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, November 21, 2021
Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum
Nov 21 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Winter Lights returns to the gardens November 19-January 1

Tickets are now sold PER VEHICLE, not per person.

We are thrilled to announce that the 2021 Winter Lights holiday event will welcome members and guests back into the gardens as it returns to the traditional outdoor walk-through open-air show format. The famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden will be back, outfitted with new designs in lights, while throughout the gardens, popular arrangements will mingle with ones never seen before.

You can find everything you need to know about Asheville’s Brightest Holiday Tradition at the tabs above, and be sure to secure your tickets now.

We hope you will join us this holiday season!

 

Winter Lights is the Arboretum’s largest annual fundraiser, and supports many parts of its mission driven programming.

PEACE BROADWAY: OKLAHOMA!
Nov 21 @ 6:30 pm
Peace Concert Hall

oklahoma

“How is it that the coolest new show on Broadway is a 1943 musical?” says The New York Times.

This is Oklahoma! as you’ve never seen or heard it before — reimagined for the 21st century, and now the Tony Award® winner for Best Revival of a Musical. Funny and sexy, dark and jolting, this acclaimed production of Oklahoma! “lets us experience Rodgers and Hammerstein’s greatness anew” (The New Yorker).

Stripped down to reveal the darker psychological truths at its core, Daniel Fish’s production tells a story of a community circling its wagons against an outsider, and the frontier life that shaped America. Upending the sunny romance of a farmer and a cowpoke, this Oklahoma! allows the classic musical — and our country — to be seen in a whole new light.

“This production shocked me and moved me,” raves Frank Rich of New York Magazine. “This is the Oklahoma! that was there all along.” The Daily Beast raves “Forget your traditional idea of Oklahoma! Daniel Fish’s daring, brilliant, utterly absorbing re-interpretation is dark and different — brilliantly so.”

Official Website

Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin
Nov 21 @ 7:30 pm
Thomas Wolfe Auditorium

Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening – MMXXI Tour

MIN XIAO-FEN + RIVER GUERGUERIAN
Nov 21 @ 7:30 pm
Isis Music Hall--The Main Stage

Main Floor Reserved Tickets are available with dinner reservations only :::: There is a $20 minimum in food and beverage purchases per person with your dinner reservation :::: These are the only main floor tickets available :::: You MUST call venue to make a dinner reservation & purchase your tickets :::: General Admission Tickets are available for the Balcony only :: There is no dinner service for balcony seating

An evening of genre-blurring duets featuring pipa master Min Xiao-Fen and renowned percussionist River Guerguerian. Performing together for the first time, these internationally acclaimed musicians forge fresh pathways of cross-cultural expression by using traditional instruments to create exotic new sounds.

Few artists have done more to both honor and reinvent the 2000-year history of the pipa than soloist, vocalist and composer Min Xiao-Fen. Classically trained in her native China, Min was an in-demand interpreter of traditional music before relocating to the United States and forging a new path for her instrument alongside many of the leading lights in modern jazz, free improvisation, experimental and contemporary classical music. JazzTimes lauded her as “a pioneer in integrating her ancient instrument with modern jazz and improvised music.” while The New York Times raved that her singular work “has traversed a sweeping musical odyssey.”

Multi-percussionist, composer and educator River Guerguerian has been inspiring audiences with his colorful and innovative percussion for over thirty years. Whether collaborating with world-class artists, supporting symphonies or creating his own dynamic explorations of rhythm, River’s devotion and attention to the vibrant life of the drum reverberate with the listener.

River has performed internationally with such groups as the BBC Concert Orchestra, Omar Faruk Tekbilek, Tan Dun, Tibetan Singing Bowl Ensemble, Lionel Hampton, Chuck Berry, Ziggy Marley, Talujon Percussion Quartet (co-founder), and his world jazz trio Free Planet Radio.

Come enjoy an evening of live music, food and drinks at Isis Music Hall. Advanced Reservations are highly recommended.

Ruth Cooney Band – Joni Mitchell tribute
Nov 21 @ 7:30 pm
White Horse Black Mountain
Ruth Cooney Band - Joni Mitchell tribute

Ruth Cooney Sextet performs Court and Spark Album and a mix of other Joni Mitchell songs with a band comprising some of the finest musicians in the area.

Ruth Cooney/Vocals: Ruth has been a dedicated fan of Joni Mitchell since the age of 12. She’s been singing professionally since the late 80’s performing rock, blues, folk and jazz. Since moving to Asheville in 2009, she’s been involved in the local jazz scene. Putting together a Joni Tribute has been a dream come true, and she is so grateful to have these stellar musicians involved in the project. Like someone told Joni once, “you need jazz musicians to play your music.”

Jason DeCristofaro/Piano and Vibraphone: Jason in an Instructor of Music at Warren Wilson College. He is a multi- instrumentalist and composer and holds a DMA from Boston University, an MM from UNC School Of The Arts, an MLAS from UNCA and a BM from Brevard College. Jason stays busy performing all over WNC in a variety of genres, as well as hosting 2 jazz jams every week.

Tim Doyle/Guitars: Tim is an Instructor of Music at UNCA, and a composer. He holds degrees from UNCG and Indiana State University. Tim has performed throughout the Midwest, Austin, TX and now performs in various genres with several bands in and around WNC.

Zack Page/Bass: As a professional bassist since the early 90’s, Zack has travelled the world with jazz ensembles, theatre companies and the cruise industry. His musical taste encompasses everything from heavy metal to jazz, and he is one of the most sought after bass players in WNC.

Justin Watt/Drums: Justin is an Instructor at UNCA, Furman University and Asheville Music School. He holds a BM from Kent State University and an MM from Youngstown State University. Justin toured the U.S., Canada and Japan with the Glenn Miller Orchestra. Since moving to Asheville he performs as a jazz and commercial drummer as well as a classical percussionist.

Ashley Pritchard/Saxophones and Flute: Ashley is a recent newcomer to the area from Chicago
where she performed with jazz, funk, ska, and pop groups in historic venues throughout the city
including the Green Mill, the Jazz Showcase, and the Drake Hotel. She earned her Master’s
degree in jazz saxophone performance from the University of North Texas. She now lives in
West Asheville with her husband and cat.

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
Nov 21 @ 8:15 pm – Nov 22 @ 12:45 am
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is back in 2021! The 1¼ hour round-trip passenger excursion comes to life as the train departs the Bryson City depot for a journey through the quiet wilderness for a special visit at the North Pole. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, guests on board will enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along with the magical story. Children’s faces show the magic of the season when the train arrives at the North Pole to find Santa Claus waiting. Santa will board THE POLAR EXPRESS™, greeting each child and presenting them with a special gift as in the story, their own silver sleigh bell. Christmas carols will be sung as they return back to the Bryson City Depot.

Neil Hamburger
Nov 21 @ 9:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

For over 20 years, ‘America’s Funnyman’ Neil Hamburger has worked every imaginable stage, from New York’s Madison Square Garden and the UK’s Reading Festival, to a Hollywood cemetery, Tasmanian pubs, and an abandoned monkey cage in a decrepit Catskills zoo.

He has performed countless headlining American, Australian, British, and Canadian tours, as well as shows in Norway, New Zealand, Ireland, and the Bahamas. He has toured internationally as the cherry-picked opening act for Tenacious D and Faith No More.

Neil Hamburger was the subject of the critically acclaimed dramatic 2015 feature film Entertainment, co-starring John C. Reilly, Tye Sheridan, and Michael Cera. Neil’s many TV credits include Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Tom Green Live,and Jimmy Kimmel Live.

Among his dozen album releases is Live at Third Man, produced by Jack White in Nashville; an earlier Hamburger effort was included in SPIN’s ‘40 Greatest Comedy Albums of All Time’. His latest LP, the chamber-pop epic Still Dwelling, features guest appearances from Jack Black and Mike Patton.

“A brilliantly awful persona of an old-school, C-list funnyman—the kind with an ill-fitting tuxedo and an enormous, greasy combover—on a very bad night. Neil Hamburger toys with an audience’s expectations (and patience), and indeed his act is a kind of rude commentary on stand-up comedy altogether.”—NEW YORK TIMES

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
Nov 21 @ 9:10 pm – 10:10 pm
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is back in 2021! The 1¼ hour round-trip passenger excursion comes to life as the train departs the Bryson City depot for a journey through the quiet wilderness for a special visit at the North Pole. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, guests on board will enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along with the magical story. Children’s faces show the magic of the season when the train arrives at the North Pole to find Santa Claus waiting. Santa will board THE POLAR EXPRESS™, greeting each child and presenting them with a special gift as in the story, their own silver sleigh bell. Christmas carols will be sung as they return back to the Bryson City Depot.

Monday, November 22, 2021
 Give!Local: Literacy Together
Nov 22 all-day
online
‘Come Write In’ during November’s NaNoWriMo – National Novel Writing Month
Nov 22 all-day
Buncombe County Libraries
Photo of typewriter

Come Write In!

Libraries Encourage Writers to ‘Come Write In’ during November’s

NaNoWriMo – National Novel Writing Month

National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) began in 1999 as a daunting but straightforward challenge: to write 50,000 words of a novel during the thirty days of November.  Now, each year on November 1, hundreds of thousands of people around the world begin to write, determined to end the month with 50,000 words of a brand-new novel.

If you are doing NaNoWriMo this year, the Buncombe County Public Library wants to support you in your endeavors. Join us for the following virtual events throughout the month to keep you invigorated and motivated. All events are free, but you do need to register. To sign up, visit the Library’s event calendar and click on the event on the calendar. Additional events may be added, so be sure to check back throughout the month.

Jumpstart your Creativity with Nina Hart
Wednesday, November 3, 7 – 8:30pm

Nina is a writing coach who has been there, done that with NaNoWriMo and has inspiration to share. This fun, supportive online session will give you tools to keep going when the writing gets stuck.  Sign up and get your creative juices flowing for the rest of the month. Space is limited.

Virtual Come Write-In
Thursday, November 4, 7-8pm

Come Write-In virtually with encouraging BCPL librarians and other writers! We would love to write with you in a Zoom Room.  We’ll have some prompts and space for discussion and encouragement, but mostly this will be a time to schedule yourself for some dedicated writing time while others on the call do the same.

Virtual Come Write-In with Author Beth Revis
Friday November 5, 12-1pm 

Come Write-In virtually with local author Beth Revis. Beth Revis is a NY Times bestselling author with books available in more than 20 languages. She is the co-owner of Wordsmith Workshops and the author of the Paper Hearts series, both of which aid aspiring authors. A native of North Carolina, Beth is currently working on multiple new novels. She lives in rural NC with her son and husband. Visit her at bethrevis.com.

Virtual Rise and Write-In
Saturday, November 6, 9 – 10am

Sometimes it helps to be in the presence of like-minded people with a similar goal. This NaNoWriMo we’re hosting a virtual come write in quiet hour. All you need to do is log in, wave hello, or not, and get to writing.

We’ll have some tips on the screen to help get your thoughts flowing. We promise there will be no ‘get to know you questions’ or writing prompts to complete, just you in a virtual room holding yourself quietly accountable for achieving your novel writing dreams amongst others. One quiet hour on a Saturday morning to start NaNoWriMo off where you can even keep wearing your pajamas or cozy robe.

Virtual Come Write-In
Tuesday, November 9, 7-8pm 

Come Write-In for this librarian-led, hour-long, writing sesh! We’ll have timed word sprints, optional word prompts, and overall good vibes as we all work toward our NaNoWriMo word counts. So drop in, hang out, and get those creative juices flowing!

Virtual Come Write-In with Author (and BCPL Librarian) Alexandra Duncan
Wednesday November 10, 3-4pm    

Come Write-In with local author Alexandra Duncan, who is also a Buncombe County librarian. She writes science fiction, fantasy, and horror for teens and adults alike. Visit her online at alexandra-duncan.com.

Virtual Come Write-In Cafe
Friday, November 12, 2 – 3pm

Come Write-In virtually with an encouraging BCPL librarian and other writers! This session will have a caffeinated theme, with some background coffee shop noise, and a virtual cafe atmosphere. This will be a time to schedule yourself for some dedicated writing time while others on the call do the same in a casual and supportive space.

Virtual Come Write-In with Thomas Calder
Saturday, November 13, 11am -12pm

Come Write-In and join local author Thomas Calder for word sprints, discussion, and encouragement as we all work to meet those NaNoWriMo goals!  Take part in an hour of guided writing followed by a brief Q&A to pick Thomas’ brain about his own creative experiences.

Thomas Calder earned his MFA in creative writing from the University of Houston. His work has appeared in Gulf Coast, Miracle Monocle, The Collagist and elsewhere. His debut novel, The Wind Under the Door, was published in March 2021. Learn more at thomas-calder.com.

Virtual Come Write-In with Author Rebecca Petruck
Tuesday November 16, 7-8pm          

Come Write-In with local author Rebecca Petruck. Rebecca Petruck is a Minnesota girl, though she also has lived in Louisiana, Mississippi, New York, England, Connecticut and, currently, North Carolina. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing from UNC Wilmington. Petruck’s novels are published by ABRAMS/Amulet. You may visit her online at www.rebeccapetruck.com and on Twitter at @rebeccapetruck.

Online Creative Writing Group
Wednesday, November 17, 4 – 5:30pm

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.

Virtual Come Write-In with Author Jennie Liu
Friday November 19, 4-5pm

Come Write-In with local author Jennie Liu. Jennie Liu is the daughter of Chinese immigrants. Having been brought up with an ear to two cultures, she has been fascinated by the attitudes, social policies, and changes in China each time she visits. She lives in Western North Carolina with her husband and two young sons. You can visit her online at www.jennieliuwrites.com.

Virtual Come Write-In
Saturday, November 20, 2021, 11am – 12pm

Come Write-In virtually with encouraging BCPL librarians and other writers! We would love to write with you in a Zoom Room.  We’ll have some prompts and space for discussion and encouragement, but mostly this will be a time to schedule yourself for some dedicated writing time while others on the call do the same.

You Wrote a Novel, So Now What?
Tuesday November 23, 7 pm 

Imagine that it’s December 1. You’ve finished NaNoWriMo and you have a book that’s ready to get out into the world. Congratulations! What do you do next? In this webinar, BiblioLabs Community Engagement Manager Emily Gooding will show you how to format your novel by using the PressBooks resource available to you for FREE from the library.  You will also learn how you can submit your novel to the Indie Author Project and have a digital version of your novel available to readers in the Library!

Virtual Rise and Write-In
Wednesday, November 24, 9 – 10am

Sometimes it helps to be in the presence of like-minded people with a similar goal. With that in mind, we are hosting a virtual come write in quiet hour. All you need to do is log in, wave hello, or not, and get to writing.

In the spirit of Thanksgiving and gratitude, we will have some gratitude related quotes and writing prompts available on screen to help inspire you. However, we promise there will be no ‘get to know you questions’ or participation requirements, just you in a virtual room holding yourself quietly accountable for achieving your novel writing dreams amongst others. One quiet hour before the holiday weekend to work on finishing NaNoWriMo strong.

Virtual Come Write-In
Thursday, November 30, 7-8pm

This will be our final Virtual Come Write-In event for 2021. The focus of this online writing session, hosted by local author and librarian Alexandra Duncan, will be writing sprints and last-minute support.

#Giving Tuesday with Dogwood Alliance
Nov 22 all-day
online
2021 Giving Tuesday Save the Date FB

Save the Date for GivingTuesday: November 30th

GivingTuesday is a global movement unleashing the power of radical generosity to transform communities and the world. We invite you to consider all the ways you can express generosity for your community and the environment. Whether it’s participating in a neighborhood cleanup, sharing Forests and Justice news with friends, signing a petition, or giving to Dogwood Alliance—everyone has something to give. And every act of generosity counts. GivingTuesday is on November 30th, but you can get a jump start today!

#GivingTuesday: Support Swannanoa Valley Museum
Nov 22 all-day
Swannanoa Valley Museum
Save the date! November 30th is Giving Tuesday. Please consider giving thanks by donating to the Swannanoa Valley Museum. 100% of your donation goes towards supporting the museum’s programs, exhibits, and operations.
$30 for the 30th! Eblen Charities #GivingTuesday
Nov 22 all-day
online

This year Eblen celebrates 30 years of serving our community and helping those in need. 

Our mission is to provide assistance to families and individuals in our community during times of crisis and hardship whether medical, financial or an emergency need.

We would like to celebrate our 30th with the Eblen Charities $30 for the 30th fundraising event.

Due to the generosity of a long-time friend, our first $10,000 in donations will be matched! Please help us take advantage of this wonderful opportunity. 

We would like to encourage you to leave a comment about what it means to you to support Eblen Charities.

Thank you for all that you do, because we do it all together!

ASAP is currently hiring for several positions and internships
Nov 22 all-day
online only

2021 ASAP board and staff

ASAP is currently hiring for several positions and internships.  Applications are accepted only by email. Please do not call or come by the office.

Growing Minds Program Coordinator will assist in the design and implementation of farm to school programs, including trainings/workshops for educators, farmers, community partners, parents, and volunteers; curriculum and resources; networking and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders; providing community outreach and engagement; assisting with grant writing and reporting; and other tasks in support of the organization.

The Assistant Market Manager is responsible for providing operational and promotional support to the ASAP Farmers Market/Asheville City Market year round (the current location is at 340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, but is subject to change). This is an hourly contract position scheduled for at-market shifts. Hours will vary based on market schedules and will average from 5-7 hrs./wk. Related responsibilities or support for other Local Food Campaign programs may be assigned as needed.

The Farmers Market Intern will support theASAP Farmers Market/Asheville City Market. Internships run 8-10 weeks, 6 hours weekly, and are available in the winter, spring, summer, and fall. Responsibilities include supporting market operations, including set-up; running special events; and, optionally, providing content for social media posts and weekly newsletters.

Asheville Art Museum From Home
Nov 22 all-day
online
WORK OF THE WEEK
Jeff Koons’s One Ball Total Equilibrium Tank (Spalding Dr. J Silver Series) is currently on view in the Museum’s Artistic Tribute: Representation of the Athlete exhibition. Keira Ezzo, summer 2021 communications – multimedia storytelling intern, shares her take on this work for our Work of the Week. Read more about this work on the blog.

ENGAGE WITH THE MUSEUM FROM HOME

Check back often for new content that provides inspiration, calm, comfort, and yes, even some fun during this unprecedented time.

Be an Arts Ally Raffle
Nov 22 all-day
online

Be an Arts Ally

Join or renew your arts council membership between now and December 31st for your chance to win this raffle package, including a Wheel Thrown Shape vase from East Fork, truffles from Chocolate Fetish, a card set from Noir Collective, and two bottles wine from Marked Tree vineyard.

Businesses Get in the Local Food Guide!
Nov 22 all-day
online w/ ASAP
Get in the Local Food Guide!
2021 Local Food Guide and Full Share: A CSA GuideEvery year, ASAP calls more than 1,400 businesses to update our Local Food Guide and CSA guide so that we get the most accurate information about connecting with local food and farms. We’ve started making calls for 2022!
Want to get a head start on updating your listing? You can give us a call (828-236-1282) or do it yourself online (click login in the upper right of appalachiangrown.org). The deadline to be included in the print Local Food Guide is Jan. 31 (or Dec. 31 for CSA farms).⁣
Have a new farm, restaurant, retail outlet, or other locally sourcing food business that you want to be listed? Go to appalachiangrown.org and click Get in the Guide.⁣ An online listing is completely free.
Christmas at Biltmore
Nov 22 all-day
Biltmore

November 5, 2021 – January 9, 2022: 47th Annual Christmas at Biltmore

Holidays arrive at America’s largest home in style. More than a century ago, George Vanderbilt chose the holiday season as the time to unveil his new home to family and friends. This year’s Christmas at Biltmore promises another extravagant celebration, complete with dozens of Christmas trees, miles of ribbon, garland and lights. Festive menus in estate restaurants and holiday wine tastings make for a memorable visit.

Claxton Giving Tree is Virtual!
Nov 22 all-day
online

Asheville Community Theatre is Seeking Santas!

We team up with Claxton Elementary each year to find folks who’d love to provide gifts for students who would otherwise go without. If you’re looking for a way to give back this season, these children need you!

Once you sign up, we will match you with a child and email you a printable ornament with their sizes and wish list!

You can drop off gifts at Asheville Community Theatre.
ACT staff will deliver the gifts to Claxton Elementary!
More specific details will be included in an email after you sign up.

SIGN-UP BY:

December 1, 2021

WHERE TO DROP OFF GIFTS:

Asheville Community Theatre
35 East Walnut St. Asheville NC 28801

DROP OFF GIFTS BY:

December 6, 2021

Elida Homes: Sponsor A Child for the Holidays
Nov 22 all-day
online
Eliada works hard to make the holidays a special time for the children in our care. This year, due to the ongoing pandemic and job insecurity, our children and youth need support more than ever.
Many children who are living at Eliada may be restricted to campus and won’t have the opportunity to go home for the holidays. Families in our child development center face financial hardship. Our older youth transitioning to adulthood have children of their own, and are struggling to find work and safe housing during this time.
With community support, Eliada can help parents and guardians provide a bright and joy-filled Christmas to their kids. For most of Eliada’s children and youth, the gifts they receive from sponsors are the only gifts they will get during the holiday season.
How to sponsor a child:
When you sign up to sponsor a child for the holidays, you’ll receive a wish list. Wish lists include information that help you get to know the child such as their favorite sports team, color, and movie. Wish lists also include their top three most need and most wanted items. Needed items include winter clothing, shoes, and hygiene products. Wanted items often include things like music, art supplies, and developmentally appropriate toys and games.
The value of a wish list is around $150. You can divide that cost with friends, or even sponsor several children.
To sign up to sponsor, please contact Rebecca Boline by email at [email protected].
Sponsor multiple children with a program wish list:
We also have wish lists which include items that children will need here at Eliada throughout 2022.
Cottage wish lists are for youth living at Eliada. They include toiletries, bedding and towels, books, games, art supplies, suitcases, and kitchen utensils. Many children will arrive at Eliada in 2021 with a few clothes in a garbage bag. Together we can ensure they feel at home at Eliada.
Other wish lists are for our Child Development, Day Treatment, Campus Farm and Equine Therapy programs with needed classroom and playground supplies.
Sponsor a last minute wish:
Some youth living at Eliada won’t arrive until right before the holidays! We won’t receive their wish lists until late November-early December. If you can shop at the last minute, we can use your support.
If you don’t have time to shop, Eliada will use your donation to purchase gifts for children who may arrive at Eliada very close to Christmas or right after Christmas. It shouldn’t matter when you arrive at Eliada–your wishes should be fulfilled! You can make a donation here. In the comment field, write “holiday wishes.”
To sign up to sponsor multiple children or a teen at the last minute, please contact Rebecca Boline by email at [email protected] or by phone at (828) 254-5356, ext. 306.
Farm to School Jumpstart Grants from Growing Minds
Nov 22 all-day
online

Growing Minds has announced a new Jumpstart Grant for farm to school projects. Pre-K through 12 schools, homeschool groups, teacher and nutrition education programs, and community organizations serving children and families within the 23 westernmost counties of North Carolina may apply for $500-$1,000 to provide children with positive local food and agriculture experiences. Eligible projects include edible school gardens, farm field trips, local food taste tests, or meals. In addition to funding, grantees may request supplemental training and/or technical assistance from the Growing Minds staff to help implement their project.

Grant applications are due Jan. 15, 2022.

GivingTuesday with Homeward Bound
Nov 22 all-day
online
Image

 

Giving Tuesday 2021 is only two weeks away. This year, every dollar you donate on Giving Tuesday will be matched up to $50,000.

Let me tell you about Zach.

When Zach was 23 he was involved in a horrific car crash. He sustained a traumatic brain injury, severed his spinal cord, and was paralyzed from the neck down. Along with tremendous pain came addiction to prescription pain-killers, depression and anxiety. Eventually Zach lost his job, his marriage, and soon after he was homeless.

$27 a day will provide housing and case management support for one person for a year. Your Giving Tuesday donation to Homeward Bound will help folks like Zach get into their own homes this holiday season.

Here’s how you can best prepare to help folks like Zach this year:

 

Mark your calendar. Giving Tuesday is two weeks from today, on November 30, 2021.

 

Give! Now through December 31, 2021, your gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $50,000 as part of our Creating Hope and Homes Matching Gift Challenge! 

 

Spread the word! Encourage friends, family, and colleagues to join you in Giving Tuesday 2021. Share on social media what our mission means to you, and tag us on Facebook [@homewardboundwnc] or Instagram [@homeward_bound_wnc] so we can share it!

History @ Home – Visit Virtually Western North Carolina Historical Association
Nov 22 all-day
online w/ Western North Carolina Historical Association
Deep Dive into Archives is a living exhibit shining a light on the individuals who were once enslaved at the Smith-McDowell House through primary documentation.

 

 

 

Douglas Ellington: Asheville’s Boomtown Architect presents a look at Ellington’s iconic Asheville creations along with other buildings he completed throughout his career in other cities.
HillBilly Land explores the power, prevalence, and persistence of the hillbilly stereotype from the days of its beginnings in the late 19th century to the present day.
In 1918 vs 2020, we take an in-depth look at the 1918 influenza epidemic in Western North Carolina through newspaper clippings, advertisements, ephemera, photographs, and oral history and place the events of 1918 into context with our present-day response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Make the Holidays Brighter for a Senior, Adult with a Disability, or a Child in Foster Care
Nov 22 all-day
online

Your favorite giving opportunity is back! Help make this holiday special for a child in Foster Care or a Senior in Buncombe County by becoming a Holiday Sponsor.

Foster Care Wish List

Foster Care Wish List

Each year, the Buncombe County Foster Care Team organizes a gift drive for children in foster care in Buncombe County. Bringing a smile to a child’s face this year is easier than ever. Just follow the link below, select the child you would like to sponsor, and check your email for confirmation, a reminder of what your child would like this holiday season, and drop-off instructions. We are taking extra precautions due to COVID-19 so be sure to read the follow-up email in its entirety.

Click here to sponsor a child.

Senior Wish Tree

Senior Wish Tree

There are a lot of seniors and adults with disabilities in Buncombe County who look forward to the sense of community the holiday season brings. Spread the love this year by supporting one of our adults or seniors. Signing up to sponsor an adult is easy. Just follow the link below, select the adult you would like to sponsor, and check your email for confirmation, a reminder of what your adult would like this holiday season, and drop-off instructions. We are taking extra precautions due to COVID-19 so be sure to read the follow-up email in its entirety.

Click here to sponsor a Senior or Adult with a Disability.

Give the gift of community this year by becoming a Holiday Sponsor for a child in foster care or a senior in Buncombe County. Nearly 2 years of limited social opportunity has left many feeling isolated this holiday season. Your sponsorship is more than a few gifts under the tree, it’s a sense of belonging for those in our community who need it the most. Thank you for your generosity and for bringing the spirit of the season to our community.

Nantahala Outdoor Center 2022 Adventures are open to book
Nov 22 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center
Raft splashing into 2022

We are excited to announce that all of our 2022 adventures are open to book! Grab your calendar, find the perfect whitewater, zip line, or biking adventure, and book the trip before the perfect day slips by you.

Plan your next adventure with Nantahala Outdoor Center! NOC offers more than 100 itineraries that you can sort by Whitewater Rafting, Zip Lining, Mountain Biking, and more! Filter by location, experience level, or activity type. Mix and match your favorites or book one of our packages for a full-day of fun! Planning your next adventure has never been easier.

BOOK EARLY & WIN!

We love when you plan ahead!

Book by December 31st, 2021 and

be entered to win a sweet limited edition 50th MERCH PRIZE PACK including a t-shirt, insulated mugs, Nalgene, magnets, sticker pack and a $50 Gift Card to use at our stores, on a meal or on an adventure! A $120 Value!

Our 2022 International Adventure dates are limited Book Now Nantahala Outdoor Center
Nov 22 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

THE WORLD AWAITS

Our 2022 International Adventure dates are limited! Don’t miss out. Whether your idea of an adventure is rafting Class 4+ rapids on the Zambezi, or wildlife viewing from your deck in British Columbia, our trips have something for every adventure and skill level.

Photo Contest: All Things Climbing
Nov 22 all-day
online
Reminder: Submit Soil Samples before December 1 for Free Testing
Nov 22 all-day
Buncombe County Cooperative Extension

There’s still time to get your soil samples to the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services before Thanksgiving and take advantage of free testing. Samples received after November 30, 2021 through March 31, 2022—the peak soil testing season—are charged an analysis fee of $4 per sample. 

Soil test kit

Get soil test kits at the Extension office
Soil test boxes, sample information forms, and instructions are available outside the front door at the Buncombe County Cooperative Extension office, 49 Mount Carmel Road, Asheville. 

Taking the sample
The instruction sheet, A Guide to Soil Sampling—A Soil Test Is Only as Good as the Soil Sample Taken!, explains how to take your sample. Using a clean, stainless steel or chrome-plated trowel, dig about 6 inches deep in 4 or 5 spots in the testing area. Place the soil samples in a clean plastic bucket or bowl and mix well. If the soil is wet, wait for it to dry out before mixing. Fill the soil test box to the fill line and label the box. 

Where to sample
Take several soil samples from different areas of your yard and use a separate box for each sample. Suggested sample areas include: lawn, vegetable garden, flowerbeds, landscape trees and shrubs, roses, azaleas, rhododendrons, blueberries, and other fruits and berries. 

Complete the sample information form and mail
Complete an information form for each soil sample, note any lime applications you’ve made in the last 12 months, and indicate the Lawn and Garden Planting Code for the area sampled. You’ll also need to provide an email address to receive your results.

Place the information form on top of your soil test boxes in a cardboard box and mail to the address listed on the form. It is helpful to keep a record to remind yourself of where you took each sample.

After the lab has tested the soil samples, you will receive a test report with recommendations for fertilizer and pH amendment. During the winter it takes about one to two months to receive your test results.

Save $2 on Festival of Lights Tickets
Nov 22 all-day
Lake Julian Park
Entrance to Festival of Lights --
                                                          display with a
                                                          deer on a
                                                          mountain

Save $2 on Festival of Lights Tickets

Magic and memories return to Lake Julian Park during Festival of Lights, nightly December 1-23. Western North Carolina’s original and longest-running drive-thru light show celebrates 21 years.

Save $2 when you enter code MAGIC2021 by December 1, making it just $8 per personal vehicle.

Tickets are valid for a one-time use only any night of the festival; they are not date-specific. 20% of all proceeds benefit Special Olympics programs in Buncombe County.

Scavenger Hunt Fairview Public Library
Nov 22 all-day
Fairview Public Library

Scavenger Hunt
How well do you know the Fairview Public Library? Throughout the month of November, a library scavenger hunt will challenge everything you think you know about FPL! The scavenger hunt is in-doors and DIY. Ask for the clues at the circulation desk