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.

Monday, June 21, 2021
Governor Cooper Announces $4 Million Summer Cash and College Tuition Drawings to Encourage COVID-19 Vaccinations
Jun 21 all-day
Online
Governor Roy Cooper announced the $4 Million Summer Cash and College Tuition drawings to incentivize individuals to receive their COVID-19 vaccinations and to thank those who have already done so. This announcement means that four vaccinated North Carolinians 18 and older will win $1 million each and four North Carolinians ages 12 to 17 will win tuition for post-secondary education. Executive Order 219, which has concurrence from the North Carolina Council of State, authorizes the drawings.
North Carolinians 18 and over who have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine will be automatically entered into four drawings for a chance to win a $1 million cash prize. Youth between the ages of 12 and 17 who have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine will be automatically entered into four drawings to win $125,000 towards post-secondary education. The $125,000 can be used at any post-secondary institution and is awarded in the form of a NC 529 account.
North Carolina joins other states that announced million-dollar drawings to promote vaccinations. Ohio, the first state to launch such a program, reported a 28 percent increase in vaccinations among those 16 and older in the first two weeks following the announcement.
According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, 44% of the total population has received at least one dose of the vaccine and 41% of the population is fully vaccinated.
Let’s Bring Summer Back Campaign
Jun 21 all-day
Online
NC YMCAs Join Efforts to Encourage Vaccinations
North Carolina YMCAs are joining forces with the NC Department of Health and Human Services and organizations across the state to educate people in the community about COVID-19 vaccines as part of a summer get-out-the vaccine campaign.
The Bringing Summer Back initiative is a community centered approach that creates a space for every organization and individual to roll up their sleeves and do their part to stop the spread of COVID-19. YMCAs across North Carolina will be participating in the initiative and elevating the importance of vaccinations.

COVID-19 vaccines are our best shot to bring back summer and get everyone safely back to the people, places and activities they love. So, we are launching the Bringing Summer Back initiative, a fun, flexible, community-centered approach to help every organization and individual stop the spread of COVID-19 by urging friends and neighbors to get vaccinated.

Bringing Summer Back will run during the following weeks:

  • June 6-12
  • June 20-26
  • Register your organization below. Registered partners will receive an introductory toolkit of resources and materials—from flyers to stickers—to help the people in your community bring summer back. Access a detailed guide for ways to participate and download the toolkit as well.

Donor Center Asheville: Critical Need Donate Blood
Jun 21 @ 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
Donor Center Asheville

KEY FACTS: 

  • In the past few days, hospital partners are reporting they are using blood at a much higher rate than normal. When demand is high, and the supply is critically low – that is a dangerous equation for the community.
  • Because of the critically low supply, The Blood Connection (TBC) is now having to back-order blood products. This has affected 12 hospital partners so far.
  • 48% of days this month, TBC DID NOT collect enough blood to cover hospitals’ needs. For comparison, in May of 2020 (during the pandemic) TBC collected enough to cover those needs 84% of the days.
  • There is a high likelihood that TBC will have to start rationing blood by the end of the weekend.
  • Heading into a holiday weekend – hospitals are stocking up their blood supply. TBC has already not been able to provide those products.
  • The community is the ONLY solution to this dangerous problem. The blood supply for local hospitals is in the community’s hands. 
Support cancer patients by donating blood
Jun 21 @ 10:00 am – 2:30 pm
Henderson County Offices American Red Cross Basement Office

Host a Blood Drive

Cancer patients may need blood products during chemotherapy, surgery or treatment for complications. More than 1.7 million new cases of cancer are expected to be diagnosed in the U.S. this year, according to the American Cancer
Society. Donated blood is a lifesaving gift most healthy people can give. The community is encouraged to donate blood with the American Red Cross to help those with cancer and many
others who need blood.  Support cancer patients by donating blood at any of these donation opportunities
during the month of June.

Those who donate June 1 – June 13 will receive a free limited – edition Red Cross T-shirt!
Those who donate June 14 – June 30 will receive a $5 Amazon.com e-gift card via email!

To make an appointment or to learn more, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor
App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood
Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device. Completion of a RapidPass® online health history
questionnaire is encouraged to help speed up the donation process. To get started, follow the
instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in.

Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh
at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High
school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height
and weight requirements.

Tuesday, June 22, 2021
Let’s Bring Summer Back Campaign
Jun 22 all-day
Online
NC YMCAs Join Efforts to Encourage Vaccinations
North Carolina YMCAs are joining forces with the NC Department of Health and Human Services and organizations across the state to educate people in the community about COVID-19 vaccines as part of a summer get-out-the vaccine campaign.
The Bringing Summer Back initiative is a community centered approach that creates a space for every organization and individual to roll up their sleeves and do their part to stop the spread of COVID-19. YMCAs across North Carolina will be participating in the initiative and elevating the importance of vaccinations.

COVID-19 vaccines are our best shot to bring back summer and get everyone safely back to the people, places and activities they love. So, we are launching the Bringing Summer Back initiative, a fun, flexible, community-centered approach to help every organization and individual stop the spread of COVID-19 by urging friends and neighbors to get vaccinated.

Bringing Summer Back will run during the following weeks:

  • June 6-12
  • June 20-26
  • Register your organization below. Registered partners will receive an introductory toolkit of resources and materials—from flyers to stickers—to help the people in your community bring summer back. Access a detailed guide for ways to participate and download the toolkit as well.

Donor Center Asheville: Critical Need Donate Blood
Jun 22 @ 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
Donor Center Asheville

KEY FACTS: 

  • In the past few days, hospital partners are reporting they are using blood at a much higher rate than normal. When demand is high, and the supply is critically low – that is a dangerous equation for the community.
  • Because of the critically low supply, The Blood Connection (TBC) is now having to back-order blood products. This has affected 12 hospital partners so far.
  • 48% of days this month, TBC DID NOT collect enough blood to cover hospitals’ needs. For comparison, in May of 2020 (during the pandemic) TBC collected enough to cover those needs 84% of the days.
  • There is a high likelihood that TBC will have to start rationing blood by the end of the weekend.
  • Heading into a holiday weekend – hospitals are stocking up their blood supply. TBC has already not been able to provide those products.
  • The community is the ONLY solution to this dangerous problem. The blood supply for local hospitals is in the community’s hands. 
Wednesday, June 23, 2021
Let’s Bring Summer Back Campaign
Jun 23 all-day
Online
NC YMCAs Join Efforts to Encourage Vaccinations
North Carolina YMCAs are joining forces with the NC Department of Health and Human Services and organizations across the state to educate people in the community about COVID-19 vaccines as part of a summer get-out-the vaccine campaign.
The Bringing Summer Back initiative is a community centered approach that creates a space for every organization and individual to roll up their sleeves and do their part to stop the spread of COVID-19. YMCAs across North Carolina will be participating in the initiative and elevating the importance of vaccinations.

COVID-19 vaccines are our best shot to bring back summer and get everyone safely back to the people, places and activities they love. So, we are launching the Bringing Summer Back initiative, a fun, flexible, community-centered approach to help every organization and individual stop the spread of COVID-19 by urging friends and neighbors to get vaccinated.

Bringing Summer Back will run during the following weeks:

  • June 6-12
  • June 20-26
  • Register your organization below. Registered partners will receive an introductory toolkit of resources and materials—from flyers to stickers—to help the people in your community bring summer back. Access a detailed guide for ways to participate and download the toolkit as well.

Donor Center Asheville: Critical Need Donate Blood
Jun 23 @ 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
Donor Center Asheville

KEY FACTS: 

  • In the past few days, hospital partners are reporting they are using blood at a much higher rate than normal. When demand is high, and the supply is critically low – that is a dangerous equation for the community.
  • Because of the critically low supply, The Blood Connection (TBC) is now having to back-order blood products. This has affected 12 hospital partners so far.
  • 48% of days this month, TBC DID NOT collect enough blood to cover hospitals’ needs. For comparison, in May of 2020 (during the pandemic) TBC collected enough to cover those needs 84% of the days.
  • There is a high likelihood that TBC will have to start rationing blood by the end of the weekend.
  • Heading into a holiday weekend – hospitals are stocking up their blood supply. TBC has already not been able to provide those products.
  • The community is the ONLY solution to this dangerous problem. The blood supply for local hospitals is in the community’s hands. 
MARA Meetings (Medication-Assisted Recovery Anonymous)
Jun 23 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
HOPE COALITION

MARA Meetings (Medication-Assisted Recovery Anonymous)

Monday, Wednesday, Friday 

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

 

Medication-Assisted Recovery Anonymous is a support group of people who believe in the value of medication as a means to recovery.  We understand that our individual needs may not be the same; our backgrounds may not be the same; our futures may not be the same.  However, our desire to live a safe lifestyle joins us together.  Non-judgement is our code.

About Hope Coalition

Hope Coalition is a grassroots effort initiated by the Henderson County Partnership for Health in 2013 as a community collaborative to educate, evaluate, and implement evidence-based models on substance misuse and underage drinking in Henderson County by building capacity and creating long-term and sustainable plans that are action-oriented and focus on community level change. 

Free Educational Series: Nutritional Support for Every Age and Every Stage of Life
Jun 23 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Online

– Understanding the relationship between food
and your body can lead to better choices and improved wellness. We know nutrition is
nourishment for the body and energy for the mind and it can empower us to have a healthy
life.
AdventHealth Hendersonville is hosting a FREE webinar to highlight Nutritional Support for
Every Age and Every Stage of Life. AdventHealth Medical Group Physician Assistant, Nicole
Drake, PA-C will share how nutrition can help you feel whole and take control of your health
and wellness.
“This decision is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and for your
family,” says Drake. “Setting small nutrition goals and achieving them is rewarding both
mentally and physically. Small steps toward a larger goal and finding what works for you as
an individual is important. Never think it is too late to start a new healthy habit!”
During this virtual event you will learn the importance of a good nutrition to avoid
abdominal pain, mental fogginess, fatigue and joint pain. You will also have the opportunity
to ask questions.

Thursday, June 24, 2021
Governor Cooper Announces $4 Million Summer Cash and College Tuition Drawings to Encourage COVID-19 Vaccinations
Jun 24 all-day
Online
Governor Roy Cooper announced the $4 Million Summer Cash and College Tuition drawings to incentivize individuals to receive their COVID-19 vaccinations and to thank those who have already done so. This announcement means that four vaccinated North Carolinians 18 and older will win $1 million each and four North Carolinians ages 12 to 17 will win tuition for post-secondary education. Executive Order 219, which has concurrence from the North Carolina Council of State, authorizes the drawings.
North Carolinians 18 and over who have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine will be automatically entered into four drawings for a chance to win a $1 million cash prize. Youth between the ages of 12 and 17 who have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine will be automatically entered into four drawings to win $125,000 towards post-secondary education. The $125,000 can be used at any post-secondary institution and is awarded in the form of a NC 529 account.
North Carolina joins other states that announced million-dollar drawings to promote vaccinations. Ohio, the first state to launch such a program, reported a 28 percent increase in vaccinations among those 16 and older in the first two weeks following the announcement.
According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, 44% of the total population has received at least one dose of the vaccine and 41% of the population is fully vaccinated.
Let’s Bring Summer Back Campaign
Jun 24 all-day
Online
NC YMCAs Join Efforts to Encourage Vaccinations
North Carolina YMCAs are joining forces with the NC Department of Health and Human Services and organizations across the state to educate people in the community about COVID-19 vaccines as part of a summer get-out-the vaccine campaign.
The Bringing Summer Back initiative is a community centered approach that creates a space for every organization and individual to roll up their sleeves and do their part to stop the spread of COVID-19. YMCAs across North Carolina will be participating in the initiative and elevating the importance of vaccinations.

COVID-19 vaccines are our best shot to bring back summer and get everyone safely back to the people, places and activities they love. So, we are launching the Bringing Summer Back initiative, a fun, flexible, community-centered approach to help every organization and individual stop the spread of COVID-19 by urging friends and neighbors to get vaccinated.

Bringing Summer Back will run during the following weeks:

  • June 6-12
  • June 20-26
  • Register your organization below. Registered partners will receive an introductory toolkit of resources and materials—from flyers to stickers—to help the people in your community bring summer back. Access a detailed guide for ways to participate and download the toolkit as well.

34th Annual Operation Blood Drive
Jun 24 @ 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
Trinity Baptist Church

News article image

Donating blood has the potential to save lives. The 34th Annual Operation Blood Drive happens on Thursday, June 24, schedule your appointment today. All resenting blood donors will receive an Operation Blood Drive t-shirt, while supplies last.

Donor Center Asheville: Critical Need Donate Blood
Jun 24 @ 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
Donor Center Asheville

KEY FACTS: 

  • In the past few days, hospital partners are reporting they are using blood at a much higher rate than normal. When demand is high, and the supply is critically low – that is a dangerous equation for the community.
  • Because of the critically low supply, The Blood Connection (TBC) is now having to back-order blood products. This has affected 12 hospital partners so far.
  • 48% of days this month, TBC DID NOT collect enough blood to cover hospitals’ needs. For comparison, in May of 2020 (during the pandemic) TBC collected enough to cover those needs 84% of the days.
  • There is a high likelihood that TBC will have to start rationing blood by the end of the weekend.
  • Heading into a holiday weekend – hospitals are stocking up their blood supply. TBC has already not been able to provide those products.
  • The community is the ONLY solution to this dangerous problem. The blood supply for local hospitals is in the community’s hands. 
Asheville Fit Tribe Group: 60 minute of strength training
Jun 24 @ 4:15 pm – 5:15 pm
Carrier Park

Join the Asheville Fit Tribe Group for a 60 minute of strength training. You will get personalized training with the power of the group to positively motivate you. Get ready to get a full body workout in for all fitness levels. So, no matter where you are at from beginner to collegiate athlete Trainer Preston will make sure you get a phenomenal workout. For Strength day we focus on slow controlled weight lifting. Learning how to become more aware of our bodies. We hope you give us a shot and see what we are all about!! For any question shoot Preston a text/call (984)204-0591.

Asheville Fit Tribe Group: 60 minute of strength training
Jun 24 @ 5:15 pm – 6:15 pm
Carrier Park

Join the Asheville Fit Tribe Group for a 60 minute of strength training. You will get personalized training with the power of the group to positively motivate you. Get ready to get a full body workout in for all fitness levels. So, no matter where you are at from beginner to collegiate athlete Trainer Preston will make sure you get a phenomenal workout. For Strength day we focus on slow controlled weight lifting. Learning how to become more aware of our bodies. We hope you give us a shot and see what we are all about!! For any question shoot Preston a text/call (984)204-0591.

Asheville Fit Tribe Group: 60 minute of strength training
Jun 24 @ 6:15 pm – 7:15 pm
Carrier Park

Join the Asheville Fit Tribe Group for a 60 minute of strength training. You will get personalized training with the power of the group to positively motivate you. Get ready to get a full body workout in for all fitness levels. So, no matter where you are at from beginner to collegiate athlete Trainer Preston will make sure you get a phenomenal workout. For Strength day we focus on slow controlled weight lifting. Learning how to become more aware of our bodies. We hope you give us a shot and see what we are all about!! For any question shoot Preston a text/call (984)204-0591.

Friday, June 25, 2021
Governor Cooper Announces $4 Million Summer Cash and College Tuition Drawings to Encourage COVID-19 Vaccinations
Jun 25 all-day
Online
Governor Roy Cooper announced the $4 Million Summer Cash and College Tuition drawings to incentivize individuals to receive their COVID-19 vaccinations and to thank those who have already done so. This announcement means that four vaccinated North Carolinians 18 and older will win $1 million each and four North Carolinians ages 12 to 17 will win tuition for post-secondary education. Executive Order 219, which has concurrence from the North Carolina Council of State, authorizes the drawings.
North Carolinians 18 and over who have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine will be automatically entered into four drawings for a chance to win a $1 million cash prize. Youth between the ages of 12 and 17 who have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine will be automatically entered into four drawings to win $125,000 towards post-secondary education. The $125,000 can be used at any post-secondary institution and is awarded in the form of a NC 529 account.
North Carolina joins other states that announced million-dollar drawings to promote vaccinations. Ohio, the first state to launch such a program, reported a 28 percent increase in vaccinations among those 16 and older in the first two weeks following the announcement.
According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, 44% of the total population has received at least one dose of the vaccine and 41% of the population is fully vaccinated.
Let’s Bring Summer Back Campaign
Jun 25 all-day
Online
NC YMCAs Join Efforts to Encourage Vaccinations
North Carolina YMCAs are joining forces with the NC Department of Health and Human Services and organizations across the state to educate people in the community about COVID-19 vaccines as part of a summer get-out-the vaccine campaign.
The Bringing Summer Back initiative is a community centered approach that creates a space for every organization and individual to roll up their sleeves and do their part to stop the spread of COVID-19. YMCAs across North Carolina will be participating in the initiative and elevating the importance of vaccinations.

COVID-19 vaccines are our best shot to bring back summer and get everyone safely back to the people, places and activities they love. So, we are launching the Bringing Summer Back initiative, a fun, flexible, community-centered approach to help every organization and individual stop the spread of COVID-19 by urging friends and neighbors to get vaccinated.

Bringing Summer Back will run during the following weeks:

  • June 6-12
  • June 20-26
  • Register your organization below. Registered partners will receive an introductory toolkit of resources and materials—from flyers to stickers—to help the people in your community bring summer back. Access a detailed guide for ways to participate and download the toolkit as well.

Southern Sixer Hiking Challenge
Jun 25 all-day
Asheville and Tennessee Mountains

Did you know more than 40 peaks in the Southern Appalachians of NC and TN reach over 6,000 feet elevation?  And, most of these “Southern Sixer” summits fall within Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy’s six conservation focus areas. (The map below shows Southern Sixer locations relative to our focus areas).

Many of these peaks can be accessed from public lands and trails — such as Mt. Mitchell, Roan High Knob, Mount Kephart, and Black Balsam Knob.

In 2017 we launched the Southern Sixer Hiking Challenge, to challenge YOU to summit at least six of these 6,000+ ft. peaks and receive a commemorative patch! 

Originally started as part of our “For Love of Beer & Mountains” Partnership, the Southern Sixer Challenge has become so popular we’ve decided to keep it going. Since starting the Challenge, many hikers have shared stories and images from their adventures — including the cover photo for our 2018 View from the Highlands newsletter, submitted by Steve Bridges.

Fill out the online form on this page (submit a photo and tell us a little about each of your hikes), and we’ll send your patch!

Donor Center Asheville: Critical Need Donate Blood
Jun 25 @ 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
Donor Center Asheville

KEY FACTS: 

  • In the past few days, hospital partners are reporting they are using blood at a much higher rate than normal. When demand is high, and the supply is critically low – that is a dangerous equation for the community.
  • Because of the critically low supply, The Blood Connection (TBC) is now having to back-order blood products. This has affected 12 hospital partners so far.
  • 48% of days this month, TBC DID NOT collect enough blood to cover hospitals’ needs. For comparison, in May of 2020 (during the pandemic) TBC collected enough to cover those needs 84% of the days.
  • There is a high likelihood that TBC will have to start rationing blood by the end of the weekend.
  • Heading into a holiday weekend – hospitals are stocking up their blood supply. TBC has already not been able to provide those products.
  • The community is the ONLY solution to this dangerous problem. The blood supply for local hospitals is in the community’s hands. 
MARA Meetings (Medication-Assisted Recovery Anonymous)
Jun 25 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
HOPE COALITION

MARA Meetings (Medication-Assisted Recovery Anonymous)

Monday, Wednesday, Friday 

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

 

Medication-Assisted Recovery Anonymous is a support group of people who believe in the value of medication as a means to recovery.  We understand that our individual needs may not be the same; our backgrounds may not be the same; our futures may not be the same.  However, our desire to live a safe lifestyle joins us together.  Non-judgement is our code.

About Hope Coalition

Hope Coalition is a grassroots effort initiated by the Henderson County Partnership for Health in 2013 as a community collaborative to educate, evaluate, and implement evidence-based models on substance misuse and underage drinking in Henderson County by building capacity and creating long-term and sustainable plans that are action-oriented and focus on community level change. 

Saturday, June 26, 2021
Governor Cooper Announces $4 Million Summer Cash and College Tuition Drawings to Encourage COVID-19 Vaccinations
Jun 26 all-day
Online
Governor Roy Cooper announced the $4 Million Summer Cash and College Tuition drawings to incentivize individuals to receive their COVID-19 vaccinations and to thank those who have already done so. This announcement means that four vaccinated North Carolinians 18 and older will win $1 million each and four North Carolinians ages 12 to 17 will win tuition for post-secondary education. Executive Order 219, which has concurrence from the North Carolina Council of State, authorizes the drawings.
North Carolinians 18 and over who have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine will be automatically entered into four drawings for a chance to win a $1 million cash prize. Youth between the ages of 12 and 17 who have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine will be automatically entered into four drawings to win $125,000 towards post-secondary education. The $125,000 can be used at any post-secondary institution and is awarded in the form of a NC 529 account.
North Carolina joins other states that announced million-dollar drawings to promote vaccinations. Ohio, the first state to launch such a program, reported a 28 percent increase in vaccinations among those 16 and older in the first two weeks following the announcement.
According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, 44% of the total population has received at least one dose of the vaccine and 41% of the population is fully vaccinated.
Let’s Bring Summer Back Campaign
Jun 26 all-day
Online
NC YMCAs Join Efforts to Encourage Vaccinations
North Carolina YMCAs are joining forces with the NC Department of Health and Human Services and organizations across the state to educate people in the community about COVID-19 vaccines as part of a summer get-out-the vaccine campaign.
The Bringing Summer Back initiative is a community centered approach that creates a space for every organization and individual to roll up their sleeves and do their part to stop the spread of COVID-19. YMCAs across North Carolina will be participating in the initiative and elevating the importance of vaccinations.

COVID-19 vaccines are our best shot to bring back summer and get everyone safely back to the people, places and activities they love. So, we are launching the Bringing Summer Back initiative, a fun, flexible, community-centered approach to help every organization and individual stop the spread of COVID-19 by urging friends and neighbors to get vaccinated.

Bringing Summer Back will run during the following weeks:

  • June 6-12
  • June 20-26
  • Register your organization below. Registered partners will receive an introductory toolkit of resources and materials—from flyers to stickers—to help the people in your community bring summer back. Access a detailed guide for ways to participate and download the toolkit as well.

Southern Sixer Hiking Challenge
Jun 26 all-day
Asheville and Tennessee Mountains

Did you know more than 40 peaks in the Southern Appalachians of NC and TN reach over 6,000 feet elevation?  And, most of these “Southern Sixer” summits fall within Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy’s six conservation focus areas. (The map below shows Southern Sixer locations relative to our focus areas).

Many of these peaks can be accessed from public lands and trails — such as Mt. Mitchell, Roan High Knob, Mount Kephart, and Black Balsam Knob.

In 2017 we launched the Southern Sixer Hiking Challenge, to challenge YOU to summit at least six of these 6,000+ ft. peaks and receive a commemorative patch! 

Originally started as part of our “For Love of Beer & Mountains” Partnership, the Southern Sixer Challenge has become so popular we’ve decided to keep it going. Since starting the Challenge, many hikers have shared stories and images from their adventures — including the cover photo for our 2018 View from the Highlands newsletter, submitted by Steve Bridges.

Fill out the online form on this page (submit a photo and tell us a little about each of your hikes), and we’ll send your patch!

Donor Center Asheville: Critical Need Donate Blood
Jun 26 @ 7:00 am – 5:00 pm
Donor Center Asheville

KEY FACTS: 

  • In the past few days, hospital partners are reporting they are using blood at a much higher rate than normal. When demand is high, and the supply is critically low – that is a dangerous equation for the community.
  • Because of the critically low supply, The Blood Connection (TBC) is now having to back-order blood products. This has affected 12 hospital partners so far.
  • 48% of days this month, TBC DID NOT collect enough blood to cover hospitals’ needs. For comparison, in May of 2020 (during the pandemic) TBC collected enough to cover those needs 84% of the days.
  • There is a high likelihood that TBC will have to start rationing blood by the end of the weekend.
  • Heading into a holiday weekend – hospitals are stocking up their blood supply. TBC has already not been able to provide those products.
  • The community is the ONLY solution to this dangerous problem. The blood supply for local hospitals is in the community’s hands. 
Sunday, June 27, 2021
Governor Cooper Announces $4 Million Summer Cash and College Tuition Drawings to Encourage COVID-19 Vaccinations
Jun 27 all-day
Online
Governor Roy Cooper announced the $4 Million Summer Cash and College Tuition drawings to incentivize individuals to receive their COVID-19 vaccinations and to thank those who have already done so. This announcement means that four vaccinated North Carolinians 18 and older will win $1 million each and four North Carolinians ages 12 to 17 will win tuition for post-secondary education. Executive Order 219, which has concurrence from the North Carolina Council of State, authorizes the drawings.
North Carolinians 18 and over who have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine will be automatically entered into four drawings for a chance to win a $1 million cash prize. Youth between the ages of 12 and 17 who have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine will be automatically entered into four drawings to win $125,000 towards post-secondary education. The $125,000 can be used at any post-secondary institution and is awarded in the form of a NC 529 account.
North Carolina joins other states that announced million-dollar drawings to promote vaccinations. Ohio, the first state to launch such a program, reported a 28 percent increase in vaccinations among those 16 and older in the first two weeks following the announcement.
According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, 44% of the total population has received at least one dose of the vaccine and 41% of the population is fully vaccinated.
Southern Sixer Hiking Challenge
Jun 27 all-day
Asheville and Tennessee Mountains

Did you know more than 40 peaks in the Southern Appalachians of NC and TN reach over 6,000 feet elevation?  And, most of these “Southern Sixer” summits fall within Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy’s six conservation focus areas. (The map below shows Southern Sixer locations relative to our focus areas).

Many of these peaks can be accessed from public lands and trails — such as Mt. Mitchell, Roan High Knob, Mount Kephart, and Black Balsam Knob.

In 2017 we launched the Southern Sixer Hiking Challenge, to challenge YOU to summit at least six of these 6,000+ ft. peaks and receive a commemorative patch! 

Originally started as part of our “For Love of Beer & Mountains” Partnership, the Southern Sixer Challenge has become so popular we’ve decided to keep it going. Since starting the Challenge, many hikers have shared stories and images from their adventures — including the cover photo for our 2018 View from the Highlands newsletter, submitted by Steve Bridges.

Fill out the online form on this page (submit a photo and tell us a little about each of your hikes), and we’ll send your patch!

Donor Center Asheville: Critical Need Donate Blood
Jun 27 @ 7:00 am – 5:00 pm
Donor Center Asheville

KEY FACTS: 

  • In the past few days, hospital partners are reporting they are using blood at a much higher rate than normal. When demand is high, and the supply is critically low – that is a dangerous equation for the community.
  • Because of the critically low supply, The Blood Connection (TBC) is now having to back-order blood products. This has affected 12 hospital partners so far.
  • 48% of days this month, TBC DID NOT collect enough blood to cover hospitals’ needs. For comparison, in May of 2020 (during the pandemic) TBC collected enough to cover those needs 84% of the days.
  • There is a high likelihood that TBC will have to start rationing blood by the end of the weekend.
  • Heading into a holiday weekend – hospitals are stocking up their blood supply. TBC has already not been able to provide those products.
  • The community is the ONLY solution to this dangerous problem. The blood supply for local hospitals is in the community’s hands. 
Backcountry Navigation With A Map and Compass
Jun 27 @ 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
REI
  • FITNESS LEVEL : 1

    Relaxed

During this class, our instructors will help you understand the information provided on your map, the proper use of your compass, and how to put the two together. You’ll learn about magnetic north, true north, and magnetic variation (declination). After covering these fundamentals, you’ll get time to practice taking a bearing from the terrain and your map so that you can make sense of your position and plan a route. This engaging course is a great introduction to outdoor navigation and map reading!

Dupont State Recreational Forest – Fawn Lake Access Area