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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.

Sunday, June 7, 2020
More Online w/ Asheville Museum at Home
Jun 7 all-day
Asheville Museum Online

We’ll update this page with virtual tours, children’s activities, and more, as we continue to develop content to provide inspiration, calm, comfort, and yes, even some fun during this unprecedented time.

NC Veterans Writing Alliance Foundation Launches “Brothers And Sisters Like These” Podcasts
Jun 7 all-day
Online
Brothers and Sisters Like These Podcast Artwork Image

Brothers and Sisters Like These

[email protected]

Brothers and Sisters Like These is a veteran’s writing group, featuring members who share stories and poems with each other and the public around our state as a part of their healing. The group is part of the NC Veteran’s Writing Alliance Foundation. Each of these groups has the goal of supporting veterans as they heal from their war experiences.

https://brothersandsisterslikethese.buzzsprout.com/

Paycheck Protection Program for Small Businesses
Jun 7 all-day
Small Business Association Online
Paycheck Protection Program
The Paycheck Protection Program is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. This program is for any small business with less than 500 employees (including sole proprietorship, independent contractors and self-employed persons), private non-profit organization or 501(c)(19) veterans organizations affected by COVID-19.
SBA will forgive loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities.
The Paycheck Protection Program will be available through June 30, 2020.
POC-led Organizations to give to in NC
Jun 7 all-day
Online

If there are others we have missed and should be added to this list, please let us know! Send suggestions to Emily Bell, [email protected]

Raffle: Trip to London or Cash Asheville Community Theatre
Jun 7 – Jun 6 all-day
Asheville Community Theatre

 

Tickets on sale through June 28, 2020

We know how completely odd it seems to be raffling off a trip to London right now. We’re barely leaving our homes for any reason, so jetting off around the world seems flat out bonkers! We’re hopeful that international travel and fun vacations will happen again in the future – and that’s why we extended and amended the raffle prize! If you win, you can choose the trip to London (and you have 18 months to book your travel) OR you can choose to take the cash value of the trip instead ($10,000).

Our raffles have been important fundraisers for ACT over the years, and this one is no different. ACT has lost 85% of our income as an organization, so this raffle is one of the few ways we can continue to bring a little money in the door.

Buying a raffle ticket is a great way to support ACT right now – and it just might be you who gets some really great news from us!

 

Red Backpack Program for Women-Owned Businesses
Jun 7 all-day
Online

Spanx by Sara Blakely Red Backpack Fund

Empowered Women Empower Women

Since its inception, Spanx and The Spanx by Sara Blakely Foundation have been dedicated to elevating and supporting women through entrepreneurship. Knowing the ripple effect that empowering women can have to strengthen communities, the foundation donated $5 million to support female entrepreneurs in the wake of COVID-19 and teamed up with GlobalGiving to establish The Red Backpack Fund. GlobalGiving is making at least 1,000 grants of $5,000 each to female entrepreneurs in the U.S. to help alleviate the impact of the crisis.

Reopening the Arts in North Carolina Guideline
Jun 7 all-day
online

Last Monday, Arts NC and the North Carolina Arts Council shared a new reopening guide for the arts in NC. The purpose of this document is to provide recommendations for arts organizations as they respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and develop plans for reopening to the public. A webinar (recording above) was also held on Wednesday to go over the document and address questions.

South Arts Sustainability Grants Arts Organizations
Jun 7 all-day
online

In response to COVID-19, grants between $5,000 and $20,000 are available to statewide or regional arts and cultural service organizations.

Important Dates & Deadlines

  • Applications must be submitted on or before June 10, 2020.
  • Applicants will be notified by email within three weeks of the deadline.
  • Funded expenses must occur between July 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021.
Summer Reading Program 2020: Imagine Your Story
Jun 7 all-day
Online

Libraries are currently closed to the public but your local librarians are working hard to provide resources and programs to keep you entertained from home.

Check out the BCPL Summer Reading Program website for virtual programs, activities you can do from home, links to get you started with e-books, e-audiobooks, and more. Be sure to keep checking back throughout the summer. We are coming up with new ideas every day!

We would love to see what you are up to this summer. Tell us about the books you’ve been reading or share pictures of the projects and activities you are doing from home! Tag Buncombe libraries on Facebook or Instagram using our hashtag #yourstorymatters. You can also email photos and stories to [email protected]. We miss you and look forward to seeing your faces and hearing your stories when we reopen. In the meantime, be safe, be kind, and keep reading!

The ‘Asheville Cares’ Stay Safe Pledge Supports the Safety of the Local Community
Jun 7 all-day
City of Asheville
The Gallery at Flat Rock Offers Porch Portraits
Jun 7 all-day
varies

Suzanne has generously donated a portion of the session fee to Flat Rock Playhouse and she has a goal of raising $15,000 before the end of the year! She has currently raised $2,015, so help Suzanne reach her goal and capture some memories along the way. Check out some of her portraits above and click the link below to schedule your session today!

Inspired by the national trend of porch portraits, Suzanne of The Gallery at Flat Rock, will be offering portrait sessions and donating a portion of the session cost to Flat Rock Playhouse. 

 A fifteen-minute porch portrait session is $65 (cash or check) of which $15 will be donated to the Flat Rock Playhouse, a friend and neighbor to the gallery which made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 season. 

The Omni Grove Park Inn Reopens updated hours and amenities
Jun 7 all-day
The Omni Grove Park Inn
Guest Services
The health and safety of our guests and associates has always been, and will always be, our top priority.
For more details on our new “Omni Safe & Clean” initiative, please visit Guest Services or
https://www.omnihotels.com/omni-safe-and-clean.
Parking & Transportation
Our new “Omni Safe & Clean” initiative encourages self-parking; however,
the Omni Grove Park Inn is offering valet services with enhanced cleaning measures.
Housekeeping
For information on our new “Omni Safe & Clean” initiative, please visit https://www.omnihotels.com/omni-safe-and-clean
Dining
Sunset Terrace:
11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. – Dine-in and takeout service is available
EDISON, craft ales + kitchen:
7:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. – A la carte dine-in & takeout breakfast service is available
The Marketplace:
7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. – Coffee shop and grab & go service is available
The following dining outlets are temporarily closed:
Cabana Grill and Bar
The Great Hall Bar
Catering Events
Spa Cafe
Blue Ridge
VUE 1913
Presidents Lounge
Elaine’s Dueling Piano Bar
In-Room Dining
Wild Food Foraging Tour
The Spa
Opening on June 3rd with limited service and treatment options.
All appointments are scheduled based on the limited availability.
To check availability, please call 1-800-THE-OMNI.
Hours of operation:
Sunday – Thursday: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday – Saturday: 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Spa Pools
Re-opening on 6/3/2020.
Pool & Fitness Center
Outdoor Pool: Offering limited occupancy on a first-come-first-serve
basis due to social distancing and safety guidelines. Water, food & beverage service is not available at the pool.
However, guests can bring in their own refreshments (no glass).
Hours of operation: 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
The Sports Complex: Temporarily Closed
Spa Fitness Center: Temporarily Closed
Golf
Open. Book a tee time by calling (800) 438-5800
For information on our new “Omni Safe & Clean” initiative, visit https://www.omnihotels.com/omni-safe-and-clean
Cancellation Policy
For information on our cancellation and flexible travel policies, visit our updated
Travel Advisory page at https://www.omnihotels.com/travel-advisory.
Voting in the June 23 Second Primary Election: What You Need to Know
Jun 7 all-day
Buncombe County

The upcoming Second Primary Election is on Tuesday, June 23. Buncombe County Election Services wants to make sure you have all the information you need. Below is information about Early Voting, absentee ballots, finding out if you’re registered, sample ballots, and more. If you have additional questions, contact Election Services at (828) 250-4200.

White Horse Black Mountain Live Stream Music
Jun 7 all-day
Online

Are you as tired as I am of hearing about viruses, social distancing, face masks and the like? Unfortunately, I’m forced to the reality that we’re going to be dealing with this thing for a while. It’s a real menace we ignore at our own peril. So…what’s a live music venue to do?
Well, to begin with, it’s a self-answering question. White Horse, as a listening venue with audience, is closed for at least a little while longer. We miss it terribly.
Our answer has been the high quality live stream, White Horse Live. Not that we’re the only ones streaming, far from it. But our endeavor is to up the quality ante as much as we can. Clear sound, professional grade picture, five camera shots and a truly personal look at some of White Horse’s favorite artists.
In the process I think we’ve discovered something. Live streaming is really its own sub-genre of entertainment. Nothing else is quite like it, especially if the quality envelope is constantly being pushed. They’re incredibly musical. The viewer learns more about the artists since a stream is often more revealing. And I think one tends to go away with more insight into what’s been in the artist’s process, his or her heart. Not to mention you can take all this in on your couch.
We look forward to getting back in to the live-with-audience groove but we’re very happy indeed to have discovered for ourselves the intimacy and musicality of the stream. In fact, we plan to keep doing them even when we’re able to return to business as usual (you notice I avoided the  work “normal”). And who knows what may transpire in the stream department? We have ideas.
WNC Flyer 2020
Jun 7 all-day
WNC Flyer

The 17th annual Hunter Subaru WNC Flyer (formerly called Fletcher Flyer) will be held in the “Cycling Capital of the South”, Brevard, NC. The start/finish will be at Oskar Blues Brewery in Brevard, NC. What better way to spend the day than with a Bike Ride, Bluegrass, BBQ and a complimentary first Brew! Riders will have their choice of a full century, metric century, half century, and half metric rides which wind through the valleys south of Asheville, NC. Although it is the least hilly ride in Western North Carolina, it has plenty of rolling hills to keep all riders interested. There is beautiful mountain scenery without the long mountain climbs. The Flyer is a ride for everyone from first time riders to experience riders. This is a fully supported ride with six well-stocked rest stops and an after ride party, including BBQ/Veggie Lunch Option for an add-on of $5 for participants and $10 for guests of participants, a Bluegrass band, a beer (1st beer compliments of Oskar Blues) and a root beer float shooter.
Date: June 7th, 2020
Location: Oscar Blues Brewing 342 Mountain Industrial Dr, Brevard, NC 28712
Registration and Event Info: https://idaph.net/

Women’s Paddlefest Nantahala Outdoor Center
Jun 7 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

Time: See Schedule for Details https://noc.com/events/womens-paddlefest

Age: All Ages

Women’s Paddlefest at NOC!!

The Ladies Southeast Paddling Series has moved to Nantahala Outdoor Center for a three-day paddle festival, hosted by inspirational paddler Anna Levesque! This festival is all about creating community by connecting, sharing, paddling, and supporting each other on the river. Trips will be offered on the Tuckaseegee River (Class I-II), the Nantahala River (Class II-III), and the Ocoee River (Class II-IV) representing a range of skill levels, and is open to all women in all water craft!

Donations and registration fees benefit the Shannon Christy Memorial Fund, an organization that supports non-profits focused on women’s empowerment.

Registration: Registration is $45 and Includes an event t-shirt, dinner, and one raffle ticket. Registration is available from January 1, 2020 to May 15, 2020. Our sponsors have donated a Dagger Kayak of choice, a Werner Paddle, and NRS gear among other awesome prizes for a raffle on Saturday! Additional raffle tickets can be purchased on site.

Buncombe County Mandates: Wearing of Face Coverings in Certain Public Settings
Jun 7 @ 7:00 am
Buncombe County

Effective at 7 a.m. May 26, face coverings will be required for all individuals 12 years of age and older in all indoor public commercial facilities, including libraries and public transit. This follows a 4-3 vote along party lines by county commissioners May 21.

The face covering provision does not apply in the following places or situations:

 

  • While eating in any restaurant.
  • For reasons related to any individual’s medical condition, disability or religious beliefs.
  • In private offices.
  • In areas of retail establishments, businesses and restaurants that are not open to the public.
  • When complying with directions of law enforcement officers.
  • During any worship, religious and spiritual gatherings, funeral ceremonies, wedding ceremonies and other activities constituting the exercise of First Amendment rights.
  • In settings where it is not practical or feasible to wear a face covering when obtaining or rendering goods or services.

 

Guidelines for wearing a face covering include:

 

  • It must cover both the mouth and nose.
  • It must be snug.
  • Don’t touch a face covering while wearing it or, if you do, wash your hands or use hand sanitizer.
  • When removing, do so by lifting ear loops or ties without touching the front of mask or your face and wash your hands afterwards.
  • Wash the face covering with soap and water regularly or in the washing machine with other clothes.
  • Do not put a face covering on anyone who has trouble breathing, is unconscious or otherwise unable to remove their own mask, or on children under 2 years of age.
  • Do not use them as a substitute for social distancing, hand washing or staying home when sick.

 

Nature Connects®: Art with LEGO® Bricks
Jun 7 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Please note: Nature Connects®: Art with LEGO® Bricks has been postponed until July; however, the exhibit will have an extended schedule and will be open until November 1. We look forward to seeing you!

The Arboretum is excited to welcome back the widely popular traveling exhibit, Nature Connects®: Art with LEGO® Bricks by Sean Kenney. Featuring 14 larger-than-life-size sculptures place created with nearly 500,000 LEGO Bricks, this family-friendly exhibit draws inspiration from the living world and combines art, play and science to create an inspiring intersection of education, entertainment and the environment. New sculptures include a 5-foot tall colorful peacock, giant dragonfly, bonsai tree and more!

 

Chimney Rock Park Phase 2 Reopening
Jun 7 @ 8:30 am – 7:00 pm
Chimney Rock Park

New Park Updates Starting June 5

Since moving into Phase 2, we have slowly begun to reopen more and more amenities within the Park, while still emphasizing safe social distancing, handwashing/hand sanitizing, and masks where necessary. Here is what you need to know before visiting:

  • The Park is open Fridays – Tuesdays; the Ticket Plaza hours are from 8:30am – 4:30pm. Park closes at 7pm. We will continue to be closed on Wednesdays & Thursdays for construction on the top parking lot.
  • Since the Park will be operating at a “limited” parking capacity to allow for safe & maintainable social distancing, entrance into the Park will be on a first-come, first-serve basis. If capacity is reached, the Park will close to any further entry until some space has cleared to allow more vehicles to enter.
  • The top parking lot is still closed due to construction, so all guests will be required to park in the Meadows area (just past the Ticket Plaza).
  • While we are still encouraging guests to hike into the Park from the Meadows, we are now offering a limited shuttle service up to the top parking lot for those who are unable to hike. Facemasks or face coverings are required on all shuttles. Masks will be available for purchase for a minimal cost at the Ticket Plaza and in our gift shops. Shuttles will only be able to transport a limited number of guests per trip which may result in longer wait times. If you plan to ride the shuttle, please plan your day accordingly.
  • All annual passes purchased between March 2019 and March 2020 will receive an additional two months to their expiration date to make up for the period in which the Park was recently closed.
  • All six hiking trails are open, the Great Woodland Adventure trail is open for those looking for an easier, family-friendly hike. The Animal Discovery Den will be closed.
  • The elevator will remain closed at this time.
  • Cliff Dwellers gift shop and the Sky Lounge (near the Chimney) will be open with limited capacity. Snacks and bottled drinks will be available at both of these locations.
  • The Ticket Plaza will be accessible by drive-thru windows or the lobby will be available for one-person entry at a time.
  • The restrooms are open and will be marked with standing areas to provide proper social distancing. Beverage vending machines are also located next to each of these restrooms.
  • The Old Rock Café (in Chimney Rock Village) is open daily from 11am – 5pm for limited indoor and outdoor seating, which will be offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. Take-out service is also available. Please see OldRockCafe.com for more information.
  • Our associates will be taking appropriate precautions to protect the safety of ourselves and all of our guests. We are prepared and trained to handle any situation during this time.
  • Please recreate responsibly and continue to maintain proper social distancing, handwashing, and hygiene during your visit. Stay safe!

This plan is subject to change depending on circumstances. We appreciate your support and understanding during these unprecedented times and look forward to seeing you on the mountain sometime soon.

All branches Madison County Libraries Reopen June 8.
Jun 7 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Madison County Libraries
All branches of the Madison County Library are scheduled to reopen June 8. New procedures, including acrylic shields and social distancing markers, will be in place at every circulation desk. Library staff will be wearing masks when not behind the shields and will undergo temperature checks twice-a-day, according to Kim Bellofatto, director of the Madison County Library. While patrons will be encouraged to follow guidelines from the Center for Disease Control regarding the wearing of face masks when in public, they will not be forced to do so.

a store front at day: Named the Best Small Library in America by Library Journal in 2018, the Madison County Public Library is one of just six in North Carolina to offer some services during the first weeks of the coronavirus pandemic.

Animal Habitats VIP Tours
Jun 7 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Grandfather Mountain

See where the cougars and otters sleep overnight, meet black bears that are not commonly on display, learn the ins and outs of what it takes to care for the animals year-round, observe a training session and find out why the animals call Grandfather Mountain home.

Offered on weekends, April – October.

Live Stream Yoga in the Park Asheville
Jun 7 @ 9:00 am – 10:15 am
live stream

Live Stream Yoga

Join me

for a 75 minute live yoga class:

Wednesday

April 29th @ 7:00 a.m.

Rise n’ Shine Mindful Wake-up Flow

(all-levels)

Friday

May 1st @ 12:00 p.m.

Vinyasa Pick-Me-Up Hour

(some experience recommended)

Sunday

May 3rd @ 9:00 a.m.

Mindful Wake-up Flow

(all-levels)

Monday

May 4th @ 7:30 p.m.

Vinyasa n’ Yin Yoga

(some experience recommended)

(More classes to be added, join my facebook page for current event listings: https://www.facebook.com/ceceyogini/ )

All live streams are suggested

$5

Send me an email to receive a free zoom link or connect with me on facebook to follow along with on-going class events. zoom links will be posted in class events on facebook.

Mystery Hill + Tomahawk Hill Now Open Daily
Jun 7 @ 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Mystery Hill

Mystery Hill Now Open Daily 9am-6pm

Under the guidelines of North Carolina’s Phase 2 opening plan, Mystery Hill is now open at limited capacity. We are taking every precaution to ensure that social distancing is observed and will continue our strenuous sanitizing efforts. We also want to make sure you know about our EXTENDED VORTEX PASS discount! Save $20 on the VORTEX PASS and get FREE VISITS through December 31, 2021

Pisgah Legal Services: Helps Unemployed Due to COVID-19 Find Health Insurance
Jun 7 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Online

Pisgah Legal Services Launches Campaign to Help Those Recently Unemployed Due to COVID-19 Find Health Insurance through Special Enrollment Process

 

Pisgah Legal Services (PLS), a nonprofit that provides free, civil legal aid in Western North Carolina, recently launched a targeted campaign to reach people recently unemployed due to COVID-19 who may have also lost their health insurance. Anyone who has experienced a qualifying life event in the past 60 days, including job loss, may qualify for Affordable Care Act (ACA) insurance. Pisgah Legal Services offers free assistance and free information to help understand options for affordable health insurance. To find out more or to make an appointment, visit pisgahlegal.org/aca  or call 828-210-3404.

 

“The COVID-19 pandemic has left many people without jobs and with that, health insurance,” said Jim Barrett, Executive Director for Pisgah Legal Services. “Many of these people may qualify to file for health insurance through Special Enrollment and it’s our goal to help them understand their options.”

 

As recently as early May, NC had surpassed the one million mark for individual unemployment insurance benefit claims, as noted on the N.C. Division of Employment website. Almost one-quarter, or 20.3 percent of the 4.97 million North Carolinians listed in the state’s workforce as of mid-March have filed an unemployment insurance claim. “The need is great and will likely grow,” notes Barrett. “Pisgah Legal wants to make sure that no one misses health care coverage as a result of recent job loss.”

 

When qualifying for a special enrollment period, people do not have to wait until November for Open Enrollment; they can take advantage of options now. One Asheville resident, Christina, lost her job in March and with it, her insurance. She suffers from heart disease and without insurance, was unsure how she would afford her medicines. By working with Pisgah Legal Services, she was able to get a Blue Cross Blue Shield plan for less than $17/month.  “Pisgah Legal took care of everything for me,” said Christina. She hopes others take advantage of this valuable, free service.

 

Pisgah Legal Services works with organizations in WNC to provide these services across the region. These organizations include: Blue Ridge Community Health Services, Council on Aging of Buncombe County, Legal Aid or North Carolina, Mountain Projects, Inc., and, Western Carolina Medical Society.

 

 

 

 

Native Plants
Jun 7 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
online

We have Southeastern native perennials, groundcovers, and some herbs and veggies. Varieties include Bradbury’s Bee Balm, Wild Bergamot, Columbine, Jacob’s Ladder, Showy Goldenrod, Culver’s Root, Great Blue Lobelia, Anise Hyssop, Black Eyed Susan, Carolina Bush Pea, Coreopsis, Golden Alexander, Mountain Mint, Nodding Onion, three varieties of Silphiums, Dragon’s Blood Sedum, and many more. Go to https://m-r-gardens.square.site for a full list plus descriptions.

This unusual spring, we’re encouraging customers to take advantage of our order-ahead option. Reserve your plants on the Square site, then we arrange a pickup day/time that works for you. That allows us time to implement extra sanitation measures.

Image may contain: plant and outdoor

Bluegrass Brunch
Jun 7 @ 10:30 am – 3:00 pm
The One Stop at Asheville Music Hall

Image

Bluegrass Brunch
hosted by Aaron Woody Wood & The Sufi Brothers

Pickin’ on the Porch w/ Chicken Coop Willaye 1030AM
Bald Mountain Boys 11AM – 12:30PM
Sufi Brothers 12:45PM – 3PM

Be sure to check out our Bloody Mary Bar, the BEST selection of pickled products and other additions in Asheville. The MOJO Kitchen will be serving a special Brunch menu until 3PM as well.

Food & music start at 10:30am
ADULT beverages at Noon.

Brunch of Jokers Comdey Show
Jun 7 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

Brunch Of Jokers Comedy Show

Successful Planting Strategies for Native Perennials and Shrubs
Jun 7 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Botanical Gardens at Asheville

BGA BUTLER ROOM

Bad luck with rhododendron or some other native plant? Natives present us with a lovely palette of plants that bring beauty and much-needed ecosystem services to our gardens. But, just like humans, native plants enjoy a range of environments and thrive when they are planted in conditions that are well-suited to their nature. In this talk we’ll guide you through best planting practices for a variety of native shrubs and perennials. In addition, we will discuss the growth habits of some favorite natives, what to consider before siting a plant, and designing gardens that showcase the beauty of natives. We will leave time for questions and discussion at the end.

Participants must pre-register and pre-pay for classes: 828-252-5190.

 

Limit 20

Legally Blonde
Jun 7 @ 2:30 pm
Asheville Community Theatre
Jack of the Wood : Sunday-Irish Session
Jun 7 @ 3:00 pm
Jack of the Wood

 

Jack of the Wood : Sunday-Irish Session 

Sundays

1 till who knows when?

Traditional Irish music is kept alive at Jack of the Wood with our unplugged Sunday session.

Jack of the Wood

95 Patton ave

Asheville, NC 28801

(828) 252.5445

http://www.jackofthewood.com/