On exhibit Saturdays and Sundays through October from 12 to 4 p.m. (weather permitting), Rocky Cove Railroad is a G-Scale (garden scale) model train that demonstrates the coming of trains to western North Carolina at the turn of the 20th century. The exhibit is located below the Grand Garden Promenade.
Calendar of Events
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.

Artist Walter B. Stephen (Clinton, IA 1875–1961 Asheville, NC) contributed to Western North Carolina’s identity as a flourishing site for pottery production and craftsmanship in the early 20th century. Walter B. Stephen Pottery: Cameo to Crystalline features art pottery and functional vessels from each stage of Stephen’s career, from his origins discovering the medium alongside his mother Nellie C. Randall Stephen in Shelby County, TN from 1901 through 1910 to his multi-decade production just outside of Asheville. This exhibition will be on view in the Asheville Art Museum’s Debra McClinton Gallery July 28, 2021 through January 17, 2022.
In 1926, Stephen founded his third and last pottery studio, Pisgah Forest, in Arden, NC, which he operated until his death in 1961. It was at this studio that the artist perfected the “cameo” decoration technique for which he became best known. His hand-painted images, achieved with layers of white translucent clay, often feature American folk imagery, from covered wagons and livestock to cabins and spinning wheels. A selection of works from the Museum’s Collection showcase his innovation in form and in decorative surface details, including experimentation with crystalline glazing.

Jack’s Bluegrass Brunch is every Sunday! Our menu kicks off at 12Noon with live tunes by Supper Break from 1-3pm. Try our $6 Bloody Mary or Mimosa, or grab a $15 Bottles of Champagne & OJ! Try one of our tasty brunch specials or order from our artisanal sandwich menu. Sláinte Y’all!
Preserving & Promoting
Our
Carolina Flying Heritage


Bender Gallery is honored to present One Day I Will Disappear, a solo exhibition of current paintings by Czech American artist Tom Pazderka. His captivating work is deeply personal and is an elegant metaphor for life’s darker side: of landscape, of nature, of memory. The exhibition runs from July 3 through August 31 during regular business hours. There will be an opening reception for Pazderka on Saturday July 3, from 6 to 9 PM by RSVP only.
Pazderka is a painter, an installation artist, an intellectual, and a writer who spent his undergraduate years in the Asheville area. He was born near Prague in 1981 during the waning of the Communist era in Czechoslovakia. He lived in a panelák, a Soviet-style concrete apartment block, until emigrating to the US in 1994 at the age of twelve. Contrary to what we may envision in America, Pazderka has fond memories of his time there. Although life was basic and creativity was not encouraged, his family was never in need and they enjoyed regular visits to their family cottage in the country. However, most of Pazderka’s life has been lived in the US and he also considers himself American. His work and life are deeply influenced by what he describes as the “incompleteness of the immigrant experience”. Pazderka explores humanity’s quest for a universal truth. The work reflects his reverence for history and the failed Soviet promise of utopia of his native land. It is thus a balancing act between this history and his assimilation into the capitalist consumer culture of the United States.
The works shown in One Day I Will Disappear consist of oil, ash, and charcoal paintings on burned panel and paper. They feature clouds, mountains, portraits, ephemera, and remnants of nature. They are conceptually dark, yet haunting and beautiful at the same time. Pazderka uses humble materials such as found plywood panels that he burns with a torch before beginning the painting process. He transforms the painting surface with the destructive, yet creative power of fire. He states, “Materials and process are components of the work that are as important as the image and what the work is about”.
Pazderka chooses to work in a colorless palette reminiscent of aged black and white photographs. He explains, “Photographs interest me because it is a tangible memory, but photographs are really residue of the photographic process.” They are themselves a memory of a memory. Much of Pazderka’s work is based on old family photographs and photos taken from nature and architecture relaying the past, the present, and the hope of a better future. The work appears otherworldly and fleeting, like ghosts of his memories. In Pazderka’s words, “The present is all there is in the end.”
Pazderka holds a BFA from Western Carolina University and an MFA from U.C. Santa Barbara. He has received many awards and fellowships and has held residencies in the US, France, and the Czech Republic. He lives and works in Ojai, CA.


We have been an active club since 1924. We currently have 65 active members of all collecting interests and meet once per month to share programs, auctions, ideas, buy, sell & trade stamps, and just plain camaraderie. Many of our members have extensive collecting, exhibiting, or speaking experience, and discussions are always interesting and rewarding. New and developing collectors will find an audience ready and willing to help with expanding one’s knowledge and enjoyment of the hobby.
Western North Carolina is in an interesting geographical location: we get visitors from the north during the winter, from the south during the summer, and many people who decide they’ve had enough of either of those climates to move here permanently! We urge visitors of any age with philatelic interests to join us, even if only for a short time. We may even convince you to enjoy our region full-time!
Membership
We welcome collectors of all ages and interests.
Dues are $10.00 a year and includes our bimonthly newsletter “The Smoky Mountain Philatelist”, complete membership list that includes “what we collect” and notices about our meetings with urging to attend and share your interest with us.
Download the Membership Application in .pdf format.

FIRST SET BY THE HOUSE BAND & SECOND SET IS A JAZZ JAM
Coed/Hospitality Softball League –
Non-resident of Asheville fee and free agent (looking for a team) – $25
Game Day Information – Sundays, starting at 2:00pm, regular season & postseason tournament
3 Divisions; Upper, Middle, and Lower (divisions could be combined based on team registrations)
| AA21030202-01 | Coed/Hospitality Softball – Upper | 08/08/2021 –11/07/2021 | 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm | Su | Martin Luther King | |||||
| AA21030202-02 | Coed/Hospitality Softball – Middle | 08/08/2021 –11/07/2021 | 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm | Su | Montford Complex | |||||
| AA21030202-03 | Coed/Hospitality Softball – Lower | 08/08/2021 –11/07/2021 | 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm | Su | Shiloh Ballfields |
It’s a little out there, but I think it’s worth the drive. The winery is on a beautiful high point with fantastic views. The wine is dry (heads up if you like sweet wines) and pretty good – best local place I’ve visited. They have an indoor and outdoor seating area, or we can bring some blankets to sit on the grass.
Tastings are $15, but I’m pretty sure they sell by the glass or if a few want to share a bottle, I’m sure that can be made possible. They have some charcuterie boards, but if we want to bring snacks, we can do that too.

In conjunction with Sunday Sessions Live (and virtual) music: Food Truck Sundays will bring a new or rotating “staff favorite” cuisine each week to the Beechams Curve offerings.
Gan Shan West, our main culinary provider 6 days a week, is closed on Sundays. Enjoy the convenience, delicious variety and the music – all in one Sunday Funday stop!
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
Richard III – Aug. 6 – 15 at 5:30 pm
by W. Shakespeare
The Moppets close their summer season with this dark and brooding history of one of England’s most treacherous kings.

Due to the current global health crisis as well as travel and performance restrictions, the original August 16, 2020 show on Jim Gaffigan’s The Pale Tourist tour at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, SC has been rescheduled for August 15, 2021. This very difficult decision was made following the recommendations of government authorities including the Center for Disease Control to reduce the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). All tickets for the original performance will be honored, so patrons should hold on to their tickets. For ticket and refund inquiries, please contact point of purchase. For tour information, please visit jimgaffigan.com.
The four-time Grammy-nominated comedian, Jim Gaffigan, brings The Pale Tourist tour to the Bon Secours Wellness Arena on August 16! The two-time Emmy winning top touring performer, and multi-platinum-selling recording artist is known around the world for his unique brand of humor, which largely revolves around his observations on life.
The Sword in the Stone – July 30 – Aug. 28
by Shaan Sharma
The Arthurian legend begins right here, with some family-friendly adventure.
The Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity ReStore is hosting the 10th annual ReUse Contest to showcase innovative building projects constructed predominantly of used building materials.
Winners will be selected in the following categories:
- Furniture: $200 ReStore gift card
- Homesteading (i.e. chicken coop, raised bed): $200 ReStore gift card
- Live and/or work space: $200 ReStore gift card
- Art: $200 ReStore gift card
- Home Decor: $200 ReStore gift card
- Vans & Vehicle (NEW!): $200 ReStore gift card
- Best in Show: $500 ReStore gift card
Winners will be announced in a press release, on Asheville Habitat’s website and social media pages, and featured in the Asheville Habitat ReStore.
The purpose of this annual contest is to showcase innovative building and DIY projects
constructed predominantly of reused building materials. A large number of ReStore shoppers
purchase items intended to be repurposed or reused in unique and creative ways; the ReStore
Reuse contest is a great way to showcase their projects and inspire others to reuse, recycle
and repurpose usable materials.
The creativity of this community never ceases to amaze. Past projects have included a fence
fashioned from doors, a potting bench built from pallets, a chair crafted from an oil drum, yard
art made from old tools, and so much more. To see photos from the 2020 contest, click here.
A panel of five judges will select winners in the following categories: Furniture, Homesteading,
Live and/or Work Space, Art, Home Décor, Vans and Vehicles (NEW!), and Best in Show.
Winners will be announced in mid-October.

- a love for North Carolina through mixed media on paper by Sophia Allison;
- well known local landscapes through acrylic on canvas by Carrie Jenson;
- a change in perspective through oil on linen by Joan Lesikin,
- communicative vessels through earthenware sculptures by Robert Milnes,
- vibrant abstract motion through acrylics on paper by Eleanor Palmer;
- and a glimpse of Asheville through oil on canvas by Maureen Scullin.
Some things you should know
-
WE ARE A HYBRID FESTIVAL THIS YEAR
We will be presenting a combination of in-person and online shows. Email us if you’ve got any questions.
-
WE HAVE 5 DIFFERENT TYPES OF SHOWS
We accept performances from 5 to 60 minutes in length, plus installations and films. Depending on its length, your piece may be grouped with others, or scheduled as a Random Act of Fringe.
1. FRINGE SHOT
A piece that is
5-20 minutes long
May be featured in a showcase, as part of our popular LaZoom Bus Tour, or as free Random Act of Fringe

2. SHORT FORM
A piece that is
25-40 minutes long
May be combined with one or more shows.
3. FULL-LENGTH
A piece that is
45-60 minutes long
Ticketed theater-style show.
4. INSTALLATION
A piece that is
Site-specific (any length)
May be in an unusual location, or repeated many times. May be seen by as few as one person at a time.

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Background and Goals of the Festivals & Cultural Events Program
The Festivals & Cultural Events Support Fund Grant Program was launched in 2016 by the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) and is designed to provide financial support for events that both serve the residents of Buncombe County and the visitors who travel to the Asheville area for the sense of authenticity and welcoming spirit that the destination exudes.
The primary purposes of this fund are to:
- Support and preserve cultural identity within Buncombe County;
- Stimulate the creation of new, or expansion of existing, festivals and cultural events; and
- Contribute to the financial viability and long-term sustainability of the area’s festivals and cultural events.
Explore Asheville CVB is offering grants for Festivals & Cultural Events ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, not to exceed 50% of the total event budget. Application deadline is Sept 29th at 5 pm.

As COVID levels rise in Buncombe County, arts organizations are taking precautionary steps to support the health of the Asheville- Buncombe community.
More than 25 organizations have signed on to the Asheville Area Arts Council’s pledge to require masks indoors and strongly encourage masks outdoors.
“Arts leaders have been at the forefront of efforts to ensure the safety of our community since the pandemic began in March 2020 and will continue to do so as new challenges arise,” said Asheville Area Arts Council Executive Director Katie Cornell.
The arts council’s recent Creative Jobs Report shows the Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation was the top creative sector in Buncombe County, growing 53% from 2015-19. By 2020, the Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation industry had experienced the greatest percentage of employment loss in the county– an overall loss of 34% representing a decline of over 1,300 jobs according to Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce. Many creative businesses also suffered over a year of closure due to necessary health restrictions. “Arts organizations are doing their part to support the community, but these businesses simply cannot withstand another shutdown. We need the community to do their part to support the arts by wearing a mask” said Cornell.
This mask requirement comes after the Center for Disease Control issued new guidelines on July 27th that both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals should wear a mask in public indoor settings to reduce the risk of becoming infected and transmitting the virus to others. Buncombe County Public Health Director Stacie Saunders also urged businesses to follow the CDC guidelines during the Stand Up for Your Business Town Hall meeting on August 5th.
“We are still in the middle of a global pandemic and we are currently seeing surges around the country more aggressive than anything we saw in 2020,” said Buncombe County Public Health Preparedness Director Fletcher Tove. “Each one of us has a role to play in safeguarding our community and that starts with getting vaccinated and wearing masks indoors.”

Shelby Singleton Jackson, a NC Certified Plant Professional and Horticulturist at Carolina Native Nursery in Burnsville, is passionate about native plants. She will talk about natives, nativars, and hybrids; help you understand the differences and why it matters; and give some suggestions for native plant choices.
Check out the latest gardening video on the Buncombe County Master Gardener website. Learn the difference between native plants, nativars, and hybrids. Understand why it matters for gardens designed to support pollinators, biodiversity, and wildlife.

County Commissioners unanimously approved using $300,000 for a new initiative aimed at helping qualified homeowners. During their meeting on July 13, commissioners voted to move forward with the Homeowner Grant Program that could provide $300 for eligible residents.
“This is a new idea for our community, and I’m glad we are thoroughly evaluating it,” said Chairman Brownie Newman. “We are trying to provide some financial relief for folks seeing cost of living go up for a variety of reasons. We’ll make adjustments based on what works well,” said Newman noting the County might increase the program’s investment in the future.
Homeowners Grant Details
Grant amount: Up to $300
Frequency: Annual
Eligible payments types: Tax bill and other homeowner housing costs
Eligible area: Buncombe County
Length of primary residence: Five years
Income: 80% of annual median income
Application: Income documentation required, unless already enrolled in HHS means-tested programs
Other programs: Best fitting programs; no duplication of benefits
Applications will be available starting Aug. 1, and the deadline to apply will be Nov. 15. Buncombe County will work with the local media and add updates to the Homeowner Grant program on its website as more information and applications are available.

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A guided whitewater rafting trip is one of the best ways to experience the Nantahala Gorge. The crystal-clear Nantahala River is the perfect family-friendly river where experienced river guides will help you navigate through splashy Class II-III rapids and bouncy waves, with occasional calmer waters where you can enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery. The fully guided rafting trip the most popular adventure at NOC, with thousands of families returning year after year.

How It Works
Participating in Outpace Hunger is easy!
You decide your level of commitment, so every participant can create their own path to helping provide food to our community. Participants also decide how, when, and where they complete their goal, any time now through the campaign end on October 31.
Outpace Hunger participants:
(1) Register to be a part of MANNA’s Outpace Hunger community. The $20 registration fee includes a t-shirt for you and provides 80 MEALS for neighbors facing food insecurity in WNC.
(2) Choose a favorite activity (run, walk, roll, stroll, hike, bike, paddle, climb, float, skate, golf, and everything in between!) to complete individually, or as a family/group/team.
(3) Set a goal to reach. This can be an activity-related goal, a fundraising goal, or both.
(4) Invite friends and family to support your fundraising efforts through your own, personalized Outpace Hunger webpage.
Unique outdoor sculptural works by environmental artist Patrick Dougherty, known as “Stick Man,” will reside in Antler Hill Village. Renowned worldwide for his monumental creations, Dougherty weaves saplings and branches into intricate artworks, fashioning whimsical forms ranging from gigantic snares and cocoons to sculptural interpretations of notable buildings. The visual appeal of these large-scale artworks may be appreciated up close as guests are encouraged to walk through and around the creations, affording the opportunity to admire the artistry and technical skills required to make the sculptures.

Want to save money and support your community organizations at the same time? Join the Target Circle Rewards Program! Members have the chance to vote for a local non-profit whenever they shop at Target between now and September 30.
Join today at target.com/circle and vote for ACT! It’s the easiest way to support ACT and save on products you need!

Get ready to go wild at the library for our annual Summer Learning Program. Join us for Tails & Tales – an exploration of wildlife and fantastical folktales. We’ll have an activity sheet with lots of fun adventures for all ages. You can pick up a sheet at any library starting June 1, or download it HERE. Check our calendar to find our most up to date list of programs all summer long.
The 2021 Summer Learning Program is open to young people, preschool through teen, with books and activities for every age. All library programs are free and open to children of all abilities. Come in and see what the library has for you!

