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.

Tuesday, February 23, 2021
Black History Month – Book List for Young Readers
Feb 23 all-day
Online
Take + Play – Borrow Ukuleles and Games from the Library
Feb 23 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Pack Memorial Library

The Perfect Turkey

Pack Youth Services introduces Take & Play, a pilot program that offers everyone the opportunity to borrow games, ukuleles, and disc golf sets from the Youth Services department at Pack Library. Take & Play items check out for three weeks, and you need to pick them up and drop them off at Pack Library. Games, ukuleles, and disc golf sets are available on a first-come, first-served basis and you check them out with your library card just like a book. Call 250-4720 for details, or drop by the library anytime we’re open.

All our library hours are listed here.

WNC Nature Center! Welcomes new members Samson and Bonita Red Foxes
Feb 23 @ 10:00 am – 3:30 pm
WNC Nature Center

red foxes

Welcome to your new home, Samson and Bonita!  The two red foxes will be joining the other residents of the WNC Nature Center and are coming to us from Izzie’s Pond Sanctuary in Liberty, S.C.

Samson and Bonita have something more in common than their new home.  They are both less than a year old and were both injured as a result of being caught in leg-hold traps and each has three legs, which means they would not be able to survive in the wild but can live safely in a zoo environment.

“The Nature Center has long provided excellent care for animals that, for one reason or another, could not live in the wild,” said WNC Nature Center Director Chris Gentile. “We are so excited to be able to welcome red foxes back to our Center.”

Come say “Hi!” to Samson and Bonita at the WNC Nature center beginning Feb. 11, when they’ll enter their new habitat for the first time.

Act Out Theatre Class Ages 8-12
Feb 23 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Online w/ Asheville Community Theatre

Taught by Amanda Klinikowski

Create your own short play! Add props, costumes, and scenic pieces (from things you already have at home!) and present to an audience of family and friends – all on Zoom!

Virtual Musical Theatre 6th – 8th Grades w/ Studio 52
Feb 23 @ 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Online
Picture

“I wish… more than anything!”
Dive into Broadway repertoire and character analysis in this class that celebrates “I want” songs; the musical moment spotlighting a protagonist’s hopes and dreams. With a focus on acting through song, intention, and motivation, young artists will discover what drives a character as they learn, develop, and perform a musical revue of “I want” songs presented at the end of the semester in an original virtual showcase. 

Virtual Platform: Zoom
Instructors: Anna Kimmell, Matthew Glover

Supplies Needed: Internet connection, headphones, a device (mobile phone, tablet, or computer) with a camera for video submissions

Youth Tennis Classes
Feb 23 @ 5:00 pm
Hendersonville Racquet Club

HRC Tennis Junior Program Info 2020 Fall Sessions

Registration is now open for the next session of indoor youth tennis classes starting February 22nd at Hendersonville Racquet Club.  Kids are put in groups based on age and ability with seven levels available.

Our youth tennis program has something for any child who wants to play.  From beginner to high performance player, we put them into situations where they will be challenged and can succeed while having a fun time doing it!

The format for this session is having classes once or twice for six weeks.  Each level of class is offered once during the weekday and once on Saturday.  Then the session concludes with a fun “Play Day” where they can get match experience.  All classes are taught by certified tennis professionals and will be held on HRC’s indoor courts

Wednesday, February 24, 2021
Black History Month – Book List for Young Readers
Feb 24 all-day
Online
Traveling Trunks – Bring the Museum to your Classroom!
Feb 24 all-day
Online w/ Western North Carolina Historical Association

Traveling Trunks and Kits are an economical way to bring the Museum to YOU! Rental fee is a refundable deposit of $15 per trunk. Trunks include many artifacts and a week of lessons.

Trunk deposits are always refundable, but if you choose to donate your deposit, these funds are used to assist students with economic needs to be able to come on field trips or to Living History Days.

Call 828-253-9231 or email [email protected] for information or to schedule your program.

Another way to bring the Museum to YOU is with an In-School Presentation!

A trained museum volunteer or staff person will present any of the above topics in your school. Programs may be presented to as many as 50 students per presentation (some are more hands-on and 25 students would be more appropriate).

Cost is $3 per student.

Choose a program, traveling trunk/kit, or suggest a custom program. Craft topics may include an extra supply fee.

Take + Play – Borrow Ukuleles and Games from the Library
Feb 24 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Pack Memorial Library

The Perfect Turkey

Pack Youth Services introduces Take & Play, a pilot program that offers everyone the opportunity to borrow games, ukuleles, and disc golf sets from the Youth Services department at Pack Library. Take & Play items check out for three weeks, and you need to pick them up and drop them off at Pack Library. Games, ukuleles, and disc golf sets are available on a first-come, first-served basis and you check them out with your library card just like a book. Call 250-4720 for details, or drop by the library anytime we’re open.

All our library hours are listed here.

WNC Nature Center! Welcomes new members Samson and Bonita Red Foxes
Feb 24 @ 10:00 am – 3:30 pm
WNC Nature Center

red foxes

Welcome to your new home, Samson and Bonita!  The two red foxes will be joining the other residents of the WNC Nature Center and are coming to us from Izzie’s Pond Sanctuary in Liberty, S.C.

Samson and Bonita have something more in common than their new home.  They are both less than a year old and were both injured as a result of being caught in leg-hold traps and each has three legs, which means they would not be able to survive in the wild but can live safely in a zoo environment.

“The Nature Center has long provided excellent care for animals that, for one reason or another, could not live in the wild,” said WNC Nature Center Director Chris Gentile. “We are so excited to be able to welcome red foxes back to our Center.”

Come say “Hi!” to Samson and Bonita at the WNC Nature center beginning Feb. 11, when they’ll enter their new habitat for the first time.

Youth Studio Art After School (Grades 6–12)
Feb 24 @ 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Asheville Art Museum

Gregory Crewdson, Untitled, 2001–2002, chromogenic print mounted on aluminum, 47 ⅝ × 59 ½ inches. Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, promised gift of the Fisher Landau Center for Art, P.2010.300. © Gregory Crewdson, image courtesy Whitney Museum of American Art.

Drawing inspiration from Vantage Points, students are challenged to use photography to explore people, places, and storytelling.

Please note:

  • Youth Studio is held indoors in the Museum’s Education Center.
  • Space is limited to small groups of up to eight students; face coverings and social distancing are required.

Presented in conjunction with Vantage Points: Contemporary Photography from the Whitney Museum of American Art. Generous support for exhibition programming provided by Art Bridges.

YOUTH STUDIO

Youth Studio is the Museum’s new studio program for children and teens! Students experiment and explore a variety of media and techniques through classes and workshops led by visiting artists and Museum educators. Classes meet 2–4 weeks and are designed for a deeper exploration of a specific media; workshops meet 3–5 hours and introduce a new medium or process. All materials are provided by the Museum.

The Museum is committed to making our programs accessible to everyone, regardless of economic means. With support from the Walnut Cove Members Association, we are able to provide a limited amount of financial aid to help students who could not otherwise afford to enroll in our programs. Email Sharon McRorie, education programs manager, or call 828.253.3227 x124 to inquire.

Youth Theatre Dance Class For ages 8-12
Feb 24 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Online w/ Asheville Community Theatre

 Taught by Amanda Klinikowski

Join us for 7 weeks on Zoom for a fun and interactive Dance class covering the fundamentals of dance for the theater! Each week, we will warm up our bodies, learn new basic jazz, ballet, and musical theatre steps, and work on a fun new dance combination to some of our favorite songs. Some past combinations featured songs from Hamilton, Wicked, The Greatest Showman, Lady GaGa, Trolls and more! Students will learn a recorded dance combination performance which will be shared with families after the final class.

7 Week Session: January 13-February 24, 2021
Wednesdays at 4:00-5:00 PM Eastern
Student Ages: 8-12 (or with prior approval from Amanda Klinikowski)

A limited number of scholarships are available for this class. CLICK HERE TO APPLY. Please do not purchase registration prior to applying. Applications must be received by 2:00pm on Monday, January 4, 2021 for consideration. Please contact Amanda at [email protected] with questions.

Wednesday Kid’s Night! Chick-fil-A Asheville Mall
Feb 24 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Chick-fil-A Asheville Mall

Join us EVERY Wednesday night for Kid’s Night! Children receive a free four-count kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult meal. See you on Wednesdays!

Youth Tennis Classes
Feb 24 @ 5:00 pm
Hendersonville Racquet Club

HRC Tennis Junior Program Info 2020 Fall Sessions

Registration is now open for the next session of indoor youth tennis classes starting February 22nd at Hendersonville Racquet Club.  Kids are put in groups based on age and ability with seven levels available.

Our youth tennis program has something for any child who wants to play.  From beginner to high performance player, we put them into situations where they will be challenged and can succeed while having a fun time doing it!

The format for this session is having classes once or twice for six weeks.  Each level of class is offered once during the weekday and once on Saturday.  Then the session concludes with a fun “Play Day” where they can get match experience.  All classes are taught by certified tennis professionals and will be held on HRC’s indoor courts

Thursday, February 25, 2021
Black History Month – Book List for Young Readers
Feb 25 all-day
Online
Traveling Trunks – Bring the Museum to your Classroom!
Feb 25 all-day
Online w/ Western North Carolina Historical Association

Traveling Trunks and Kits are an economical way to bring the Museum to YOU! Rental fee is a refundable deposit of $15 per trunk. Trunks include many artifacts and a week of lessons.

Trunk deposits are always refundable, but if you choose to donate your deposit, these funds are used to assist students with economic needs to be able to come on field trips or to Living History Days.

Call 828-253-9231 or email [email protected] for information or to schedule your program.

Another way to bring the Museum to YOU is with an In-School Presentation!

A trained museum volunteer or staff person will present any of the above topics in your school. Programs may be presented to as many as 50 students per presentation (some are more hands-on and 25 students would be more appropriate).

Cost is $3 per student.

Choose a program, traveling trunk/kit, or suggest a custom program. Craft topics may include an extra supply fee.

Take + Play – Borrow Ukuleles and Games from the Library
Feb 25 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Pack Memorial Library

The Perfect Turkey

Pack Youth Services introduces Take & Play, a pilot program that offers everyone the opportunity to borrow games, ukuleles, and disc golf sets from the Youth Services department at Pack Library. Take & Play items check out for three weeks, and you need to pick them up and drop them off at Pack Library. Games, ukuleles, and disc golf sets are available on a first-come, first-served basis and you check them out with your library card just like a book. Call 250-4720 for details, or drop by the library anytime we’re open.

All our library hours are listed here.

WNC Nature Center! Welcomes new members Samson and Bonita Red Foxes
Feb 25 @ 10:00 am – 3:30 pm
WNC Nature Center

red foxes

Welcome to your new home, Samson and Bonita!  The two red foxes will be joining the other residents of the WNC Nature Center and are coming to us from Izzie’s Pond Sanctuary in Liberty, S.C.

Samson and Bonita have something more in common than their new home.  They are both less than a year old and were both injured as a result of being caught in leg-hold traps and each has three legs, which means they would not be able to survive in the wild but can live safely in a zoo environment.

“The Nature Center has long provided excellent care for animals that, for one reason or another, could not live in the wild,” said WNC Nature Center Director Chris Gentile. “We are so excited to be able to welcome red foxes back to our Center.”

Come say “Hi!” to Samson and Bonita at the WNC Nature center beginning Feb. 11, when they’ll enter their new habitat for the first time.

The Gallery at Flat Rock: Porch Portraits sessions donates to Flat Rock Playhouse
Feb 25 @ 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
The Gallery at Flat Rock
Man and woman smiling as
                    their infant son poses in front of them.The Goodrum Family, photo by Suzanne Camarata

Thank you Suzanne Camarata of The Gallery at Flat Rock whose Porch Portraits sessions raised $2835 for the Playhouse! Suzanne began this series when the pandemic made traditional photo sessions a challenge and inspired photographers used social distancing to create a new way to capture memories. “Porch Portraits by Suzanne brings the fun of a casual, light-hearted photoshoot right to your home – literally to your front porch or in your front yard. ” Suzanne is continuing her sessions this year, so make sure to visit the link below to get (or gift) a session today.

Virtual Musical Theatre 3rd – 5th Grades w/ Studio 52
Feb 25 @ 4:30 pm – 5:15 pm
Online

Picture

“Getting to know you…” Meaningfully connect and collaborate with young artists from across the country in this virtual musical theatre class featuring Broadway songs about friendship! In high-energy zoom classes combining singing, acting, and movement, students will hone their theatrical skills while developing a virtual musical revue shared with friends and family at the end of the semester. 

Youth Tennis Classes
Feb 25 @ 5:00 pm
Hendersonville Racquet Club

HRC Tennis Junior Program Info 2020 Fall Sessions

Registration is now open for the next session of indoor youth tennis classes starting February 22nd at Hendersonville Racquet Club.  Kids are put in groups based on age and ability with seven levels available.

Our youth tennis program has something for any child who wants to play.  From beginner to high performance player, we put them into situations where they will be challenged and can succeed while having a fun time doing it!

The format for this session is having classes once or twice for six weeks.  Each level of class is offered once during the weekday and once on Saturday.  Then the session concludes with a fun “Play Day” where they can get match experience.  All classes are taught by certified tennis professionals and will be held on HRC’s indoor courts

Acting: Virtual Theatre 6th – 8th Grades w/ Studio 52
Feb 25 @ 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Online

Picture

Push your imagination to the limits as you collaborate with artists from across the country to devise original, virtual theatrical performance art. With inspiring, out-of-the-box artistic challenges, this class encourages artists of all kinds to use their voices and talents in new and unexpected ways. Whether you’re an actor, writer, dancer, comic, storyteller, artist, musician, or editor, this class led by improviser and actor TJ Simba-Medel will encourage you to create art from anywhere! 

January 28 – March 25

Virtual Platform: Zoom
Instructor: TJ Simba-Medel


Supplies Needed: Internet connection, a device (mobile phone, tablet, or computer) with a working camera for video submissions.

2021 Dairy Beef Feeder Calf Program Registration
Feb 25 @ 7:00 pm
online w/ Buncombe County Government

The WNC Dairy Beef Feeder Calf Program is designed to introduce youth to livestock showing, feeding, and care. Participants in the program will be provided a dairy calf that they will feed and care for at their home or another approved facility from March through the 2021 Mountain State Fair when the calves are sold. Participants will attend an informational orientation to prepare them for their project, participate in other events/clinics where they will work with their calf, and conclude their project by showing and selling their calves at the Mountain State Fair.

Please click on the links below to download the application form, rules, and program information. The WNC Dairy Beef Feeder Calf Program Committee met recently and revised the application and rules so please refer to the links below for the most up-to-date version.

New for 2021

All youth interested in participating in this program must attend our virtual orientation meeting on Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021, at 7 p.m.  Youth must register for this event: WNC Dairy Steer Program Orientation Sign-Up After registering, you will receive the login information for the Zoom meeting. *Each youth interested in participating must complete this form even if they will be logging in to the meeting together.

After attending the orientation and discussing the program requirements with your family, interested youth MUST submit a signed application for the program (located at the links below) which is due no later than Friday, Feb. 26, 2021.

The application can be scanned/photographed and emailed to [email protected]. The applications will be reviewed by members of the Dairy Beef Feeder Calf Program Committee and successful applicants will be notified during the first week of March. Please contact Ethan Henderson by email at [email protected] or phone (828) 456-3575 regarding any questions about the 2021 Dairy Beef Feeder Calf Program.

BalletX
Feb 25 @ 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Online

The special Schaefer Center Presents production will include a recorded introduction by BalletX co-founder Christine Cox, the BalletX 15th Anniversary Season video, and mixed rep selections “Increasing” and “Fancy Me.” In honor of BalletX’s 15th Anniversary Season, the company has commissioned a documentary film by Daniel Madoff that highlights its growth, trajectory, and continued commitment to redefining ballet in the 21st century. Known as Philadelphia’s premier contemporary ballet company, BalletX commissions choreographers from around the world to create new ballets that are “fresh, inclusive, and connect to what people want” (Philadelphia Citizen). Led by Artistic & Executive Director Christine Cox, BalletX has produced nearly 100 world premiere ballets by more than 50 choreographers, and performed for over 100,000 audience members at home and on tour, including appearances at such prestigious venues as the Kennedy Center, Vail Dance Festival, Joyce Theater, and Jacob’s Pillow.

Friday, February 26, 2021
2021 Summer Cuba Agroecology Tour
Feb 26 all-day
Cuba w/ Organic Growers School

 Organic Growers School is partnering with Food First and Altruvistas to offer their fourth Cuba Agroecology Tour and their first such trip in the summer from June 22 through July 1, 2021, with a focus on the country’s intensive sustainable agriculture practices. The tour, to be comprised of growers, community leaders, educators, and activists who are passionate about sustainable agriculture, will begin in Havana and travel to destinations such as Pinar del Rio, Artemisa, and Matanzas. The trip offers participants on-the-ground exposure to Cuban agriculture and the food sovereignty movement and will highlight their engagement with the global food system. The intention is for participants to acquire the knowledge and strategies to create just, sustainable, local, and healthy food systems in their own communities.

Cuba has had a focus on organic agriculture production methods since the 1970s. The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1989 ended Cuba’s access to agricultural inputs overnight, propelling them into what is now known as the “Special Period”—a crisis of reduced resources and increased hunger. The country embarked on a massive and rapid conversion to agroecology in an attempt to boost food production. The tour will focus on small farmers, sustainable food systems, and national security. There are multiple opportunities in Cuba’s diverse agricultural landscape to learn many lessons and insights for the development of a secure and sustainable food system elsewhere.

“The purpose of this tour is not to romanticize or glorify Cuban agriculture,” says Sera Deva, Director of Programs with Organic Growers School and the trip organizer. “It is instead an opportunity to learn about what a country-wide commitment to sustainable, local agriculture can look like. It will broaden and deepen our region’s wisdom regarding alternative food systems. Our goals are to show our participants the importance of cooperative farming models and sustainable farming techniques, as well as encouraging them to think critically about practical and governmental structures that could support a thriving community of organic growers and consumers.”

Local partners will provide an overview of Cuban history, culture, politics, agriculture, and ecology. Additionally, the group will meet with specialists who will provide background on the country’s transition into agroecological farming practices and the national policies that prioritize organic farming and the remediation of hunger. With a firm commitment to sustainability and justice, this tour will connect participants to farmers, consumers, activists, NGOs, policymakers and experts working to transform the global food system.

Tour highlights will include the following:

  • Discuss agroecology with Fernando Funes, co-author of Food First’s book Sustainable Agriculture & Resistance in Cuba.
  • Visit community permaculture and agricultural education, and food conservation projects.
  • Discuss changes in US-Cuba relations and how they might affect the future of tourism and agriculture in Cuba.
  • Meet with the National Association for Small Farmers (ANAP) and the Ministry of Agriculture.
  • Meet with a variety of small farmers and farmers’ cooperatives.

For the purposes of this trip, OGS is partnering with Food First, a “people’s think tank” dedicated to ending the injustices that cause hunger and helping communities to take back control of their food systems. Food First has been offering tours to Cuba for more than 20 years with the organizing assistance of Altruvistas, a socially responsible and philanthropic travel company that has facilitated 20,000 travelers to Cuba.

The cost of the trip is $2,950 and will serve, in part, as a fundraiser for Organic Growers School (OGS), a 501c3 non-profit organization. Thanks to a grant from the Christopher Reynolds Foundation, there are a limited number of partial scholarships for farmers and food activists to attend. This tour and all registrants will not be affected by recent political actions to restrict American travel to Cuba. Cuba is considered one of the safest destinations for travel, partially due to their diligent and holistic approaches to healthcare. Due to COVID-19, the traveling climate of the US (as well as tourist restrictions in Cuba) is changing daily. Cuba has implemented many of the same precautionary measures implemented around the world to minimize the spread of COVID-19 including social distancing, limiting travel to the island completely through the summer, and closing schools. In early November 2020, Cuba reopened its borders to travelers.

Potential tour participants can visit the OGS FAQ page which answers questions such as, “Why Cuba?,” “What are the legal considerations when traveling to Cuba?,” “Why ravel with Organic Growers School?,” “What does the tuition cover?,” and “What can I expect to experience?” Traveler testimonials from previous trips, the full itinerary, as well as a photo gallery can also be found on the website.

 

Black History Month – Book List for Young Readers
Feb 26 all-day
Online
Traveling Trunks – Bring the Museum to your Classroom!
Feb 26 all-day
Online w/ Western North Carolina Historical Association

Traveling Trunks and Kits are an economical way to bring the Museum to YOU! Rental fee is a refundable deposit of $15 per trunk. Trunks include many artifacts and a week of lessons.

Trunk deposits are always refundable, but if you choose to donate your deposit, these funds are used to assist students with economic needs to be able to come on field trips or to Living History Days.

Call 828-253-9231 or email [email protected] for information or to schedule your program.

Another way to bring the Museum to YOU is with an In-School Presentation!

A trained museum volunteer or staff person will present any of the above topics in your school. Programs may be presented to as many as 50 students per presentation (some are more hands-on and 25 students would be more appropriate).

Cost is $3 per student.

Choose a program, traveling trunk/kit, or suggest a custom program. Craft topics may include an extra supply fee.

Special Pre-Sale Wee Trade Carolinas: military, first responders, healthcare workers, families in foster families
Feb 26 @ 8:00 am – 10:00 pm
WNC Ag Center - Davis Event Center
Wee Trade Asheville's BIGGEST BEST Consignment Event 02
The special pre-sale for military, first responders, healthcare workers, first time families in foster families is new this year. It will be held Friday from 8 AM to 10 AM just before the public sale opens. Registration employees of eligibility is required. Space is limited.
Take + Play – Borrow Ukuleles and Games from the Library
Feb 26 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Pack Memorial Library

The Perfect Turkey

Pack Youth Services introduces Take & Play, a pilot program that offers everyone the opportunity to borrow games, ukuleles, and disc golf sets from the Youth Services department at Pack Library. Take & Play items check out for three weeks, and you need to pick them up and drop them off at Pack Library. Games, ukuleles, and disc golf sets are available on a first-come, first-served basis and you check them out with your library card just like a book. Call 250-4720 for details, or drop by the library anytime we’re open.

All our library hours are listed here.

Smith-McDowell House Museum Open for private, pre-booked tours
Feb 26 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Smith-McDowell House Museum

We are OPEN Fridays and Saturdays
for private, pre-booked tours at:
10:30 AM
12:00 PM
1:30 PM
3:00 PM