Calendar of Events

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).

Asheville on Bikes, the Blue Ridge Bicycle Club, and more have worked with representatives of the City of Asheville for almost 10 years to find out how many people are walking and bicycling in various locations around the city. You can help!

This year, in coordination with the National Bicycle and Pedestrian Documentation Project, we will count non-motorized users of our streets at a number of specific sites from 5-7 p.m. on one of the following dates:

*Tuesday, September 10th, OR

*Wednesday, September 11th, OR

*Thursday, September 12th.

There are also a few sites available from 7-9 a.m. on those days, and a few sites that are counted on Saturday, September 15th from 9-11 a.m. Volunteer hours are extremely valuable in this effort.  A short training is required, but no special skills are needed. Sign up at Bike/Ped Site Registration or if you have questions, email [email protected].

Application deadline Sept. 15

Wildlife Triage interns help in all aspects of operations including the full rehabilitation process, answering phone calls and emails about wildlife interactions, the daily care of injured and orphaned wildlife and their enclosures, assisting with transport, and communications with the wildlife rehabilitation network in western NC.  Interns assist in facility upkeep and maintenance as needed and are provided the opportunity to experience all aspects of the non-profit if there is interest. No two days in wildlife rehabilitation are the same. Interns must be flexible, dedicated, dependable, and comfortable working in a team setting with other volunteers and communicating with the public. Interns are required to commit to a 4-5 month internship period with positions available in the Spring, Summer, and Fall. Schedules are determined during each season and based on animal intake.

Homework Diners take place weekly (except on school holidays or early release days). Families are invited to the cafeteria of the middle school during the scheduled time each week. No pre-registration is required to attend. Homework Diners currently take place at four area middle schools: Asheville, Enka, Erwin and Owen Middle. All are open to any family with a K-12 student in the surrounding school district with an adult family member in attendance with the participating student.

The 2019-20 Homework Diner schedule:

• Erwin Middle on Monday nights starting September 23, 2019 from 5:30-7:00 p.m.
• Asheville Middle on Tuesday nights starting September 24, 2019 from 5-7:00 p.m.
• Enka Middle on Tuesday nights starting September 24, 2019 from 5:30-7:00 p.m.
• Owen Middle on Thursday nights starting September 26, 2019 from 5:30-7:00 p.m.

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).

Application deadline Sept. 15

Wildlife Triage interns help in all aspects of operations including the full rehabilitation process, answering phone calls and emails about wildlife interactions, the daily care of injured and orphaned wildlife and their enclosures, assisting with transport, and communications with the wildlife rehabilitation network in western NC.  Interns assist in facility upkeep and maintenance as needed and are provided the opportunity to experience all aspects of the non-profit if there is interest. No two days in wildlife rehabilitation are the same. Interns must be flexible, dedicated, dependable, and comfortable working in a team setting with other volunteers and communicating with the public. Interns are required to commit to a 4-5 month internship period with positions available in the Spring, Summer, and Fall. Schedules are determined during each season and based on animal intake.

Call for Volunteers!! We are grateful that the Bookwalter Binge Gran Fondo supports conservation of land and water resources — and we need YOUR help to make it happen. Binge volunteers enjoy fun and camaraderie while helping in a variety of ways, from course marshals to Binge party hosting.

Homework Diners take place weekly (except on school holidays or early release days). Families are invited to the cafeteria of the middle school during the scheduled time each week. No pre-registration is required to attend. Homework Diners currently take place at four area middle schools: Asheville, Enka, Erwin and Owen Middle. All are open to any family with a K-12 student in the surrounding school district with an adult family member in attendance with the participating student.

The 2019-20 Homework Diner schedule:

• Erwin Middle on Monday nights starting September 23, 2019 from 5:30-7:00 p.m.
• Asheville Middle on Tuesday nights starting September 24, 2019 from 5-7:00 p.m.
• Enka Middle on Tuesday nights starting September 24, 2019 from 5:30-7:00 p.m.
• Owen Middle on Thursday nights starting September 26, 2019 from 5:30-7:00 p.m.

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).

Asheville on Bikes, the Blue Ridge Bicycle Club, and more have worked with representatives of the City of Asheville for almost 10 years to find out how many people are walking and bicycling in various locations around the city. You can help!

This year, in coordination with the National Bicycle and Pedestrian Documentation Project, we will count non-motorized users of our streets at a number of specific sites from 5-7 p.m. on one of the following dates:

*Tuesday, September 10th, OR

*Wednesday, September 11th, OR

*Thursday, September 12th.

There are also a few sites available from 7-9 a.m. on those days, and a few sites that are counted on Saturday, September 15th from 9-11 a.m. Volunteer hours are extremely valuable in this effort.  A short training is required, but no special skills are needed. Sign up at Bike/Ped Site Registration or if you have questions, email [email protected].

Application deadline Sept. 15

Wildlife Triage interns help in all aspects of operations including the full rehabilitation process, answering phone calls and emails about wildlife interactions, the daily care of injured and orphaned wildlife and their enclosures, assisting with transport, and communications with the wildlife rehabilitation network in western NC.  Interns assist in facility upkeep and maintenance as needed and are provided the opportunity to experience all aspects of the non-profit if there is interest. No two days in wildlife rehabilitation are the same. Interns must be flexible, dedicated, dependable, and comfortable working in a team setting with other volunteers and communicating with the public. Interns are required to commit to a 4-5 month internship period with positions available in the Spring, Summer, and Fall. Schedules are determined during each season and based on animal intake.

Homework Diners take place weekly (except on school holidays or early release days). Families are invited to the cafeteria of the middle school during the scheduled time each week. No pre-registration is required to attend. Homework Diners currently take place at four area middle schools: Asheville, Enka, Erwin and Owen Middle. All are open to any family with a K-12 student in the surrounding school district with an adult family member in attendance with the participating student.

The 2019-20 Homework Diner schedule:

• Erwin Middle on Monday nights starting September 23, 2019 from 5:30-7:00 p.m.
• Asheville Middle on Tuesday nights starting September 24, 2019 from 5-7:00 p.m.
• Enka Middle on Tuesday nights starting September 24, 2019 from 5:30-7:00 p.m.
• Owen Middle on Thursday nights starting September 26, 2019 from 5:30-7:00 p.m.

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).

Asheville on Bikes, the Blue Ridge Bicycle Club, and more have worked with representatives of the City of Asheville for almost 10 years to find out how many people are walking and bicycling in various locations around the city. You can help!

This year, in coordination with the National Bicycle and Pedestrian Documentation Project, we will count non-motorized users of our streets at a number of specific sites from 5-7 p.m. on one of the following dates:

*Tuesday, September 10th, OR

*Wednesday, September 11th, OR

*Thursday, September 12th.

There are also a few sites available from 7-9 a.m. on those days, and a few sites that are counted on Saturday, September 15th from 9-11 a.m. Volunteer hours are extremely valuable in this effort.  A short training is required, but no special skills are needed. Sign up at Bike/Ped Site Registration or if you have questions, email [email protected].

Application deadline Sept. 15

Wildlife Triage interns help in all aspects of operations including the full rehabilitation process, answering phone calls and emails about wildlife interactions, the daily care of injured and orphaned wildlife and their enclosures, assisting with transport, and communications with the wildlife rehabilitation network in western NC.  Interns assist in facility upkeep and maintenance as needed and are provided the opportunity to experience all aspects of the non-profit if there is interest. No two days in wildlife rehabilitation are the same. Interns must be flexible, dedicated, dependable, and comfortable working in a team setting with other volunteers and communicating with the public. Interns are required to commit to a 4-5 month internship period with positions available in the Spring, Summer, and Fall. Schedules are determined during each season and based on animal intake.

Homework Diners take place weekly (except on school holidays or early release days). Families are invited to the cafeteria of the middle school during the scheduled time each week. No pre-registration is required to attend. Homework Diners currently take place at four area middle schools: Asheville, Enka, Erwin and Owen Middle. All are open to any family with a K-12 student in the surrounding school district with an adult family member in attendance with the participating student.

The 2019-20 Homework Diner schedule:

• Erwin Middle on Monday nights starting September 23, 2019 from 5:30-7:00 p.m.
• Asheville Middle on Tuesday nights starting September 24, 2019 from 5-7:00 p.m.
• Enka Middle on Tuesday nights starting September 24, 2019 from 5:30-7:00 p.m.
• Owen Middle on Thursday nights starting September 26, 2019 from 5:30-7:00 p.m.

The Junior League of Asheville, Inc. (JLA) will hold its third annual Volunteer Expo, on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at the Crowne Plaza Expo Center from 10am to 3pm. Modeled after a job fair, this free event will feature more than 70 local nonprofits looking to fill ongoing and future volunteer needs. Nonprofits in almost every area of community concern will be present at the event: health, poverty, legal aid, environmental stewardship, women’s issues, arts, civic leadership, technology, education and animal welfare.

Excitement for the Volunteer Expo continues to grow, with nonprofit participation growing year over year.  The 2019 event featured over 70 non-profits with attendance at well over 1,000 community members coming to network and sign up to volunteer with nonprofit organizations.

The 2020 Volunteer Expo will be accepting applications starting in September. Due to the increase in interest for booths at the Expo, this year the League plans to review all applications received instead of awarding booths on a first come first serve basis.  They hope this will ensure a good mix of volunteer opportunities in a variety of service areas as well as allow new nonprofits the chance to have a booth at the event.  There will be a silent auction fundraiser, Cheers to Volunteers, the evening before the Volunteer Expo from 6pm to 9pm at the Masonic Temple in downtown Asheville.  All community members are invited to attend both events. If you are a nonprofit interested in participating in the 2020 Volunteer Expo, please email us at [email protected].

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).

September 13-22

Welcoming Week is all about what the Y does best – helping people
reach their potential and bringing the community together! 

Welcoming Week, an initiative of Y-USA’s national partner Welcoming America, celebrates the growing movement of communities across the U.S. that fully embrace new Americans and their contributions to the social fabric of our country. During Welcoming Week, communities bring together immigrants and U.S.-born residents to promote cross-cultural understanding raise awareness of the benefits of welcoming everyone.

Asheville on Bikes, the Blue Ridge Bicycle Club, and more have worked with representatives of the City of Asheville for almost 10 years to find out how many people are walking and bicycling in various locations around the city. You can help!

This year, in coordination with the National Bicycle and Pedestrian Documentation Project, we will count non-motorized users of our streets at a number of specific sites from 5-7 p.m. on one of the following dates:

*Tuesday, September 10th, OR

*Wednesday, September 11th, OR

*Thursday, September 12th.

There are also a few sites available from 7-9 a.m. on those days, and a few sites that are counted on Saturday, September 15th from 9-11 a.m. Volunteer hours are extremely valuable in this effort.  A short training is required, but no special skills are needed. Sign up at Bike/Ped Site Registration or if you have questions, email [email protected].

This urban scavenger hunt will take teams of four around the downtown area via a series of clues to sixteen different locations where they will be required to complete a task before receiving their next clue.  Two volunteers will staff each secret location, checking teams in and out, throughout the day. Contact [email protected] directly if you are interested in assisting with this event or sign up by CLICKING HERE.

Sponsored and coordinated by The Carolina Foothills Chamber of Commerce, the team lovingly refers to this year’s event as the Second-THIRD-ANNUAL HARMON FIELD MUSIC FESTIVAL. On Saturday, September 14 (12:00 noon to 8:00 pm), five great bands all headline the event Rich Nelson Band, Nobody’s Fault, Citizen Mojo, Lecretia w/Thunder Road, Shane Pruitt and Gregory Hodges. The music offerings are a blend of Country, Rock and Blues.

Bring your dancing shoes, a pop-up chair and a great attitude to enjoy Harmon Field at its very best! The music festival is going to be a BLAST! An assortment of food trucks will be on site. Beer and wine will also be available for purchase. A car show and craft/vendor market will also be available for perusing during the day.

Tickets can be purchased at the gate or online at CarolinaFoothillsChamber.com. Tickets are also available at the Carolina Foothills Chamber of Commerce office, One of the goals was to make this event affordable for attendees. Starting at 12:00 noon and running until 8:00 pm – it runs about a $1 an hour! Tickets are $8. In advance and $10. at the gate. Children 12 and under are free.

Band schedule:
Nobody’s Fault
12:20-1:45
Rich Nelson Band
2:05-3:20
Lecretia w/ Thunder Road
3:40-4:55
Citizen Mojo
5:15-6:30
SHANE PRUITT w/ Gregory Hodges
6:45-8:00 pm

Festival gate and parking will be near the Tryon Arts & Crafts Building. For more information, contact the Carolina Foothills Chamber of Commerce at 828-859-6236 or visit the chamber’s website and Facebook Page.

Application deadline Sept. 15

Wildlife Triage interns help in all aspects of operations including the full rehabilitation process, answering phone calls and emails about wildlife interactions, the daily care of injured and orphaned wildlife and their enclosures, assisting with transport, and communications with the wildlife rehabilitation network in western NC.  Interns assist in facility upkeep and maintenance as needed and are provided the opportunity to experience all aspects of the non-profit if there is interest. No two days in wildlife rehabilitation are the same. Interns must be flexible, dedicated, dependable, and comfortable working in a team setting with other volunteers and communicating with the public. Interns are required to commit to a 4-5 month internship period with positions available in the Spring, Summer, and Fall. Schedules are determined during each season and based on animal intake.

Call for Volunteers!! We are grateful that the Bookwalter Binge Gran Fondo supports conservation of land and water resources — and we need YOUR help to make it happen. Binge volunteers enjoy fun and camaraderie while helping in a variety of ways, from course marshals to Binge party hosting.

Homework Diners take place weekly (except on school holidays or early release days). Families are invited to the cafeteria of the middle school during the scheduled time each week. No pre-registration is required to attend. Homework Diners currently take place at four area middle schools: Asheville, Enka, Erwin and Owen Middle. All are open to any family with a K-12 student in the surrounding school district with an adult family member in attendance with the participating student.

The 2019-20 Homework Diner schedule:

• Erwin Middle on Monday nights starting September 23, 2019 from 5:30-7:00 p.m.
• Asheville Middle on Tuesday nights starting September 24, 2019 from 5-7:00 p.m.
• Enka Middle on Tuesday nights starting September 24, 2019 from 5:30-7:00 p.m.
• Owen Middle on Thursday nights starting September 26, 2019 from 5:30-7:00 p.m.

The Junior League of Asheville, Inc. (JLA) will hold its third annual Volunteer Expo, on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at the Crowne Plaza Expo Center from 10am to 3pm. Modeled after a job fair, this free event will feature more than 70 local nonprofits looking to fill ongoing and future volunteer needs. Nonprofits in almost every area of community concern will be present at the event: health, poverty, legal aid, environmental stewardship, women’s issues, arts, civic leadership, technology, education and animal welfare.

Excitement for the Volunteer Expo continues to grow, with nonprofit participation growing year over year.  The 2019 event featured over 70 non-profits with attendance at well over 1,000 community members coming to network and sign up to volunteer with nonprofit organizations.

The 2020 Volunteer Expo will be accepting applications starting in September. Due to the increase in interest for booths at the Expo, this year the League plans to review all applications received instead of awarding booths on a first come first serve basis.  They hope this will ensure a good mix of volunteer opportunities in a variety of service areas as well as allow new nonprofits the chance to have a booth at the event.  There will be a silent auction fundraiser, Cheers to Volunteers, the evening before the Volunteer Expo from 6pm to 9pm at the Masonic Temple in downtown Asheville.  All community members are invited to attend both events. If you are a nonprofit interested in participating in the 2020 Volunteer Expo, please email us at [email protected].

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).