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.

Thursday, December 29, 2022
Thursday Produce Sorting/Box Prep with Bounty + Soul
Dec 29 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Bounty + Soul

Before you even begin thinking about volunteering, ask yourself – Am I well enough to volunteer?

Your safety and limiting the spread of COVID-19 is everyone’s main priority. We encourage you to review and adhere to the recommendations on the Buncombe County readiness site on how best to avoid COVID-19 and what to do if you think you might have it.


Bounty & Soul is a community-based non-profit with a mission to connect people to food, education and each other.

This opportunity involves sorting and inspecting produce donations from local grocers and placing them into food boxes that are distributed at weekly drive-thru markets. 

Time Commitment:

  • Thursdays 10am-12pm
  • Thursdays 1-3pm

Requirements:

  • Volunteers should agree to adhere to all the safety measures implemented
  • Ability to lift 25 lbs.
  • Bending, stooping, and twisting may be required
  • Closed toed shoes

Health/Safety:

  • We are asking volunteers to wear/bring their own face covering when delivering items
    • Cloth covering nose and mouth
    • Fabric or disposable face mask
  • Asking volunteers to maintain physical distance of 6 feet or more when possible
    • Note: there are times when the volunteer task requires volunteers to engage closer than 6 feet. Please do not sign up if you feel uncomfortable.

 

1 and older
Is Family Friendly
Is Not Outdoors
Is Wheelchair Accessible
Thursday Produce Sorting/Box Prep with Bounty + Soul
Dec 29 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Bounty + Soul

Before you even begin thinking about volunteering, ask yourself – Am I well enough to volunteer?

Your safety and limiting the spread of COVID-19 is everyone’s main priority. We encourage you to review and adhere to the recommendations on the Buncombe County readiness site on how best to avoid COVID-19 and what to do if you think you might have it.


Bounty & Soul is a community-based non-profit with a mission to connect people to food, education and each other.

This opportunity involves sorting and inspecting produce donations from local grocers and placing them into food boxes that are distributed at weekly drive-thru markets. 

Time Commitment:

  • Thursdays 10am-12pm
  • Thursdays 1-3pm

Requirements:

  • Volunteers should agree to adhere to all the safety measures implemented
  • Ability to lift 25 lbs.
  • Bending, stooping, and twisting may be required
  • Closed toed shoes

Health/Safety:

  • We are asking volunteers to wear/bring their own face covering when delivering items
    • Cloth covering nose and mouth
    • Fabric or disposable face mask
  • Asking volunteers to maintain physical distance of 6 feet or more when possible
    • Note: there are times when the volunteer task requires volunteers to engage closer than 6 feet. Please do not sign up if you feel uncomfortable.

 

1 and older
Is Family Friendly
Is Not Outdoors
Is Wheelchair Accessible
Elementary After-School Volunteer Creative Peacemakers
Dec 29 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Deaverview Apartment Community

We are seeking volunteers to assist us in our small after school program for children in West Asheville in low-income housing.  We provide a safe and nourishing environment, healthy snacks, and creative activities.  Our program currently meets during the school year on most Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 3:00-5:00pm. You may volunteer for one or two days a week. 

Volunteer Responsibilities:

  • Assist with serving snacks
  • Interact with children during activity time
  • Supervise games and outdoor free time
  • For people with background in education, there is also an opportunity to assist with curriculum development and program planning and administration

Requirements:

  • Background check
  • Orientation booklets will be provided
  • Masks are required if unvaccinated
Friday, December 30, 2022
Help Seniors Fill Out Applications for Benefits
Dec 30 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
The Council on Aging of Buncombe County
  • The Council on Aging of Buncombe County was formed in 1964 to address the needs of seniors in our community
  • We provide essential support to people over 60 who need assistance with food, heat or a/c, and health care
  • Our volunteers make this work possible– consider joining us today!

Our Mission Statement: Promote the Independence, dignity, and well-being of adults through service, education, and advocacy

We are looking for volunteers to work with low-income Medicare recipients as an unbiased, knowledgeable guide, providing education and assistance with navigating through the application process to help them receive much-needed assistance with the following programs:

  • Medicare Part D Extra Help/Low-Income Subsidy (LIS)
  • Medicare Savings Programs
  • Medicaid
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP – formerly known as Food Stamps)
  • Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
  • Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)

The safety of our clients is our highest priority. Here’s what’s required for this role:

  • Clear criminal background check and driving record.
  • Minimum $100,000/300,000 in auto liability coverage.
  • Orientation and training with the Council on Aging.
  • A reliable vehicle that will pass NC safety inspection.

Additionally, we are very flexible and will work with your schedule.

Who would make a strong candidate for this volunteer role?

  • You care about seniors and want to support those who need help most
  • A resident of Buncombe County, NC, or a nearby town.
  • Someone willing to learn basic education about the Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC) and what benefits are available for lower-income Seniors.
  • Someone willing to receive education about outreach, what larger events entail, and how to assist with these events.
  • Someone willing to travel around Buncombe County and set up a table at outreach events, educating the community on the services offered at Council on Aging and the Benefits Enrollment Center.
  • Someone able to assist clients with benefits applications and maintain awareness of changes to income guidelines.

If you want to help make a difference in the lives of real people right here in western North Carolina, we would love to welcome you on board as a volunteer.

YWCA Aquatics Volunteer
Dec 30 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
YWCA Asheville

YWCA of Asheville is a nonprofit organization working to bridge gaps in education, health, childcare, and earning power for women and families in the Asheville region. The mission of the YWCA of Asheville is to eliminate racism; empower women; and promote peace,  justice, freedom, and dignity for all.

The YWCA indoor pool hosts a comprehensive Aquatics Program with activities for all ages, abilities, and interests.

Volunteer Roles and Responsibilities 

  • Join the fun in the pool as a swim assistant. Help children and adults learn the basics of floating, kicking, breathing, and diving.
  • Support the Aquatics Program with behind-the-scenes administrative work or on-the-deck supervising

Time Commitment

  • Flexible time commitment

Volunteer Requirements

  • Background check
Monday, January 2, 2023
DIY River + Road Cleanups w/ GreenWorks
Jan 2 all-day
Asheville Area

Organizing a litter cleanup with your friends, neighbors, co-workers, or other community members is easier than you may think! Asheville GreenWorks provides cleanup supplies and safety information, and will coordinate trash pick up as needed. Supplies include gloves, safety vests, trash bags, trash grabbers, and a SHARPs container. Register now to learn more about borrowing supplies to organize your own cleanup!

Tuesday, January 3, 2023
DIY River + Road Cleanups w/ GreenWorks
Jan 3 all-day
Asheville Area

Organizing a litter cleanup with your friends, neighbors, co-workers, or other community members is easier than you may think! Asheville GreenWorks provides cleanup supplies and safety information, and will coordinate trash pick up as needed. Supplies include gloves, safety vests, trash bags, trash grabbers, and a SHARPs container. Register now to learn more about borrowing supplies to organize your own cleanup!

Elementary After-School Volunteer Creative Peacemakers
Jan 3 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Deaverview Apartment Community

We are seeking volunteers to assist us in our small after school program for children in West Asheville in low-income housing.  We provide a safe and nourishing environment, healthy snacks, and creative activities.  Our program currently meets during the school year on most Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 3:00-5:00pm. You may volunteer for one or two days a week. 

Volunteer Responsibilities:

  • Assist with serving snacks
  • Interact with children during activity time
  • Supervise games and outdoor free time
  • For people with background in education, there is also an opportunity to assist with curriculum development and program planning and administration

Requirements:

  • Background check
  • Orientation booklets will be provided
  • Masks are required if unvaccinated
Wednesday, January 4, 2023
DIY River + Road Cleanups w/ GreenWorks
Jan 4 all-day
Asheville Area

Organizing a litter cleanup with your friends, neighbors, co-workers, or other community members is easier than you may think! Asheville GreenWorks provides cleanup supplies and safety information, and will coordinate trash pick up as needed. Supplies include gloves, safety vests, trash bags, trash grabbers, and a SHARPs container. Register now to learn more about borrowing supplies to organize your own cleanup!

Thursday, January 5, 2023
DIY River + Road Cleanups w/ GreenWorks
Jan 5 all-day
Asheville Area

Organizing a litter cleanup with your friends, neighbors, co-workers, or other community members is easier than you may think! Asheville GreenWorks provides cleanup supplies and safety information, and will coordinate trash pick up as needed. Supplies include gloves, safety vests, trash bags, trash grabbers, and a SHARPs container. Register now to learn more about borrowing supplies to organize your own cleanup!

Elementary After-School Volunteer Creative Peacemakers
Jan 5 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Deaverview Apartment Community

We are seeking volunteers to assist us in our small after school program for children in West Asheville in low-income housing.  We provide a safe and nourishing environment, healthy snacks, and creative activities.  Our program currently meets during the school year on most Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 3:00-5:00pm. You may volunteer for one or two days a week. 

Volunteer Responsibilities:

  • Assist with serving snacks
  • Interact with children during activity time
  • Supervise games and outdoor free time
  • For people with background in education, there is also an opportunity to assist with curriculum development and program planning and administration

Requirements:

  • Background check
  • Orientation booklets will be provided
  • Masks are required if unvaccinated
Friday, January 6, 2023
DIY River + Road Cleanups w/ GreenWorks
Jan 6 all-day
Asheville Area

Organizing a litter cleanup with your friends, neighbors, co-workers, or other community members is easier than you may think! Asheville GreenWorks provides cleanup supplies and safety information, and will coordinate trash pick up as needed. Supplies include gloves, safety vests, trash bags, trash grabbers, and a SHARPs container. Register now to learn more about borrowing supplies to organize your own cleanup!

Saturday, January 7, 2023
DIY River + Road Cleanups w/ GreenWorks
Jan 7 all-day
Asheville Area

Organizing a litter cleanup with your friends, neighbors, co-workers, or other community members is easier than you may think! Asheville GreenWorks provides cleanup supplies and safety information, and will coordinate trash pick up as needed. Supplies include gloves, safety vests, trash bags, trash grabbers, and a SHARPs container. Register now to learn more about borrowing supplies to organize your own cleanup!

Build Crew Work Days Hendersonville Theatre
Jan 7 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Hendersonville Theatre

We’re putting our build crew back together and we’d love to have you join us. Every 2 weeks, we’ll meet at 9 am for hands-on set construction! Whether your talents are building, painting, or you just want to learn, come out and join us every other Saturday for some creative fun. Tools and work gloves are helpful but not required

Tuesday, January 10, 2023
Elementary After-School Volunteer Creative Peacemakers
Jan 10 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Deaverview Apartment Community

We are seeking volunteers to assist us in our small after school program for children in West Asheville in low-income housing.  We provide a safe and nourishing environment, healthy snacks, and creative activities.  Our program currently meets during the school year on most Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 3:00-5:00pm. You may volunteer for one or two days a week. 

Volunteer Responsibilities:

  • Assist with serving snacks
  • Interact with children during activity time
  • Supervise games and outdoor free time
  • For people with background in education, there is also an opportunity to assist with curriculum development and program planning and administration

Requirements:

  • Background check
  • Orientation booklets will be provided
  • Masks are required if unvaccinated
Thursday, January 12, 2023
Volunteer with the YWCA MLK Day of Service
Jan 12 all-day
YWCA Asheville

January 16 is Martin Luther King day, a day to both honor the fight for racial justice and focus on building strong communities. MLK holiday has become an opportunity all across the country to highlight service to the community and put the spotlight on volunteers. Although the YWCA will be closed in observance of MLK day, we offer several volunteer opportunities for those who would like to get involved.

At the YWCA of Asheville, we eliminate racism and empower women by providing programs and advocacy for over 3,000 community members annually in Western North Carolina with services that support families, promote holistic wellness, and advance racial justice.

Thank you for wanting to share your time and talents with the YWCA! As a volunteer, you are integral to the YWCA fulfilling our mission, and we simply couldn’t do it without your help and support.

YWCA Asheville has volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups. We can design volunteer assignments to fit your schedule, experience, and team-building goals.

For more information about volunteering, contact:

[email protected]

828-254-7206 x 227

Elementary After-School Volunteer Creative Peacemakers
Jan 12 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Deaverview Apartment Community

We are seeking volunteers to assist us in our small after school program for children in West Asheville in low-income housing.  We provide a safe and nourishing environment, healthy snacks, and creative activities.  Our program currently meets during the school year on most Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 3:00-5:00pm. You may volunteer for one or two days a week. 

Volunteer Responsibilities:

  • Assist with serving snacks
  • Interact with children during activity time
  • Supervise games and outdoor free time
  • For people with background in education, there is also an opportunity to assist with curriculum development and program planning and administration

Requirements:

  • Background check
  • Orientation booklets will be provided
  • Masks are required if unvaccinated
Friday, January 13, 2023
Volunteer with the YWCA MLK Day of Service
Jan 13 all-day
YWCA Asheville

January 16 is Martin Luther King day, a day to both honor the fight for racial justice and focus on building strong communities. MLK holiday has become an opportunity all across the country to highlight service to the community and put the spotlight on volunteers. Although the YWCA will be closed in observance of MLK day, we offer several volunteer opportunities for those who would like to get involved.

At the YWCA of Asheville, we eliminate racism and empower women by providing programs and advocacy for over 3,000 community members annually in Western North Carolina with services that support families, promote holistic wellness, and advance racial justice.

Thank you for wanting to share your time and talents with the YWCA! As a volunteer, you are integral to the YWCA fulfilling our mission, and we simply couldn’t do it without your help and support.

YWCA Asheville has volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups. We can design volunteer assignments to fit your schedule, experience, and team-building goals.

For more information about volunteering, contact:

[email protected]

828-254-7206 x 227

Saturday, January 14, 2023
Volunteer with the YWCA MLK Day of Service
Jan 14 all-day
YWCA Asheville

January 16 is Martin Luther King day, a day to both honor the fight for racial justice and focus on building strong communities. MLK holiday has become an opportunity all across the country to highlight service to the community and put the spotlight on volunteers. Although the YWCA will be closed in observance of MLK day, we offer several volunteer opportunities for those who would like to get involved.

At the YWCA of Asheville, we eliminate racism and empower women by providing programs and advocacy for over 3,000 community members annually in Western North Carolina with services that support families, promote holistic wellness, and advance racial justice.

Thank you for wanting to share your time and talents with the YWCA! As a volunteer, you are integral to the YWCA fulfilling our mission, and we simply couldn’t do it without your help and support.

YWCA Asheville has volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups. We can design volunteer assignments to fit your schedule, experience, and team-building goals.

For more information about volunteering, contact:

[email protected]

828-254-7206 x 227

Sunday, January 15, 2023
Volunteer with the YWCA MLK Day of Service
Jan 15 all-day
YWCA Asheville

January 16 is Martin Luther King day, a day to both honor the fight for racial justice and focus on building strong communities. MLK holiday has become an opportunity all across the country to highlight service to the community and put the spotlight on volunteers. Although the YWCA will be closed in observance of MLK day, we offer several volunteer opportunities for those who would like to get involved.

At the YWCA of Asheville, we eliminate racism and empower women by providing programs and advocacy for over 3,000 community members annually in Western North Carolina with services that support families, promote holistic wellness, and advance racial justice.

Thank you for wanting to share your time and talents with the YWCA! As a volunteer, you are integral to the YWCA fulfilling our mission, and we simply couldn’t do it without your help and support.

YWCA Asheville has volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups. We can design volunteer assignments to fit your schedule, experience, and team-building goals.

For more information about volunteering, contact:

[email protected]

828-254-7206 x 227

Monday, January 16, 2023
Volunteer with the YWCA MLK Day of Service
Jan 16 all-day
YWCA Asheville

January 16 is Martin Luther King day, a day to both honor the fight for racial justice and focus on building strong communities. MLK holiday has become an opportunity all across the country to highlight service to the community and put the spotlight on volunteers. Although the YWCA will be closed in observance of MLK day, we offer several volunteer opportunities for those who would like to get involved.

At the YWCA of Asheville, we eliminate racism and empower women by providing programs and advocacy for over 3,000 community members annually in Western North Carolina with services that support families, promote holistic wellness, and advance racial justice.

Thank you for wanting to share your time and talents with the YWCA! As a volunteer, you are integral to the YWCA fulfilling our mission, and we simply couldn’t do it without your help and support.

YWCA Asheville has volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups. We can design volunteer assignments to fit your schedule, experience, and team-building goals.

For more information about volunteering, contact:

[email protected]

828-254-7206 x 227

Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service
Jan 16 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Urban Peace Gardens & Market

On MLK Day of Service, we’ll tackle projects around the Burton Street community like helping out elder neighbors, projects in the community gardens, making art, picking up garbage, and more. We’ll provide snacks and food, hot and cool drinks, art supplies, tools, and music. You bring full water bottles, work gloves, and warm layers ’cause the weather can be hit or miss.

Gather at the main Peace Garden (47 Bryant St.), sign in, and we’ll put you to work!

Tuesday, January 17, 2023
Elementary After-School Volunteer Creative Peacemakers
Jan 17 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Deaverview Apartment Community

We are seeking volunteers to assist us in our small after school program for children in West Asheville in low-income housing.  We provide a safe and nourishing environment, healthy snacks, and creative activities.  Our program currently meets during the school year on most Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 3:00-5:00pm. You may volunteer for one or two days a week. 

Volunteer Responsibilities:

  • Assist with serving snacks
  • Interact with children during activity time
  • Supervise games and outdoor free time
  • For people with background in education, there is also an opportunity to assist with curriculum development and program planning and administration

Requirements:

  • Background check
  • Orientation booklets will be provided
  • Masks are required if unvaccinated
Expand Your Circle: Speed connecting for women entrepreneurs
Jan 17 @ 5:30 pm
Downtown Asheville NC

When women entrepreneurs come together, more knowledge is shared, doors opened, and power multiplied. So come connect with other like-minded, forward thinking, go-getting women at Expand Your Circle.

Traditional networking events can be aaawwwwkward! But we have fun activities that make it easier to connect with other women entrepreneurs.
Connecting is important and here’s why:
* First, having support and community in your business leads to higher success rates.
* When women entrepreneurs come together, more knowledge is shared, doors opened, and power multiplied.
* Having a business bestie to ask “How did you handle that situation?” Or being able to share a win in your business is the best.
* Finally, It’s just way more fun to be connected with other like-minded, forward thinking, go-getting women!

Tickets are $13 and include one drink. The venue will be emailed to you after ticket purchase (yes, very cloak and dagger)

Wednesday, January 18, 2023
Free info Live Stream | Jameka Williams presents American Sex Tape™ with Diamond Forde and Kendra Allen
Jan 18 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
online

This virtual event is free but registration is required.

Jameka Williams holds an MFA in poetry from Northwestern University. Her poetry has been published in Prelude Magazine, Muzzle Magazine, and Gulf Coast, among others. A Pushcart Prize nominee, she resides in Chicago, Illinois.

Diamond Forde’s debut collection, Mother Body, is the winner of the 2019 Saturnalia Poetry Prize. Forde has received numerous awards and prizes, including a Pink Poetry Prize, a Furious Flower Poetry Prize, and was a finalist for the 2022 Kate Tufts Discovery Award. You can find more at her website, www.diamondforde.com.

Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, Kendra Allen is the author of The Collection Plate and When You Learn the Alphabet, an essay collection that won the 2018 Iowa Prize for Literary Nonfiction. She writes the music column Make Love in My Car for Southwest Review, and her memoir, Fruit Punch, is out now. You can keep up with her work at KendraCanYou.com.

Thursday, January 19, 2023
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Tutor
Jan 19 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
online w/ Literacy Together
ESOL tutors serve immigrant adults who want to learn English and/or prepare for the US Naturalization Exam. These students come to Literacy Together with a variety of literacy and English language skill levels. Tutors in this program work with their students two hours each week for at least one year and are supported by the program director throughout their tutoring commitment.
Tutors complete an 8-hour training (which is currently conducted online) before being matched with students. They then receive follow-up support and the option to attend in-service workshops throughout their tutoring commitment. Tutors in this program can work with students for one (1) two-hour session each week or two (2) one-hour sessions each week. Tutoring sessions may take place online or in personThis program welcomes volunteers from over the world who are willing to tutor remotely. We now have tutors in Florida, New York, Massachusetts, New Mexico, Texas, the UK, and Germany!

ESOL tutors commit to working with their students for at least one year. Learn more about this programSign up to volunteer.

ESOL Tutor Training Dates:

Self-paced option: watch recordings of previous live training sessions on Zoom, complete classwork and homework independently, and meet with ESOL Director afterward for review/debrief.
January 17th,19th, 24th, and 26th  from 10 am to noon (Online)
February 14th, 17th, 21st, and 24th, from 10am t noon (Online)
Elementary After-School Volunteer Creative Peacemakers
Jan 19 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Deaverview Apartment Community

We are seeking volunteers to assist us in our small after school program for children in West Asheville in low-income housing.  We provide a safe and nourishing environment, healthy snacks, and creative activities.  Our program currently meets during the school year on most Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 3:00-5:00pm. You may volunteer for one or two days a week. 

Volunteer Responsibilities:

  • Assist with serving snacks
  • Interact with children during activity time
  • Supervise games and outdoor free time
  • For people with background in education, there is also an opportunity to assist with curriculum development and program planning and administration

Requirements:

  • Background check
  • Orientation booklets will be provided
  • Masks are required if unvaccinated
Poetry Open Mic
Jan 19 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Shakedown Kava Lounge, Hendersonville

Poetry Open Mic Hendo is the all-new sister event of Poetry Open Mic Asheville, the longest-running open mic in Western North Carolina, this weekly event welcomes all people and all forms of creative expression at Hendersonville’s only Kava lounge.

Saturday, January 21, 2023
Build Crew Work Days Hendersonville Theatre
Jan 21 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Hendersonville Theatre

We’re putting our build crew back together and we’d love to have you join us. Every 2 weeks, we’ll meet at 9 am for hands-on set construction! Whether your talents are building, painting, or you just want to learn, come out and join us every other Saturday for some creative fun. Tools and work gloves are helpful but not required

Tuesday, January 24, 2023
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Tutor
Jan 24 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
online w/ Literacy Together
ESOL tutors serve immigrant adults who want to learn English and/or prepare for the US Naturalization Exam. These students come to Literacy Together with a variety of literacy and English language skill levels. Tutors in this program work with their students two hours each week for at least one year and are supported by the program director throughout their tutoring commitment.
Tutors complete an 8-hour training (which is currently conducted online) before being matched with students. They then receive follow-up support and the option to attend in-service workshops throughout their tutoring commitment. Tutors in this program can work with students for one (1) two-hour session each week or two (2) one-hour sessions each week. Tutoring sessions may take place online or in personThis program welcomes volunteers from over the world who are willing to tutor remotely. We now have tutors in Florida, New York, Massachusetts, New Mexico, Texas, the UK, and Germany!

ESOL tutors commit to working with their students for at least one year. Learn more about this programSign up to volunteer.

ESOL Tutor Training Dates:

Self-paced option: watch recordings of previous live training sessions on Zoom, complete classwork and homework independently, and meet with ESOL Director afterward for review/debrief.
January 17th,19th, 24th, and 26th  from 10 am to noon (Online)
February 14th, 17th, 21st, and 24th, from 10am t noon (Online)