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, March 4, 2024
2024 Carl Sandburg Poetry Contest is open with a theme of “Memory”
Mar 4 all-day
online w/ Carl Sandburg Home

Carl Sandburg wrote countless words in an array of different genres, including poetry, children’s stories, journal articles, as well as a biography and autobiography! He wrote of love and nature, dreams and struggles. This year’s theme of “Memory” is echoed in much of his works. ““Under the summer roses, when the flagrant crimson, lurks in the dusk, Of the wild red leaves, Love, with little hands, comes and touches you with a thousand memories, and asks you beautiful, unanswerable questions.” Carl Sandburg

Poems submitted for the 2024 contest should reflect the theme of “Memory.” By definition, “the process or power of recallling something learned or experienced from the past” Note: Poems do NOT need to be titled Memory, as long as the poem itself relates to the theme.

Students are invited to submit a poem to Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site’s annual Student Poetry Contest. The contest encourages youth to explore writing their own poetry and is open to students nationwide!

  • Submissions are accepted from grades 3-12 and must be submitted by email by Monday March 4, 2024. See below for submission rules.
  • Winners will be notified by April 7, 2024, and will be invited to participate in a virtual celebration program on Sunday, April 28.
Tuesday, March 5, 2024
Dark City Poet’s Society
Mar 5 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Black Mountain Library

Great news for poets and poetry lovers: Dark City Poet’s Society is returning to the Black Mountain Library. DCPS is a completely free poetry group that is open to poets of all ages and experience levels. Join us at the Black Mountain Library from 6-7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month for our (respectful) critique group. DCPS will meet at BAD Craft from 6-7 p.m. on the third Tuesday for our monthly open mic Poetry Night. Find out more on Instagram @darkcitypoetssociety or contact the Black Mountain Library.

Dark City Poets Society
Mar 5 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Black Mountain Library
Dark City Poets Society is a completely free poetry group that is open to writers of all ages and experience levels.
Join us at the Black Mountain Library from 6-7:30 pm on the first Tuesday of every month for our (respectful) feedback group.FREE. Meets in the Community Room.
Saturday, March 9, 2024
Artists + Writers Coffee
Mar 9 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

Saturdays from 10:30 AM – 12 PM

TFAC Pavilion (park/enter at rear of building)
Free drop-in event
Sunday, March 10, 2024
Western Carolina Singer-Songwriters Showcase V
Mar 10 @ 6:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

Doors Open: 5:00 PM

– ALL AGES      

– SEATED SHOW
– LIMITED NUMBER OF PREMIUM SEATING TICKETS AVAILABLE

WESTERN CAROLINA WRITERS

Here comes the 5th Western Carolina Writers Showcase since the first production in July of 2022!  This showcase features these 9 incredibly talented local singer-songwriters:  Whitney Mongé, Melissa McKinney, Ben Balmer, Jeff Santiago, Tina Collins (Tina & Her Pony), Siena Christie, Steve Taton, Hunter Andrus, and Jim Swayzee.  There will be 3 rounds of 3 performers taking turns playing their original music with occasional spontaneous collaboration creating many magical moments that can only be experienced live.

 

Western Carolina Writers was established in 2019 by Nick McMahon, along with Jesse Frizsell and Thomas Yon, as a traveling “Songwriters-In-The-Round” style show.  The idea was to take turns performing original songs with fun moments of collaboration at venues all over Western North Carolina.

 

After about a dozen increasingly successful shows, McMahon started inviting other area songwriters to participate.  And now, after around 150 shows featuring close to 80 different local artists, the concept has become even more popular, fun and diverse.

 

In 2022, Mcmahon and current project partner, Stephen Evans, decided to take this show into the listening rooms and out of the noisy bars and breweries so the songs could really be heard and appreciated.  With four recent magical & successful songwriter showcases, three at The Grey Eagle and one at Ayurprana Listening Room, this decision has proven to be the right move.

 

Tuesday, March 12, 2024
Dark City Poet’s Society
Mar 12 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Black Mountain Library

Great news for poets and poetry lovers: Dark City Poet’s Society is returning to the Black Mountain Library. DCPS is a completely free poetry group that is open to poets of all ages and experience levels. Join us at the Black Mountain Library from 6-7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month for our (respectful) critique group. DCPS will meet at BAD Craft from 6-7 p.m. on the third Tuesday for our monthly open mic Poetry Night. Find out more on Instagram @darkcitypoetssociety or contact the Black Mountain Library.

Thursday, March 14, 2024
Creative Writing Group online
Mar 14 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
online

Join us for creative writing online! We’ll meet on Zoom and do several rounds of writing prompts. The group is simple – we just write and read our writing to each other.  This is a supportive and fun environment that gets your creative juices flowing with low stakes and lots of fun.

Email [email protected] for the link to the online meeting.

The contents of this presentation are for informational purposes only.  Nothing herein constitutes medical, legal, or financial advice nor is it a substitute for professional advice on any issue.  You should not rely on the information received in this presentation for any important decisions, including medical, legal, or financial decisions.  Always consult with an appropriate professional for specific advice related to your situation.  The views and opinions expressed in this presentation do not necessarily reflect those of Buncombe County or its Public Library System.

Military Appreciation Night: Carolina Hurricanes vs. Florida Panthers
Mar 14 @ 7:00 pm
PNC Arena

Join the Hurricanes as we honor servicemen and women from all branches of the military and thank them for their service and commitment to our country. Presented by Navy Federal Credit Union.

Join the Hurricanes as we honor servicemen and women from all branches of the military and thank them for their service and commitment to our country. Presented by Navy Federal Credit Union.

Saturday, March 16, 2024
Artists + Writers Coffee
Mar 16 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

Saturdays from 10:30 AM – 12 PM

TFAC Pavilion (park/enter at rear of building)
Free drop-in event
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
Dark City Poet’s Society
Mar 19 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Black Mountain Library

Great news for poets and poetry lovers: Dark City Poet’s Society is returning to the Black Mountain Library. DCPS is a completely free poetry group that is open to poets of all ages and experience levels. Join us at the Black Mountain Library from 6-7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month for our (respectful) critique group. DCPS will meet at BAD Craft from 6-7 p.m. on the third Tuesday for our monthly open mic Poetry Night. Find out more on Instagram @darkcitypoetssociety or contact the Black Mountain Library.

Poetry Night
Mar 19 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Oak and Grist Distilling Company

 

Come on by for night of spoken word presented by Dark City Poets Society at Oak and Grist Distilling Company. Everyone is welcome to share a few poems or just sit back and drink for a good cause.

The event is free and $1 from every classic cocktail will be donated to Friends of the Black Mountain Library.

gn-ups to share will begin 15 minutes prior to the start of the event. We look forward to seeing you there!

Can’t make it to this one? This event happens the third tuesday of every month!

Wednesday, March 20, 2024
UNC Asheville Spring 2024 Visiting Writers Series: Natalie Baszile presents “Queen Sugar” and “We Are Each Other’s Harvest”
Mar 20 @ 7:00 pm
UNC Asheville’s Highsmith Union

 

Natalie Baszile’s debut novel, “Queen Sugar,” is a mother-daughter story of reinvention — about an African American woman who unexpectedly inherits a sugarcane farm in Louisiana. “Queen Sugar” was adapted into a critically acclaimed television series directed by Ava Duvernay. Baszile’s most recent book, “We Are Each Other’s Harvest,” is an exploration and celebration of black farming in America.

Visiting Writers: Natalie Baszile
Mar 20 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Highsmith Student Union, Blue Ridge Room (202/203)

On March 20 at 7 p.m. in the Blue Ridge Room of UNC Asheville’s Highsmith Union, Natalie Baszile will present readings from her recent work. The event is free and open to the public.

Baszile’s debut novel, “Queen Sugar,” is a mother-daughter story of reinvention — about an African American woman who unexpectedly inherits a sugarcane farm in Louisiana. “Queen Sugar” was adapted into a critically acclaimed television series directed by Ava Duvernay. Baszile’s most recent book, “We Are Each Other’s Harvest,” is an exploration and celebration of black farming in America.

Visiting Writers: Natalie Baszile
Mar 20 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
UNCA--Blue Ridge Room of UNC Asheville’s Highsmith Union

Free

On March 20 at 7 p.m. in the Blue Ridge Room of UNC Asheville’s Highsmith Union, Natalie Baszile will present readings from her recent work. The event is free and open to the public.

Baszile’s debut novel, “Queen Sugar,” is a mother-daughter story of reinvention — about an African American woman who unexpectedly inherits a sugarcane farm in Louisiana. “Queen Sugar” was adapted into a critically acclaimed television series directed by Ava Duvernay. Baszile’s most recent book, “We Are Each Other’s Harvest,” is an exploration and celebration of black farming in America.


Accessibility

UNC Asheville is committed to providing universal access to all of our events. If you have any questions about access or to request reasonable accommodations that will facilitate your full participation in this event, please contact the Event Organizer (see below). Advance notice is necessary to arrange for accessibility needs.

Visitor Parking

Visitors may park in faculty/staff and All Permit lots from 5:00 p.m. until 7:30 a.m., Monday through Friday, and on weekends, holidays, and campus breaks. Visitors are not permitted to park in resident student lots at any time.
Prior to 5pm, any visitor (regardless of their reason for visit) need to adhere to the current practices listed on the parking website. Get your visitor parking permit here

Saturday, March 23, 2024
Artists + Writers Coffee
Mar 23 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

Saturdays from 10:30 AM – 12 PM

TFAC Pavilion (park/enter at rear of building)
Free drop-in event
Tuesday, March 26, 2024
Dark City Poet’s Society
Mar 26 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Black Mountain Library

Great news for poets and poetry lovers: Dark City Poet’s Society is returning to the Black Mountain Library. DCPS is a completely free poetry group that is open to poets of all ages and experience levels. Join us at the Black Mountain Library from 6-7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month for our (respectful) critique group. DCPS will meet at BAD Craft from 6-7 p.m. on the third Tuesday for our monthly open mic Poetry Night. Find out more on Instagram @darkcitypoetssociety or contact the Black Mountain Library.

Wednesday, March 27, 2024
barbie angell uncensored: an unfiltered, uninhibited, + unapologetic event
Mar 27 @ 8:00 pm
LaZoom Room Bar & Gorilla

The 90-minute show will be filled with Barbie’s poetry, ranging from pieces from her children’s book, Roasting Questions, to adult material she seldom performs. Also included, excerpts from her autobiographical play, Death By Sparkle: Or, What Happens When You Drink Window Cleaner, and monologues from her inappropriately hilarious alter ego, Princess Kratilda.

Thursday, March 28, 2024
Brothers + Sisters Like These: Stories of Healing
Mar 28 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Black Mountain Library

Presented by North Carolina Veterans Writing Alliance Foundation, Inc. Hear veterans’ stories of healing. Free.
No registration is required.

Saturday, March 30, 2024
Artists + Writers Coffee
Mar 30 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

Saturdays from 10:30 AM – 12 PM

TFAC Pavilion (park/enter at rear of building)
Free drop-in event
Dropping Into Delight: Yoga (optional) + Immersive Poetry Workshop
Mar 30 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Story Parlor

Led by a certified Inward & Artward Creative Facilitator, Tikva Kingrea (RYT-200 ), this workshop will explore how spring is showing up in our lives—specifically deliberating on *delight.* Think ripe strawberries. Purple phlox spreading across a moss-rich garden wall. Your favorite sneakers, worn in and warm, piled by the front door, waiting for a neighborhood stroll. The spring season offers each of us a chance to step into our artistic practice with verve, sweetness, and a shaking off of winter hibernation. This workshop is designed to do just that.

We will deep-dive into understanding various poetic techniques, personal themes and voice, as well as have guided group and individual support. This is a “YES, I’LL TAKE TEN BOUQUETS OF TULIPS TO GO WITH MY WRITING” class. We will move gently while playing with creative ways to buoy confidence and craft.

This is a beginner friendly class for writers and yogis alike. Students taking the yoga portion are asked to bring their own mats and props.

Tuesday, April 2, 2024
Dark City Poets Society
Apr 2 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Black Mountain Library
Dark City Poets Society is a completely free poetry group that is open to writers of all ages and experience levels.
Join us at the Black Mountain Library from 6-7:30 pm on the first Tuesday of every month for our (respectful) feedback group.FREE. Meets in the Community Room.
Thursday, April 4, 2024
Children’s Poetry Workshop: Isn’t It a Wonder?
Apr 4 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Pack Memorial Library

In celebration of National Poetry Month and the wonders of the natural world, join local poet Brit Washburn to explore and craft nature poems! Bring your five senses and an open heart! Ages 6-12.

Friday, April 5, 2024
Intro to Memoir Writing: a 3-session series with Cornelia Dolian
Apr 5 @ 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
East Asheville Library

Free. Space limited. Registration required. Call 828-250-4738 or stop by the library to register.

April 5: Session 1 – Memoir Basics & Beginnings
What’s a memoir, how does it work, and where do I begin mine?
Learn the key elements of the genre, understand what a memoir is (and isn’t). Get suggestions & tips for writing a rich, compelling, standout memoir, and where to begin collecting, compiling, and nurturing what will become the foundations of your memoir.

April 12: Session 2 – Memoir Structure and Outline
How do you structure and outline a memoir that will hook, connect with, and impact your readers?
Understand how to use narrative/story structure to help your memoir “read almost like a novel”.

April 19: Session 3 –  Memoir Writing Marathon First Miles
Turning your memoir outline into a full manuscript first draft (and what even is that?) – one milestone, chapter, and day at a time.
Know what to aim for with your memoir’s first draft, what to ignore, and how to keep your inner critic from disrupting you. Consider and commit to a consistent writing schedule for your memoir.

Saturday, April 6, 2024
Artists + Writers Coffee
Apr 6 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

Saturdays from 10:30 AM – 12 PM

TFAC Pavilion (park/enter at rear of building)
Free drop-in event
Thursday, April 11, 2024
Weaverville WORDPLAY Poetry Workshop
Apr 11 @ 1:17 pm – 2:17 pm
Weaverville Library

Calling all Poets!  The Weaverville Library is collaborating with Weaverville WORDPLAY to host poetry workshops at the Weaverville Library. We will be working on crafting our poetry and offering feedback to writers.

Bring a poem or two that you are working on and join us!

POETRY WORKSHOP WITH GLENIS REDMOND
Apr 11 @ 6:00 pm
Ramsaur Studio

This National Poetry Month, turn your sparks of inspiration into beautiful poetry in an all-new poetry workshop led by Greenville Poet Laureate Glenis Redmond. Whether you’re just dipping your toes into the world of poetry or you’ve been penning verses for a while, this workshop is tailor-made for you. From brainstorming ideas to crafting captivating lines, Glenis will guide you every step of the way. Unleash your inner wordsmith and explore the magic of poetry with a true master.

The $125 registration fee is for admission to the three-part workshop taking place at 6:00 PM on April 11, 18 and 25. Please bring paper and your preferred writing tool with you. The workshop culminates in a reading during the final session where participants can invite a guest to enjoy their poetry progress.

Saturday, April 13, 2024
Artists + Writers Coffee
Apr 13 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

Saturdays from 10:30 AM – 12 PM

TFAC Pavilion (park/enter at rear of building)
Free drop-in event
Monday, April 15, 2024
Letters to the Editor + Opinion Editorials Creative Workshop
Apr 15 @ 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Buncombe County Democratic Party HQ

Democrats need to be more actively messaging and to overcome the makers of fake news with the truth! Join this ongoing group of writers working together on Letters to the Editor and Opinion Editorials. We’ll discuss the issues we care about most deeply and craft a plan to respond to events as they occur in real time.

The group meets the first and third Monday of each month for writing, responding to one another’s work, scheduling submissions, and exploring media outlets across the state.

“Rant with purpose. Support with facts. Propel action.” – Myra Schoen

Tuesday, April 16, 2024
Poetry Night
Apr 16 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Oak and Grist Distilling Company

 

Come on by for night of spoken word presented by Dark City Poets Society at Oak and Grist Distilling Company. Everyone is welcome to share a few poems or just sit back and drink for a good cause.

The event is free and $1 from every classic cocktail will be donated to Friends of the Black Mountain Library.

gn-ups to share will begin 15 minutes prior to the start of the event. We look forward to seeing you there!

Can’t make it to this one? This event happens the third tuesday of every month!

Wednesday, April 17, 2024
Great Smokies Writing Program | Utilizing the Visual Arts in Writing and Revising Personal Narrative
Apr 17 all-day
Story Parlor

Wednesdays, starting March 20 | Offered through the Great Smokies Writing Program, this five-week class will investigate the ways in which paintings, drawings, photographs, and sculpture inspire, collaborate with, and complement our writing process.