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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.

Wednesday, August 5, 2020
Stay Active with Your Library Card
Aug 5 all-day
Online

You don’t need to give up your fitness or workout routine just because COVID-19 has you spending more time at home. If you’ve got a library card and access to WiFi, it’s easy to stay active with digital resources. (If you need a new library card or renewal, call Ask a Librarian at (828) 250-4700 or follow these steps.)

North Carolina Digital Library

Free Drive-Thru COVID-19 Testing for the Uninsured
Aug 5 @ 8:00 am – 11:00 am
Brevard Music Center Main Parking Lot
Free Drive-Thru COVID-19 Testing For the Uninsured
The Brevard Music Center in association with the Pisgah Health Foundation announces a free drive-thru COVID-19 testing site exclusively for those on Medicare and those who are uninsured.When: Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8:00 – 11:00 a.m. Testing begins on Wednesday, July 15.

Where: Brevard Music Center Main Parking lot (entrance on Music Camp Road off Probart Street)

Who: Testing available exclusively to those who are uninsured and those on Medicare. (Please note: This testing is not available to persons holding private health insurance or on Medicaid. Please consult your doctor for testing.)

Questions: For more information, visit our website or email [email protected] and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Keystone Laboratory of Asheville will administer the COVID-19 tests and antibody tests, with results available within 96 hours.
Thursday, August 6, 2020
Buncombe County Area Meal Sites
Aug 6 all-day
Buncombe County

Find locations around Buncombe County working hard to feed our community.

FOR STUDENTS: text FOODNC to 877-877 to locate nearby free meal sites. The texting service is also available in Spanish by texting COMIDA to 877-877.

View meal sites by geographical area, day of the week, and/or service type offered.

Grounding and Centering Morning Meditation
Aug 6 all-day
Online

Enjoy a relaxing 20 minute guided meditation with didgeridoo from Robin and Corey, recorded live from their home in Asheville.

Stay Active with Your Library Card
Aug 6 all-day
Online

You don’t need to give up your fitness or workout routine just because COVID-19 has you spending more time at home. If you’ve got a library card and access to WiFi, it’s easy to stay active with digital resources. (If you need a new library card or renewal, call Ask a Librarian at (828) 250-4700 or follow these steps.)

North Carolina Digital Library

The Blood Connection: FREE Bloomin’ Onion voucher! at Outback
Aug 6 all-day
The Blood Connection

donate blood and earn Outback Steakhouse rewards

VISIT:

https://thebloodconnection.org/outback/?fbclid=IwAR1atg5dOe3gxhuljqpCF1myxtpVmhy9iw-I60scxKkk_U69G-iZjO5fYCU  to find your nearest location and timea!

Give back, Outback, repeat. Every Thursday during August, all blood donations made at a TBC Center will receive 400 reward points and a FREE Bloomin’ Onion voucher! You can also cash in those points for an Outback Steakhouse – National gift card and make it a whole meal! To find out more or to make an appointment: thebloodconnection.org/outback/

Free Drive-Thru COVID-19 Testing for the Uninsured
Aug 6 @ 8:00 am – 11:00 am
Brevard Music Center Main Parking Lot
Free Drive-Thru COVID-19 Testing For the Uninsured
The Brevard Music Center in association with the Pisgah Health Foundation announces a free drive-thru COVID-19 testing site exclusively for those on Medicare and those who are uninsured.When: Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8:00 – 11:00 a.m. Testing begins on Wednesday, July 15.

Where: Brevard Music Center Main Parking lot (entrance on Music Camp Road off Probart Street)

Who: Testing available exclusively to those who are uninsured and those on Medicare. (Please note: This testing is not available to persons holding private health insurance or on Medicaid. Please consult your doctor for testing.)

Questions: For more information, visit our website or email [email protected] and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Keystone Laboratory of Asheville will administer the COVID-19 tests and antibody tests, with results available within 96 hours.
Politics Live with The Fix
Aug 6 @ 12:00 pm
twitter

Join Washington Post reporters for a discussion on the latest politics.

Adult Creative Writing Group for Children’s Books
Aug 6 @ 1:00 pm
Leicester Library

The Perfect Turkey

It’s never too late to begin writing the next great American novel – or children’s book. The Leicester Library Creative Writing Work Group is opening its doors to any and all adults who are interested in writing children’s books. Meetings will include writing exercises, idea sharing, and other group discussions. The group will focus on writing picture books, early-reader, and chapter books. Participants are welcome to bring up to 500 words of original writing to share. But you don’t have to, you’re welcome to bring your thoughts to turn into great ideas later.

The classes take place on the first Thursday of every month at 1 p.m. at the Leicester Library. In previous groups, local children’s authors have visited to discuss their writing process. Also, members of the group have already published their own books.

 

Plastic: Problems, Solutions and How to Recycle Right
Aug 6 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Online

Image may contain: text that says 'Plastic: Problems, Solutions and How to Recycle Right virtual presentation with Asheville GreenWorks' Plasti Reduction Task Force Thursday, August 6th: 7:00 pm EST. SIERRA CLUB ORTHCAROLINA COLLIDER Green Works Plastic, especially single- use plastic, has become local and global issue. Pjoin our pane ofknowl ledgeabl professionals understandin the problemand learning what you do make difference VE'

Plastic—especially single-use—has become a huge problem, clogging our oceans and, with incineration, raining down on us from above. Join us for our virtual presentation with the Greenworks Plastic Reduction Task Force to understand the local and global problems and what you can do.

Our presenters include Alison Ormsby, Lecturer in Environmental Studies & Interim Co-Director of Sustainability at UNCA; Mickey Snowdon, Communications Liaison at The Collider; Finn Digman, AmeriCorps Waste Reduction Education Coordinator at GreenWorks; and Krista Stearns, businesswoman helping to lead the GreenWorks Plastic Reduction Task Force.

Register in advance here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_r8BUkbRxQKK1P1ALq8O7rg

Plus, to give you an overview of the overwhelming problem of plastic pollution, we are offering the documentary “The Story of Plastic” for viewing at no charge. The film will be available until 11:30 pm on Aug. 6 and can be found here: https://indee.tv/screener/view/85Svxt4390JrhQjETVdK5jy7GxaItXLK/

Also, be sure to read posts from our presenters in Greenworks’ Mind Your Plastic May blog. May is over, but plastic pollution isn’t! https://www.ashevillegreenworks.org/mind-your-plastic-may

Friday, August 7, 2020
Anti-Racisim: Resources Literacy Council
Aug 7 all-day
Online

Recognizing and understanding racism, and actively unlearning the everyday, built-in mechanisms of systemic racism is an ongoing effort that must be made by every single one of us. It can be difficult to navigate issues, origins, and solutions surrounding systemic racism, especially with so many different angles portrayed by the media.
There are countless truthful resources to help us find our way to social justice and equity. Here are just a few educational resources and ways to help our Black communities:
Educational reading:
The above photo has an excellent list of books!
Community:
Media:
Follow Black activists and voices on social media! Please reach out to us if you’d like suggestions on whom to follow.
Buncombe County Area Meal Sites
Aug 7 all-day
Buncombe County

Find locations around Buncombe County working hard to feed our community.

FOR STUDENTS: text FOODNC to 877-877 to locate nearby free meal sites. The texting service is also available in Spanish by texting COMIDA to 877-877.

View meal sites by geographical area, day of the week, and/or service type offered.

Deciphering the Riddle of Bach
Aug 7 all-day
Online

Great Performances:
Violinist Scott Yoo discovers a riddle in Bach’s portrait, with discoveries and performances along the way.

Farm Beginnings® Farmer-Led Training Program Virtual for 2020-2021
Aug 7 all-day
Online

Many skills are required to start and expand a successful farm business: passion, clear goals, production experience, financial and marketing know-how, and more. Farm Beginnings® will help you build these skills through one year of farmer-led training, mentoring, and networking. Using a holistic management frame, farmer-led classroom sessions, on-farm tours, and an extensive farmer network, Farm Beginnings® will help you clarify your goals and strengths, establish a strong enterprise plan, and start building a profitable and sustainable operation. Although students do not need to own land, some farming or production experience is required to get the most out of the program. As we know, farming is more critical than ever. Apply to this program and be prepared when crisis hits!

Program Details: December 2020 – September 2021

2020-2021 Farm Beginnings® Farmer Training is 200+ Hours including:

— Winter Whole-Farm Business Planning Courses – 60 hours (October – March)**
— ASAP’s Business of Farming Conference (February) – 8 hours
— OGS Conferences – 40+ hours
— Mentorship with an experienced Farmer Mentor (March – September) – 15 hours
— Production Training – 45 hours (April – October): WNC CRAFT tours on sustainable farms around WNC & Field Days with regional partners Living Web Farms  and the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy Incubator Farm
— One year WNC CRAFT Farmer Network membership – Membership and mentoring in a regional farmer network

Grounding and Centering Morning Meditation
Aug 7 all-day
Online

Enjoy a relaxing 20 minute guided meditation with didgeridoo from Robin and Corey, recorded live from their home in Asheville.

Stay Active with Your Library Card
Aug 7 all-day
Online

You don’t need to give up your fitness or workout routine just because COVID-19 has you spending more time at home. If you’ve got a library card and access to WiFi, it’s easy to stay active with digital resources. (If you need a new library card or renewal, call Ask a Librarian at (828) 250-4700 or follow these steps.)

North Carolina Digital Library

Teacher Survey with Asheville Art Museum
Aug 7 all-day
Online
Calling all teachers! If you teach in a public, private, charter school, home school, or learning pod, we want to hear from you. As we transition in-person group programs to the virtual realm, we need your feedback to create a model that will work for you and other teachers for the upcoming school year. We’re giving away a FREE Virtual Visit to one of the first 25 teachers to fill out the survey!
The Dancing Pitcher w/ Sarah Wells Rolland: 2 Hr. Video Demonstration Workshop
Aug 7 all-day
Online

This form has been a signature piece in Sarah’s body of work for years. The award winning Dancing Pitcher celebrates gracefulness, soft lines, and movement. The process making this unique form is inspiring and challenging.

This workshop is designed to push our limits as potters and push the limits of clay. We will cover many techniques. The goal is to stretch our thinking when making and designing pots. Creating designs where the flow of line and space are key. The making of this sectional graceful pot is perfect for discussion about design and training our eye to see.

We will cover:

  1. Throwing w/excellence
  2. Throwing in Sections
  3. Throwing with larger volumes of clay
  4. Darting
  5. Fluid Handles
  6. Pulling a large handle off the pot
  7. How to glaze this 24″ tall form and not ruin it
  8. Art that functions and why it matters

I will have several Pitchers in the different stages so we can all see this pot made to completion in the set 2 hours.

Hang on to you potters stool because you are in for a beautiful ride!

The video workshop is available for 30 days after purchase.

UNC Weight Research Program: Free 8-week program Health-E From Home
Aug 7 all-day
Online

Health-e from Home is a free 8-week program designed to help you make a few small changes to your everyday health habits – and it can be done at home, or anywhere. Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill are evaluating the acceptability and usage of this free online program that is designed to help people who are spending more time at home due to COVID-19 build healthier habits.  Those who join the study will receive access to weekly lessons and tailored feedback from the study team that will encourage small changes to their eating, small increases in activity, and simple activities to promote well-being. Participants will complete a brief, 20-minute survey at the beginning and end of the program, as well as weekly check-in questions to help the study team provide personalized feedback to help individuals meet their health goals.  Those who are interested in focusing on maintaining or losing weight will also be invited to a private Facebook group to join other study members working to meet weight goals during the study. To learn more and find out if you are eligible to participate, please visit http://healthefromhome.org.

Your Voice Matters: Advocate for those experiencing poverty
Aug 7 all-day
Online
MANNA’s mission is to involve, educate, and unite people in the work of ending hunger, and an important part of this mission is advocating for those living in and experiencing the effects of poverty.
As a non-partisan organization, dedicated to sharing information about the issues affecting the people we serve together, MANNA does not endorse political parties or candidates. We simply ask people to work with our elected officials to make legislation that works for us all, and makes our region, our state, and our country stronger from the ground up.
If you are interested in receiving advocacy-related emails from MANNA FoodBank, please follow link. By clicking here, you are signing up to receive information from MANNA about ways you can use your voice, and actions you can take, to help work towards our vision of a hunger-free Western North Carolina.
Fused Silver Earrings
Aug 7 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Ignite Jewelry Studios

Join me in the studio as we use hammers, saws, files and fire to transform silver wire into a beautiful pair of silver drop earrings. Class price includes all materials.

Read with J.R. the Therapy Dog!
Aug 7 @ 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Skyland/South Buncombe Library

Read with J.R. the Therapy Dog!

The Skyland Library will host J.R. the Therapy Dog on the 1st Friday of each month. Kids are invited to stop by between 2:30-3:30 pm to practice their reading skills with a gentle, patient and adorable canine friend. J.R. is a certified therapy dog and he can’t wait to meet you! 

Hemp Xpress Trolley:  Cruisin’ Asheville 
Aug 7 @ 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Carolina Hemp Company

 The Hemp X Hot Box:Roll with us Fridays from 5-10pm as we coast a route through West Asheville and Downtown. Stops at UpCountry Brewing, One World Brewing West, Foggy Mountain, and The One Stop. We’ll have smokable and edible hemp products for purchase to enjoy alongside any wine or beer you bring yourselves (closed containers only). We’re happy to provide an affordable way for locals and visitors to Roll Up, Stay Safe and Party Down! Cruisin Asheville July 10th, July 31st, August 7th, August 21st. More dates to come! 

Purchase Tickets on board! One Way Pass $3 and All Night Unlimited Pass $5

Private Rentals: Spark up your next Asheville area celebration with our personalized rental platform! We offer several packages at different price tiers to best cater to your party’s needs! Our team is dedicated to working with you to create an experience that will leave your guests (and your smoke) blown away!

The Hemp Xpress is dedicated to the safety of the Asheville community; public routes and experiences are operating at half capacity within social distance guidelines. Hand sanitizer is readily available to riders, and surfaces are regularly sanitized. Buncombe County requires a face mask be worn in public places.

Saturday, August 8, 2020
Anti-Racisim: Resources Literacy Council
Aug 8 all-day
Online

Recognizing and understanding racism, and actively unlearning the everyday, built-in mechanisms of systemic racism is an ongoing effort that must be made by every single one of us. It can be difficult to navigate issues, origins, and solutions surrounding systemic racism, especially with so many different angles portrayed by the media.
There are countless truthful resources to help us find our way to social justice and equity. Here are just a few educational resources and ways to help our Black communities:
Educational reading:
The above photo has an excellent list of books!
Community:
Media:
Follow Black activists and voices on social media! Please reach out to us if you’d like suggestions on whom to follow.
Buncombe County Area Meal Sites
Aug 8 all-day
Buncombe County

Find locations around Buncombe County working hard to feed our community.

FOR STUDENTS: text FOODNC to 877-877 to locate nearby free meal sites. The texting service is also available in Spanish by texting COMIDA to 877-877.

View meal sites by geographical area, day of the week, and/or service type offered.

Chill with Carolina Hemp Company in the latest #digAVL Video
Aug 8 all-day
Online

Meet Brian Bullman of Carolina Hemp Company. What better way to kick back and relax and help keep your immune system up then with some local hemp. Brian tells us all about the newest additions to their lineup of immunity-boosting and anxiety-reducing hemp. Find out more by checking out the video.

See the video interview here!

While we’ve all had to adjust to the “new normal” (whatever that is), our local business owners and managers each have their own story to tell about how they’ve been affected and what they are doing during these unprecedented times. Dig Local is proud to partner with our friend, Ann Smith, at Leap Frog Tours to interview some of the awesome folks who make Asheville, Asheville.
COVID-19 Business Resources
Aug 8 all-day
Online

As our community responds to COVID-19, our staff are monitoring the situation and working to bring you information and resources. Please watch this page for news updates and emerging resources.

COVID-19 Testing in Buncombe County
Aug 8 all-day
Online

COVID-19 Testing in Buncombe County

COVID-19 testing is suggested for people experiencing symptoms, those who have been identified as a close contact to a confirmed case regardless of symptoms, and for those who work in congregate living settings with concerns of a potential outbreak.

Testing is widely available at urgent cares, federally qualified health centers, and through some primary care providers for those who need it however, it remains important to focus on the prevention of COVID first and foremost to keep the virus from spreading further into the community and to loved ones.

FIND TESTING NEAR YOU:

If you DO NOT HAVE a healthcare provider who offers testing for COVID-19 and you need to get tested, there are several ways to find testing near you.

  1. Visit the Find My Testing Place website to find a clinic or pop up testing site near you.
  2. People in Buncombe County can access testing by completing the Buncombe County Self-Checker online to set up an appointment at one of the county’s open-air, drive-through sites. People can also call the Ready Team at (828) 419-0095 from 8:30 am – 5:00 pm., Monday – Friday to be pre-screened for testing at these sites.
  3. You can call the Buncombe County nurse line at (828) 250-5300 to find out where you can get tested (Press OPTION #1 to speak with a nurse) from 8 am to 5:30 pm.
Deciphering the Riddle of Bach
Aug 8 all-day
Online

Great Performances:
Violinist Scott Yoo discovers a riddle in Bach’s portrait, with discoveries and performances along the way.

Farm Beginnings® Farmer-Led Training Program Virtual for 2020-2021
Aug 8 all-day
Online

Many skills are required to start and expand a successful farm business: passion, clear goals, production experience, financial and marketing know-how, and more. Farm Beginnings® will help you build these skills through one year of farmer-led training, mentoring, and networking. Using a holistic management frame, farmer-led classroom sessions, on-farm tours, and an extensive farmer network, Farm Beginnings® will help you clarify your goals and strengths, establish a strong enterprise plan, and start building a profitable and sustainable operation. Although students do not need to own land, some farming or production experience is required to get the most out of the program. As we know, farming is more critical than ever. Apply to this program and be prepared when crisis hits!

Program Details: December 2020 – September 2021

2020-2021 Farm Beginnings® Farmer Training is 200+ Hours including:

— Winter Whole-Farm Business Planning Courses – 60 hours (October – March)**
— ASAP’s Business of Farming Conference (February) – 8 hours
— OGS Conferences – 40+ hours
— Mentorship with an experienced Farmer Mentor (March – September) – 15 hours
— Production Training – 45 hours (April – October): WNC CRAFT tours on sustainable farms around WNC & Field Days with regional partners Living Web Farms  and the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy Incubator Farm
— One year WNC CRAFT Farmer Network membership – Membership and mentoring in a regional farmer network