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, January 27, 2021
Virtual Roller-Skating Party Collage Workshop with Anastasia Higginbotham
Jan 27 @ 6:00 pm
Online w/ Malaprop's

What You Don’t Know: A Story of Liberated Childhood (Dottir Press, JAN 26, 2021), is Higginbotham’s latest book about being young. It illustrates how families, teachers, counselors, and other “stars” are already beaming love at queer, gender nonconforming, and trans children, to protect and bless them as they are. The Roller-skating Party Collage Workshop lets kids put their community in the rink with them—real life people they know and  trust, as well as strangers or historical figures whose radiant and genuine presence (even in spirit) is liberation.

RSVP here to receive a PDF of the roller rink back drop and the link to attend the event by email.

Like most of our events, this event is free. If you decide to attend and to purchase books we ask that you purchase from Malaprop’s. When you do this you make it possible for us to continue hosting author events and you keep more dollars in our community. You may also support our work by making a donation or purchasing a gift card below. Thank you!

When you purchase What You Don’t Know: A Story of Liberated Childhood from Malaprop’s below, you will also recieve a pre-printed roller rink backdrop.

SUPPLIES for the Workshop:
•  Pens and pencils
•  Scissors
•  Glue stick
•  Squares or rectangles of plain brown grocery bag (or flattened out packing paper or  construction paper) for creating faces, bodies, and hands
•  Images from magazines and catalogs to make clothes, hair, jewelry, hats, shoes, skates,  wheelchairs, and assistive devices. Nothing has to be like it is in real life. Your people  can have wings and tails, dress in actual flowers, have hair made of fire! Animals can  skate!
•  IMPORTANT—There are no rules about the materials! A pencil or pen and paper is  enough! The back of an envelope or some newspaper is enough! Stick figures are  enough! You can write “my rebel auntie” and “my gay uncle” on a couple of popsicle sticks and skate them all over the rink.

Thursday, January 28, 2021
A Virtual Sandburg Story Slam
Jan 28 all-day
Online w/ Carl Sandburg House

Carl Sandburg Home NHS will host a virtual story slam in honor of Carl Sandburg’s January 6th birthday. Throughout the month of January, storytellers are invited to prepare a true five-minute story, take a video of themselves reading the story, and submit the video to be shared here on the official Carl Sandburg Home Facebook page.
Videos will be posted on Facebook from January 27-29, and the winners announced on Saturday, January 30, at 10am. Stories should reflect the theme of “seasons,” such as nature’s change of seasons, a story from a favorite season, or the seasons of life. Visit www.nps.gov/carl/planyourvisit/slam.htm for submission information and video formatting tips. Submissions are due by January 22, 2021.
A panel of judges will rate the stories, with first place awarded $100, second place $75, and third place, $50. All storytellers will receive a small thank you gift for participating.
Support for the Slam is provided by the Friends of Carl Sandburg at Connemara, the park’s fundraising partner, and Eastern National, the non-profit partner that operates the park store.

Black History Month – Book List for Young Readers
Jan 28 all-day
Online
Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King and Black History Month
Jan 28 all-day
Online

Join us for the 11th Annual Kenilworth Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King! The theme of this year’s event is: ”Don’t Be Afraid to Change the World” Throughout the celebration participants will be introduced to emerging artists, filmmakers, chefs, local business owners, museums, on-line activities, non-violence training and so much more!
To honor legendary educators, Dr. Dolly Mullen and Dr. Dwight Mullen, the collection taken will be donated to help fund the new Drs. Mullen “Don’t Be Afraid to Change the World Scholarship” at UNC Asheville! Donations may be made online at kenilworthchurch.org. When giving, please write MLK in the notes section.
Respond to the event so you will have access to exciting daily content to explore. Let’s gather virtually to learn how so many individuals and organizations are continuing the dream Of Martin Luther King, Jr. and advancing his legacy of hope into our collective future!
Flat Rock Playhouse 2021 calendar!
Jan 28 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

2021 year calendar with photo of the Flat Rock Playhouse Mainstage covered in snow.

Start the year off right with a Flat Rock Playhouse 2021 calendar! This beautiful image of our Mainstage was taken by longtime Vagabond and Flat Rock Playhouse favorite, Scott Treadway. Enjoy the view of the Rock all year round in your office, on the kitchen wall, or above your desk. This quality printed calendar is 20″x16″ and supports the arts in North Carolina.

 

Books and Wine! – A Book That Is The First In A Series
Jan 28 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Online

Come join us for a fun afternoon sampling some wine(s) and talking about books. As always, the book can be fiction or non-fiction ….. whatever……just so that it somehow involves whatever topic we’ve chosen for the month. And if you just want to join us to hear about the books we’ve read but haven’t read any yet yourself, come along anyhow. You’ll have a chance then to suggest a topic for us to read books on for future times. For now during these COVID times, we will be meeting via Zoom. When COVID is more under control, we will talk about starting to meet at Metro Wines again.

What we’re about

A non-committal Book Club! No pressure to finish a book or host a meeting. Just show up, Sip and swap! Bring books you’ve read. Sip wine (beer or cider) and swap books and conversation. There will be a monthly topic-specified event on the 2nd Thursday from 2-4 with other meetings thrown in from periodically.

Black Experience Book Club
Jan 28 @ 6:30 pm
YMI Impact Center

Man reading book

YMI Cultural Center and Buncombe County Public Libraries have partnered on a book club exploring modern Black authors. December’s selection is The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates.

Asheville’s YMI Cultural Center (YMI) and Buncombe County Public Libraries (BCPL) are partnering to create a book club focusing on modern Black authors and readers. Beginning Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020, the Black Experience Book Club will meet twice per month at 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month.

To maximize safety, meetings will be held in a hybrid in-person and online format during the COVID-19 pandemic. Anyone interested may join the meeting via Zoom or meet in person at the YMI Impact Center, 39 S. Market St., Suite A, Asheville, NC 28801. In-person meetings will be capped at 10 participants in order to observe social distancing.

To register to attend in-person, please call YMI staff at 828-257-4540 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday through Thursday or email [email protected] at any time. To receive the Zoom link or for questions regarding finding copies of book club titles, please contact Alexandra Duncan at [email protected]. You may also find information about upcoming titles and request the Zoom link through the library’s Events Calendar. Visit buncombecounty.org/library and click on Events Calendar at the top of the page.

In December 2020, the Black Experience Book Club will discuss The Water Dancer, by Ta-Nehisi Coates. In January 2021, members will discuss The Coldest Winter Ever, by Sister Souljah, and in February 2021, Homegoing, by Yaa Gyasi. Selected titles for future months will be announced in book club meetings, on the library’s Events Calendar, and via YMI and BCPL social media channels. Readers may borrow any of these titles at any BCPL location or at the YMI. Copies will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis, so participants are encouraged to reserve their copies early.

Black Experience Book Club Sign Up
Jan 28 @ 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Online and YMI Impact Center
Black Experience Book Club

Join us for a bi-monthly book club sponsored by the YMI Cultural Center and Buncombe County Public Libraries. This month, we’ll be discussing The Coldest Winter Ever, by Sister Souljah.

Join us for a bi-monthly book club sponsored by the YMI Cultural Center and Buncombe County Public Libraries. This month, we’ll be discussing The Coldest Winter Ever, by Sister Souljah.

The Black Experience Book Club is a hybrid in-person and online book club.

To attend in person, call the YMI from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday – Thursday at 828-257-4540 or email submit@ ymiculturalcenter.org. In person meetings are limited to 8 attendees. To attend by Zoom, click “Sign Up” on this event listing. There is no limit on Zoom attendance.

Books are available to borrow on a first-come first-serve basis at both the YMI and Buncombe County Public Libraries.

Friday, January 29, 2021
A Virtual Sandburg Story Slam
Jan 29 all-day
Online w/ Carl Sandburg House

Carl Sandburg Home NHS will host a virtual story slam in honor of Carl Sandburg’s January 6th birthday. Throughout the month of January, storytellers are invited to prepare a true five-minute story, take a video of themselves reading the story, and submit the video to be shared here on the official Carl Sandburg Home Facebook page.
Videos will be posted on Facebook from January 27-29, and the winners announced on Saturday, January 30, at 10am. Stories should reflect the theme of “seasons,” such as nature’s change of seasons, a story from a favorite season, or the seasons of life. Visit www.nps.gov/carl/planyourvisit/slam.htm for submission information and video formatting tips. Submissions are due by January 22, 2021.
A panel of judges will rate the stories, with first place awarded $100, second place $75, and third place, $50. All storytellers will receive a small thank you gift for participating.
Support for the Slam is provided by the Friends of Carl Sandburg at Connemara, the park’s fundraising partner, and Eastern National, the non-profit partner that operates the park store.

Black History Month – Book List for Young Readers
Jan 29 all-day
Online
Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King and Black History Month
Jan 29 all-day
Online

Join us for the 11th Annual Kenilworth Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King! The theme of this year’s event is: ”Don’t Be Afraid to Change the World” Throughout the celebration participants will be introduced to emerging artists, filmmakers, chefs, local business owners, museums, on-line activities, non-violence training and so much more!
To honor legendary educators, Dr. Dolly Mullen and Dr. Dwight Mullen, the collection taken will be donated to help fund the new Drs. Mullen “Don’t Be Afraid to Change the World Scholarship” at UNC Asheville! Donations may be made online at kenilworthchurch.org. When giving, please write MLK in the notes section.
Respond to the event so you will have access to exciting daily content to explore. Let’s gather virtually to learn how so many individuals and organizations are continuing the dream Of Martin Luther King, Jr. and advancing his legacy of hope into our collective future!
Flat Rock Playhouse 2021 calendar!
Jan 29 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

2021 year calendar with photo of the Flat Rock Playhouse Mainstage covered in snow.

Start the year off right with a Flat Rock Playhouse 2021 calendar! This beautiful image of our Mainstage was taken by longtime Vagabond and Flat Rock Playhouse favorite, Scott Treadway. Enjoy the view of the Rock all year round in your office, on the kitchen wall, or above your desk. This quality printed calendar is 20″x16″ and supports the arts in North Carolina.

 

Saturday, January 30, 2021
A Virtual Sandburg Story Slam
Jan 30 all-day
Online w/ Carl Sandburg House

Carl Sandburg Home NHS will host a virtual story slam in honor of Carl Sandburg’s January 6th birthday. Throughout the month of January, storytellers are invited to prepare a true five-minute story, take a video of themselves reading the story, and submit the video to be shared here on the official Carl Sandburg Home Facebook page.
Videos will be posted on Facebook from January 27-29, and the winners announced on Saturday, January 30, at 10am. Stories should reflect the theme of “seasons,” such as nature’s change of seasons, a story from a favorite season, or the seasons of life. Visit www.nps.gov/carl/planyourvisit/slam.htm for submission information and video formatting tips. Submissions are due by January 22, 2021.
A panel of judges will rate the stories, with first place awarded $100, second place $75, and third place, $50. All storytellers will receive a small thank you gift for participating.
Support for the Slam is provided by the Friends of Carl Sandburg at Connemara, the park’s fundraising partner, and Eastern National, the non-profit partner that operates the park store.

Black History Month – Book List for Young Readers
Jan 30 all-day
Online
Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King and Black History Month
Jan 30 all-day
Online

Join us for the 11th Annual Kenilworth Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King! The theme of this year’s event is: ”Don’t Be Afraid to Change the World” Throughout the celebration participants will be introduced to emerging artists, filmmakers, chefs, local business owners, museums, on-line activities, non-violence training and so much more!
To honor legendary educators, Dr. Dolly Mullen and Dr. Dwight Mullen, the collection taken will be donated to help fund the new Drs. Mullen “Don’t Be Afraid to Change the World Scholarship” at UNC Asheville! Donations may be made online at kenilworthchurch.org. When giving, please write MLK in the notes section.
Respond to the event so you will have access to exciting daily content to explore. Let’s gather virtually to learn how so many individuals and organizations are continuing the dream Of Martin Luther King, Jr. and advancing his legacy of hope into our collective future!
Flat Rock Playhouse 2021 calendar!
Jan 30 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

2021 year calendar with photo of the Flat Rock Playhouse Mainstage covered in snow.

Start the year off right with a Flat Rock Playhouse 2021 calendar! This beautiful image of our Mainstage was taken by longtime Vagabond and Flat Rock Playhouse favorite, Scott Treadway. Enjoy the view of the Rock all year round in your office, on the kitchen wall, or above your desk. This quality printed calendar is 20″x16″ and supports the arts in North Carolina.

 

Meet Biblioboard, Buncombe Library’s Newest Digital Resource
Jan 30 @ 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
online w/ Buncombe County Libraries

Create, share, and discover with Buncombe County Public Library’s newest resource, Biblioboard.

BiblioBoard Library is an easy-to-use platform of high-quality digital content. Biblioboard offers books, articles, documents, images, audios, and videos. BiblioBoard Library is host to content from traditional publishers, indie authors, cultural institutions, and local thought leaders. Users can access BiblioBoard Library through the library’s website or on the device of their choice.

Some features of Biblioboard:

  • No waitlists or holds
  • Streaming audio and video are available on a wide variety of topics
  • Check out curated collections of the best indie authors.
  • Available for desktop, iOS, and Android devices

Local authors can submit their work for inclusion in the library catalog or publish books with Press Books. You can submit and share your work locally or nationally.

Interested? Check it out, and access Biblioboard today by clicking here.

Sunday, January 31, 2021
Black History Month – Book List for Young Readers
Jan 31 all-day
Online
Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King and Black History Month
Jan 31 all-day
Online

Join us for the 11th Annual Kenilworth Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King! The theme of this year’s event is: ”Don’t Be Afraid to Change the World” Throughout the celebration participants will be introduced to emerging artists, filmmakers, chefs, local business owners, museums, on-line activities, non-violence training and so much more!
To honor legendary educators, Dr. Dolly Mullen and Dr. Dwight Mullen, the collection taken will be donated to help fund the new Drs. Mullen “Don’t Be Afraid to Change the World Scholarship” at UNC Asheville! Donations may be made online at kenilworthchurch.org. When giving, please write MLK in the notes section.
Respond to the event so you will have access to exciting daily content to explore. Let’s gather virtually to learn how so many individuals and organizations are continuing the dream Of Martin Luther King, Jr. and advancing his legacy of hope into our collective future!
Flat Rock Playhouse 2021 calendar!
Jan 31 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

2021 year calendar with photo of the Flat Rock Playhouse Mainstage covered in snow.

Start the year off right with a Flat Rock Playhouse 2021 calendar! This beautiful image of our Mainstage was taken by longtime Vagabond and Flat Rock Playhouse favorite, Scott Treadway. Enjoy the view of the Rock all year round in your office, on the kitchen wall, or above your desk. This quality printed calendar is 20″x16″ and supports the arts in North Carolina.

 

Meet Biblioboard, Buncombe Library’s Newest Digital Resource
Jan 31 @ 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
online w/ Buncombe County Libraries

Create, share, and discover with Buncombe County Public Library’s newest resource, Biblioboard.

BiblioBoard Library is an easy-to-use platform of high-quality digital content. Biblioboard offers books, articles, documents, images, audios, and videos. BiblioBoard Library is host to content from traditional publishers, indie authors, cultural institutions, and local thought leaders. Users can access BiblioBoard Library through the library’s website or on the device of their choice.

Some features of Biblioboard:

  • No waitlists or holds
  • Streaming audio and video are available on a wide variety of topics
  • Check out curated collections of the best indie authors.
  • Available for desktop, iOS, and Android devices

Local authors can submit their work for inclusion in the library catalog or publish books with Press Books. You can submit and share your work locally or nationally.

Interested? Check it out, and access Biblioboard today by clicking here.

Monday, February 1, 2021
Black History Month – Book List for Young Readers
Feb 1 all-day
Online
Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King and Black History Month
Feb 1 all-day
Online

Join us for the 11th Annual Kenilworth Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King! The theme of this year’s event is: ”Don’t Be Afraid to Change the World” Throughout the celebration participants will be introduced to emerging artists, filmmakers, chefs, local business owners, museums, on-line activities, non-violence training and so much more!
To honor legendary educators, Dr. Dolly Mullen and Dr. Dwight Mullen, the collection taken will be donated to help fund the new Drs. Mullen “Don’t Be Afraid to Change the World Scholarship” at UNC Asheville! Donations may be made online at kenilworthchurch.org. When giving, please write MLK in the notes section.
Respond to the event so you will have access to exciting daily content to explore. Let’s gather virtually to learn how so many individuals and organizations are continuing the dream Of Martin Luther King, Jr. and advancing his legacy of hope into our collective future!
Live Stream: Alan Gratz presents Ground Zero: A Novel of 9/11
Feb 1 @ 2:00 pm
Online w/ Malaprop's

We are thriled to celebrate the release of Ground Zero with Asheville author Alan Gratz! Click here to register to attend on Crowdcast.

Alan Gratz’s eagerly-anticipated new novel is just in time for the twentieth anniversary of 9/11. Ground Zero is another pulse-pounding and unforgettable take on history and hope, revenge and fear — and the stunning links between the past and present. The book tells the parallel stories of Brandon—who is visiting his dad at work at the World Trade Center in New York City on September 11, 2001—and Reshmina—who stumbles upon a wounded American soldier in her village in Afghanistan on September 11, 2020. Two kids. One devastating day. Nothing will ever be the same.

Alan Gratz will sign and personalize books purchased from Malaprop’s! Please leave your personalization request in the comments section during checkout. 

This is a free event. If you decide to attend and to purchase the authors’ books, we encourage you to purchase from Malaprop’s. When you do this you make it possible for us to continue hosting author events and you keep more dollars in our community. If you would like to support us without purchasing a book, you may purchase a gift card or make a donation of any amount. Thank you!

Alan Gratz is the New York Times bestselling author of several highly acclaimed books for young readers, including AlliesGrenade, RefugeeProjekt 1065Prisoner B-3087, and Code of Honor. Alan lives in North Carolina with his wife and daughter. Look for him online at alangratz.com.

Tuesday, February 2, 2021
Black History Month – Book List for Young Readers
Feb 2 all-day
Online
WILD (Women in Lively Discussion) Book Club
Feb 2 @ 6:30 pm
Online w/ Malaprop's

Check the WILD book club’s Facebook page for COVID-19 related updates. Please RSVP the moderator at [email protected] for the Zoom meeting passcode for the meetings.  

Join former Malaprop’s General Manager Linda-Marie Barrett for this woman-only book club that seeks to have fun by reading books (fiction & non) by women writers. Click here to see a full schedule of what the club is reading. Club attendees get 10% off the book at Malaprop’s!

The club meets at 6:30 P.M. on the first Tuesday of the month at the Battery Park Book Exchange. It will be held virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Live Stream: Catana Chetwynd Launches In Love + Pajamas
Feb 2 @ 7:00 pm
Online w/ Malaprop's

Malaprop’s is delighted to host the virtual launch event for In Love & Pajamas with Catana and John!

*Your book is your ticket. Pre-order a signed copy of In Love & Pajamas from Malaprop’s to secure your spot at the event. Couples welcome. For personalization use the order comments field to provide the name to which the book should be autographed. Please note that due to Covid-19 related delays in processing and mailing, books will be delivered after February 2.

*When you order the book below, your name and email address will be added to the invitation list for the event. Please order by 4:00 PM ET on February 2 if you wish to attend the live virtual event. Please provide a valid email address when you order and make sure your email filters allow messages from malaprops.com.

*On the day of the event, an email will be sent with the link required to attend.


From the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Snug and the bestselling Little Moments of Love comes an all-new collection, In Love & Pajamas by Catana Chetwynd of Catana Comics! 

When you’ve reached that sweatpants-wearing cozy place in your relationship, it’s all In Love & Pajamas! This brand-new collection of Catana Comics presents 50 percent never-before-seen comics and some fan favorites that delight and amuse readers of all ages. Wholesome, sweet, feel-good humor, a perfect gift for your other half and a welcome add-on to any wedding, anniversary, or Valentine’s Day gift.

Catana Chetwynd is a self-taught traditional artist and the enthusiastic author of Catana Comics. She grew up in Saratoga Springs, New York, where she spent her time creating art and pursuing an education in psychology until accidentally stumbling into the world of comics. Not only is her fiancé, John, the daily inspiration for her drawings, but he was also the one who suggested a comic series about their relationship in the first place. Thanks to his idea and his inspiring daily antics, Catana was able to pursue her childhood dream of being a cartoonist. She currently lives on the East Coast with John and their tiny, angry dog, Murph.

Wednesday, February 3, 2021
Black History Month – Book List for Young Readers
Feb 3 all-day
Online
Kokoro Valentine’s Special
Feb 3 @ 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
Shoji Spa
Valentine’s weekend is booking fast! No need to worry,  in order to celebrate love all month, the Valentine’s package can be booked anytime in the month of February. Treat your Valentine to a sip and soak in your very own steamy, private & secluded salt hydrotherapy tub. As you soak, enjoy a delicious bottle of Italian Rosato paired with a mouth-watering selection of chocolates. Finish up your day of bliss with an hour-long Zen couples massage to reach total relaxation with your favorite person.
YPA Candy-Grams for the healthcare workers at MAHEC and the women of Project Cara
Feb 3 @ 5:15 pm – 6:15 pm
Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce

YPA is making candy grams for the healthcare workers at MAHEC and the women of Project Cara! Individual packets will be prepared for each YPA member to help write and assemble Valentine’s cards! We are staggering times to allow for small groups and social distancing, so you can sign up for either 5:15 pm- 5:45 pm, or 5:45 pm – 6:15 pm. And be sure to wear your mask!
Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC) was established in 1974 to improve training and retention of healthcare professionals across Western North Carolina (WNC). Project CARA, housed at MAHEC Ob/Gyn Specialists, has supported women with substance use disorders since 2014. The Project CARA team provides comprehensive substance use care using current evidence-based practices. They are committed to providing a judgment-free environment where women can feel safe and supported.