informative class. The information presented is unbiased and accurate. No products are sold, recommended, or endorsed.
Medicare Classes: August – September 2019
- Aug. 21, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. PM Blue Ridge Health, 2579 Chimney Rock Rd, Hendersonville
- Aug. 23, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Goodwill, 1616 Patton Ave, Asheville
- Aug. 28, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 150 Brian Berg Dr, Brevard
- Sept. 5, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Reuter YMCA, 3 Town Square Blvd, Asheville
- Sept. 13, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. OLLI/Reuter Center, UNCA, One University Heights, Asheville
- Sept. 17, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Woodfin YMCA, 40 N Merrimon Ave #101, Asheville
- Sept. 20, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Goodwill, 1616 Patton Ave, Asheville
- Sept. 25, 2 p.m.- 4 p.m. Black Mountain YMCA, 25 Jane Jacobs Rd, Black Mountain
- Oct. 1, 2 p.m.- 4 p.m. Ferguson YMCA, 31 Westridge Market Pl, Candler

The big North Carolina Mountain State Fair in Asheville is the official “state fair” of the western part of NC. More than 180,000 people attend the 10-day event that celebrates our people, agriculture, art and tradition. It’s fun for all ages, with plenty of exhibits, animals, food, rides and more. The fair is held at the Western North Carolina Agriculture Center, near the Asheville Regional Airport (I-26 East, exit 40). It’s a big place, so wear comfy walking shoes and allow time to see it all. Tip: Bring cash since credit card use is limited.
Hours
- Friday: Gates open 9 AM; Rides open 10 AM, close 1 AM
- Saturdays: Gates open 9 AM; Rides open 10 AM, close Midnight
- 1st Sunday: Gates open 9 AM; Rides open 10 AM, close 11 PM
- 2nd Sunday (Closing Night): Gates open at 9 AM; Rides open 10 AM, close 9 PM
- Monday-Thursday: Gates open at 3 PM; Rides open 4 PM, close 11 PM
Parking
FREE parking is available on fairground property and satellite property. Parking is located on Highway 280 at Gate 6. Satellite parking is located 1 mile South of Gate 6 (follow the signs) with free bus transportation to the fairgrounds (shuttle runs every 10-15 minutes).
Caldwell Arts Council announces the 34th annual Sculpture Celebration in Lenoir, NC on Saturday September 7, 2019 at the T.H. Broyhill Walking Park in Lenoir, North Carolina.
Sculptors are invited to bring up to 3 sculptures for this one-day competition for $11,000 in cash awards, along with potential sales and commissions.
This annual event attracts sculptors and buyers from the eastern United States to Lenoir, North Carolina. Last year, over 4,000 people attended the family-friendly celebration.
Early registration discounts are available.
Join long-time composter and Master Gardener Intern, John Bowen, for a hands-on composting workshop. Participants will learn about cold- and hot-composting, ratios of green to brown, what can and cannot be composted, how to build a proper compost pile, trouble-shooting composting problems and so much more. This workshop will get you energized to start your own composting system at home.
The workshop will be held, rain or shine, on Sept. 7 at 10 am at Dr. John Wilson Community Garden, 99 White Pine Drive in Black Mountain. Please bring a hat, camping chair, and water. This hour long presentation is free and sponsored by Black Mountain Blooms Seed Lending Library and Buncombe County Extension Master Garden Volunteers. We welcome you to be apart of our growing community! For any questions, contact Black Mountain Library 828-250-4756.
?Saturday, September 7th 11am-6:30pm
✨ASHEVILLE✨
Hickory Nut Gap Farm Renaissance Faire
57 Sugar Hollow Rd, Fairview, North Carolina 28730
***PLEASE NOTE THERE IS AN ENTRANCE FEE***
Sign up here to reserve your spot and for more information:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B044BA5AB2FA1FA7-hickory3

Attention all knights, pages, jesters, jousters, kings, queens, princesses and princes! Get your costumes ready, and come out and have some fun on September 7th! Boys, girls, moms, dads, come one, come all to the First Annual Renaissance Fair at the Farm. We have all sorts of fun demonstrations planned, such as fencing, sword fighting, and juggling. Other activities to be announced, including a costume contest!
Join us for “Saturday Night Lights,” a family-friendly event at Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, NC, happening every Saturday evening May through October featuring FREE carousel rides, pony rides, bounce house, face painting, entertainers and live music, plus horse show competition. General admission and parking are also free and open to the public. With onsite dining options, concessions, shopping, and lodging, come for the night or for a vacation getaway! Learn more at Tryon.com/SNL.
Phone: 828-863-1000
Email: [email protected]

Fast Track Your Nonprofit Career!
This extremely hands-on Leadership Development Program is proven to position professionals for long-term employment success.
How it Works
After completing the core requirements, students are awarded the CNP credential, which gets uploaded to LinkedIn and other digital platforms. Throughout the program, students receive career support and assistance connecting to nonprofit employers.
CNP Course Modules (approximately 12 months to complete)
The following courses makeup the curriculum required for the Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP). Each course starts with a one-day workshop at the WCU Biltmore Park Instructional Site, that will be held on a Thursday or Friday, and is followed by 4 weeks of online content with discussion boards, presentations, and weekly assignments. There is approximately one week in between each course and a holiday break after the third course.

The big North Carolina Mountain State Fair in Asheville is the official “state fair” of the western part of NC. More than 180,000 people attend the 10-day event that celebrates our people, agriculture, art and tradition. It’s fun for all ages, with plenty of exhibits, animals, food, rides and more. The fair is held at the Western North Carolina Agriculture Center, near the Asheville Regional Airport (I-26 East, exit 40). It’s a big place, so wear comfy walking shoes and allow time to see it all. Tip: Bring cash since credit card use is limited.
Hours
- Friday: Gates open 9 AM; Rides open 10 AM, close 1 AM
- Saturdays: Gates open 9 AM; Rides open 10 AM, close Midnight
- 1st Sunday: Gates open 9 AM; Rides open 10 AM, close 11 PM
- 2nd Sunday (Closing Night): Gates open at 9 AM; Rides open 10 AM, close 9 PM
- Monday-Thursday: Gates open at 3 PM; Rides open 4 PM, close 11 PM
Parking
FREE parking is available on fairground property and satellite property. Parking is located on Highway 280 at Gate 6. Satellite parking is located 1 mile South of Gate 6 (follow the signs) with free bus transportation to the fairgrounds (shuttle runs every 10-15 minutes).

Spend some time with your family detoxing naturally in the Salt Cave. Adults $25, 4-12 years old $15, 3 and younger are free.

The big North Carolina Mountain State Fair in Asheville is the official “state fair” of the western part of NC. More than 180,000 people attend the 10-day event that celebrates our people, agriculture, art and tradition. It’s fun for all ages, with plenty of exhibits, animals, food, rides and more. The fair is held at the Western North Carolina Agriculture Center, near the Asheville Regional Airport (I-26 East, exit 40). It’s a big place, so wear comfy walking shoes and allow time to see it all. Tip: Bring cash since credit card use is limited.
Hours
- Friday: Gates open 9 AM; Rides open 10 AM, close 1 AM
- Saturdays: Gates open 9 AM; Rides open 10 AM, close Midnight
- 1st Sunday: Gates open 9 AM; Rides open 10 AM, close 11 PM
- 2nd Sunday (Closing Night): Gates open at 9 AM; Rides open 10 AM, close 9 PM
- Monday-Thursday: Gates open at 3 PM; Rides open 4 PM, close 11 PM
Parking
FREE parking is available on fairground property and satellite property. Parking is located on Highway 280 at Gate 6. Satellite parking is located 1 mile South of Gate 6 (follow the signs) with free bus transportation to the fairgrounds (shuttle runs every 10-15 minutes).

