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.

November 2021 Nov 2021
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Saturday, November 13, 2021
Guided History Walk — Oakdale Cemetery
Nov 13 @ 10:00 am – 11:15 am
Oakdale Cemetery

oin Mary Jo Padgett along the pathways of Hendersonville’s Historic Oakdale Cemetery where the famous “Look Homeward Angel” statue is located. Among quiet, artistic grave markers discover Hendersonville’s past through lively stories of its Black, White, Jewish and colorful citizens. These 90-minute walks occur rain or shine.

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Categories: Education Outdoors Tours
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
Nov 13 @ 5:00 pm – 9:30 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.

Read more
Categories: Family Fun Tours
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
Nov 13 @ 8:15 pm – Nov 14 @ 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.

Read more
Categories: Family Fun Tours
Sunday, November 14, 2021
Driving Tour with Smith-McDowell House
Nov 14 all-day
Online w/ Western North Carolina Historical Association
The residents of the Smith-McDowell House and grounds were woven in to the fabric of Asheville.

This driving tour begins at the Smith-McDowell House Museum on the campus of A-B Tech and continues through historic sites related to early occupants of the house.
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Categories: Community Education Outdoors Tours
Private Caboose Party
Nov 14 all-day
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Ride in style on the historic Great Smoky Mountains Railroad aboard your very own restored Caboose. These are great for family reunions, birthday parties, private meetings, corporate field trips or just any time!

Our cabooses accommodate up to 15 people with seating on the main level and in the cupola. (And, remember, babies are people, too!) The cabooses feature heat, private bathrooms, windows that can be opened, and open air vestibules at each end for unobstructed views. Advanced reservations are required and availability of caboose rentals are limited.

A platter of cheese and crackers, and an assortment of 15 bottled Coca-Cola products are included. Plus, the caboose is the only place where you can bring your own food and drink (please, no alcohol) in picnic baskets or coolers.

You can charter the caboose on:

Best value for small groups and private parties up to 15 passengers. Available by phone only. Book now by calling 800-872-4681.

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Categories: Family Fun Tours
Victoria: The Forgotten Town Walking Tour
Nov 14 all-day
Online w/ Western North Carolina Historical Association
Contained by its larger growing neighbor (Asheville), the French Broad and Swannanoa rivers, and the Southern Railway line, the Town of Victoria existed from 1887 until 1905, when it was absorbed into Asheville. The community—which included the Smith-McDowell House and Fernihurst mansion—originally incorporated into a town to prevent unwanted development (particularly from the Vanderbilts).
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Categories: Community Education Outdoors Tours
Winter Tree Carnival w/ Rabbit Rabbit
Nov 14 all-day
Rabbit Rabbit

 

The free display of trees is sponsored + decorated by local community members, nonprofit orgs + bizzes, and a portion of the event’s proceeds will benefit Manna FoodBank.

WINTER TREE CARNIVAL


Reserve your tree today by clicking HERE

 

  • $300 = Adopt a tree to decorate. One tree allowed per business/organization.
  • $600 = Adopt a tree to decorate and adopt an additional tree for a non-profit organization.
Read more
Categories: Business and Networking Community Donations Holiday
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
Nov 14 @ 5:00 pm – 9:30 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.

Read more
Categories: Family Fun Tours
Monday, November 15, 2021
International Living Wage Week!
Nov 15 all-day
online

You can celebrate Living Wage Week by talking about living wages and taking action.

This Living wage week, we invite you to get involved in a few ways:

Read more
Categories: Business and Networking Community
Winter Tree Carnival w/ Rabbit Rabbit
Nov 15 all-day
Rabbit Rabbit

 

The free display of trees is sponsored + decorated by local community members, nonprofit orgs + bizzes, and a portion of the event’s proceeds will benefit Manna FoodBank.

WINTER TREE CARNIVAL


Reserve your tree today by clicking HERE

 

  • $300 = Adopt a tree to decorate. One tree allowed per business/organization.
  • $600 = Adopt a tree to decorate and adopt an additional tree for a non-profit organization.
Read more
Categories: Business and Networking Community Donations Holiday
No Cost Holiday Promotional Opportunities for Downtown Businesses
Nov 15 @ 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
online
The holidays are right around the corner. We have a few holiday promotions downtown businesses can participate in:

  • Downtown Holiday Windows Walking Tour: if you’re decorating your windows for the holidays, this is an easy way to get some publicity. You can also enter the Windows Contest.
  • Gift Card Swap: You provide 5 $20 gift cards for your business, and in return, you receive 5 $20 gift cards from other downtown businesses. You can use these any way you’d like…hold a raffle, gift with purchase or reward your employees.
  • Holiday Shopping Promos: Share any holiday shopping promotions with us and we can help spread the word.

If your business is interested in participating in any of the above, please fill out this short form.
Read more
Categories: Business and Networking Holiday
Living Wage Week in the US Webinar about Living Wage Places
Nov 15 @ 5:00 pm
online

As part of Living Wage week, Just Economics will be featured alongside representatives from other living wage programs around the country in a national online event to launch Living Wage Week in the US and talk about Living Wage Places. The free online event will take place on November 15th at 5pm EST and registration is open to the public at this link:  https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_SZnWRlltRsCvTTKLCzEugw

 

Living Wages are critically important now more than ever. Recently released Census Bureau data shows that more than 37 million people in America lived at or below the federal poverty line in 2020. The Federal minimum wage has been stuck at $7.25/ hour for 12 years since 2009. People working minimum wage jobs full-time cannot afford a two-bedroom apartment in any state in the country according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition’s 2021 Out of Reach report.

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Categories: Business and Networking Community
Craft Your Business workshop series: Alpine for Creatives
Nov 15 @ 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
online

The Alpine for Creatives Course is designed to support founders of creative businesses that have been operating for at least one year.

​​This 5-week course provides a peer-to-peer learning environment for you to assess your creative-based venture to date and address the opportunities and challenges emerging on the horizon. The course will guide participants through a comprehensive assessment of their experience producing and selling to date.

The Alpine Course will give you the opportunity to assess how things have been going in your business up to this point, while also visioning for the future. It will reconnect you with the “why” of your venture and help create in-roads to meeting both your short and long term goals.

This special Alpine Course is part of the Craft Your Commerce: 2021 Fall Workshop Series being offered by Mountain BizWorks with support from Center for Craft and UNC Asheville. The series involves a networking event, six separate workshops, and one intensive course suited for existing makers. This course is designed for existing makers to take the tools, strategies, and resources gained from the series workshops and then integrate them into your business plan and practices to further your success.

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Categories: Business and Networking Education
Tuesday, November 16, 2021
International Living Wage Week!
Nov 16 all-day
online

You can celebrate Living Wage Week by talking about living wages and taking action.

This Living wage week, we invite you to get involved in a few ways:

Read more
Categories: Business and Networking Community
No Cost Holiday Promotional Opportunities for Downtown Businesses
Nov 16 @ 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
online
The holidays are right around the corner. We have a few holiday promotions downtown businesses can participate in:

  • Downtown Holiday Windows Walking Tour: if you’re decorating your windows for the holidays, this is an easy way to get some publicity. You can also enter the Windows Contest.
  • Gift Card Swap: You provide 5 $20 gift cards for your business, and in return, you receive 5 $20 gift cards from other downtown businesses. You can use these any way you’d like…hold a raffle, gift with purchase or reward your employees.
  • Holiday Shopping Promos: Share any holiday shopping promotions with us and we can help spread the word.

If your business is interested in participating in any of the above, please fill out this short form.
Read more
Categories: Business and Networking Holiday
November Business Before Hours
Nov 16 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 am
YMI Cultural Center

Join the Chamber at for the November Business Before Hours at the YMI Cultural Center! Breakfast treats will be provided by our friends at Bojangles! We encourage you to bring a prize for the raffle later in the event. Bring your business cards for networking but also so you can enter the raffle!! The early bird catches the worm…or maybe a great door prize!

Initially branded as “The Young Men’s Institute”, the more commonly known YMI Cultural Center is one of the oldest, most unique and beautiful Black cultural centers in the United States. The YMI is a local landmark within the City of Asheville, North Carolina and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Their founders, Mr. Isaac Dickson, the first person of color appointed to the Asheville City School Board, and Dr. Edward Stephens, principal of Asheville’s first public school for African American students, envisioned an organization similar to a YMCA to support Asheville’s African-American community.

The YMI Cultural Center offers educational, cultural, civic and social activities, leadership and economic development programs. They also offer events, meetings, exhibitions, offices, commercial, Co-working, and Co-Creative Art spaces. They are working to fully restore the 127-year-old building and re-establish it as the Center for Black life in Asheville and WNC. You can donate to their fundraising efforts here.

This event is offered as a benefit for Chamber membership and no registration is necessary. If you’re considering Chamber membership and would like to attend this event we welcome you to come and check us out! Please contact Jessica Kanupp, our Membership Development Specialist, at [email protected]

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Categories: Business and Networking Food & Drink
Foundations Business Planning Class
Nov 16 @ 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Mountain BizWorks Asheville Office

Our Foundations business planning class helps guide ideas from concept to reality in a participatory, supportive learning environment.

Join a cohort of aspiring and existing entrepreneurs to gain an aerial perspective of your vision and the comprehensive business skills necessary to help bring your visions into reality. Participants will gain a clear aerial perspective of their business operations, financials, research and development, and marketing strategies. They will leave the course with a comprehensive business plan, a clear vision for their business, and concrete tasks for future work.

Throughout the class, emphasis will be placed on developing the social capital of the group. Participants will be encouraged to gather feedback from their peers, creating a strong network of deep support and synergy. For more info, visit the Foundations Business Planning overview page.

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Categories: Business and Networking Education
Venture 15 Awards recognize the 15 fastest growing Asheville-area startups
Nov 16 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Orange Peel

Venture Asheville grows Asheville’s startup community and connects high-growth entrepreneurs to talent, mentors and investors through unique programming and events.  The Venture 15 and Venture Asheville Honors is our annual end-of-year party where we announce and rank the 15 fastest growing startups in the area and present Entrepreneur, Mentor, Investor, Resource of the Year, The Shining Rock, Best Startup to Work For, and the Venture Asheville Vanguard awards.

We return this year in person on Thursday, December 16th, at The Orange Peel! Let the dance parties, networking and good food and drinks begin! With Jeffrey Kaplan as the emcee for the evening, you can expect to hear from our sponsors, winners and finalists all wrapped up in one creative program, along with a few surprises. Buy your tickets now and join us for an exciting, fast-paced evening of awards. Doors open at 6:00 pm, and the show starts at 6:30 pm.

Venture 15 Awards recognize the 15 fastest growing Asheville-area startups. This event celebrates the area’s outstanding entrepreneurs, and it serves as an elite setting where they can share their talent and wisdom as well as offer inspiration to other fledgling companies to be part of this exclusive group.

We can’t do the Venture Asheville Honors without you. We need you to make the nominations for the people and organizations that make this ecosystem run.

  • What entrepreneurs are making it rain in this wild year?
  • What mentors have been there for you?
  • What investors provided capital when you needed it most?
  • What resource helped you get through this year?
  • And who is an up-and-comer we need to know? (that’s the Shining Rock Award)
  • Who’s the best start-up to work for?

Applications and nominations are open until November 21st: www.ventureasheville.com/venture15

This event is open to the public. Tickets are $30 per person, $140 for a reserved cocktail table (5 tickets included) or $230 for reserved seated table (8 tickets included). Table quantities are limited so don’t wait to reserve your space!  (Ticket price includes entry to the event, one drink and light food.)

As of 11/8/2021 – all patrons attending events at The Orange Peel will be required to show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 or a lab-conducted, negative test from the past 48 hours, along with a matching photo ID. Proof of vaccination can be your physical vaccine card or a photo of your card.  Per the current Buncombe County mandate, a mask is required when not eating or drinking, regardless of vaccination status.  

 

Read more
Categories: Business and Networking Food & Drink
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
Nov 16 @ 8:15 pm – Nov 17 @ 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.

Read more
Categories: Family Fun Tours
Wednesday, November 17, 2021
International Living Wage Week!
Nov 17 all-day
online

You can celebrate Living Wage Week by talking about living wages and taking action.

This Living wage week, we invite you to get involved in a few ways:

Read more
Categories: Business and Networking Community
No Cost Holiday Promotional Opportunities for Downtown Businesses
Nov 17 @ 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
online
The holidays are right around the corner. We have a few holiday promotions downtown businesses can participate in:

  • Downtown Holiday Windows Walking Tour: if you’re decorating your windows for the holidays, this is an easy way to get some publicity. You can also enter the Windows Contest.
  • Gift Card Swap: You provide 5 $20 gift cards for your business, and in return, you receive 5 $20 gift cards from other downtown businesses. You can use these any way you’d like…hold a raffle, gift with purchase or reward your employees.
  • Holiday Shopping Promos: Share any holiday shopping promotions with us and we can help spread the word.

If your business is interested in participating in any of the above, please fill out this short form.
Read more
Categories: Business and Networking Holiday
November Chamber Orientation
Nov 17 @ 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce

Chamber members impact the local business community by making an investment in Chamber membership. Whether you’re a new member, a long-time member with new staff, or a business who’s considering membership, we welcome you to attend our Chamber Orientation to learn how to get the most value from your membership investment.

Chamber President Kit Cramer will give an overview of the work the Chamber is doing every day to build our community, including how we support our thriving economy by growing jobs, advocating for a business-friendly environment and helping our members prosper. We’ll dive into member benefits and share ideas of how you can take advantage of the many opportunities available to you as a member. You’ll also have a chance to meet Chamber staff and learn how you can get more engaged.

Orientation is also a great chance to meet other Chamber members.

This event is free, but registration is requested in order to help us plan appropriately.

If you’re considering Chamber membership and would like to attend this event we welcome you to come and check us out! Please contact Jessica Kanupp, our Membership Development Specialist, at [email protected]

Read more
Categories: Business and Networking
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
Nov 17 @ 5:00 pm – 9:30 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.

Read more
Categories: Family Fun Tours
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
Nov 17 @ 8:15 pm – Nov 18 @ 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.

Read more
Categories: Family Fun Tours
Thursday, November 18, 2021
International Living Wage Week!
Nov 18 all-day
online

You can celebrate Living Wage Week by talking about living wages and taking action.

This Living wage week, we invite you to get involved in a few ways:

Read more
Categories: Business and Networking Community
No Cost Holiday Promotional Opportunities for Downtown Businesses
Nov 18 @ 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
online
The holidays are right around the corner. We have a few holiday promotions downtown businesses can participate in:

  • Downtown Holiday Windows Walking Tour: if you’re decorating your windows for the holidays, this is an easy way to get some publicity. You can also enter the Windows Contest.
  • Gift Card Swap: You provide 5 $20 gift cards for your business, and in return, you receive 5 $20 gift cards from other downtown businesses. You can use these any way you’d like…hold a raffle, gift with purchase or reward your employees.
  • Holiday Shopping Promos: Share any holiday shopping promotions with us and we can help spread the word.

If your business is interested in participating in any of the above, please fill out this short form.
Read more
Categories: Business and Networking Holiday
New training program: Businesses learn how to work with NCDOT
Nov 18 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
online
business training illustration

 

Interested in working with the N.C. Department of Transportation, but don’t know how to get started? The City of Asheville, the NCDOT Office of Civil Rights, and the Small Business Transportation Resource Center are collaborating on a three-hour program. It will show small, diverse businesses how to navigate local projects and “think outside of the box” by broadening  contracting opportunities. Topics include certification, prequalification, supportive services and building capacity through local and state resources.

 

This training program is being offered in a hybrid format (online and in-person). It will take place on November 18 from 9 a.m. to noon. In-person seating is limited to 15 participants, which are selected on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no limit to participants attending virtually. Participants who wish to attend in-person will be confirmed 48 hours prior to the program. The in-person portion will be at the Small Business Center on AB-Tech’s Enka Campus at 1465 Sand Hill Road in Candler.

 

The program is offered free of charge.

 

Click here to register for this training program.

 

Co-sponsors include the City of Asheville, the NCDOT Office of Civil Rights, and the Small Business Transportation Resource Center.

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Categories: Business and Networking Education
Policy on Tap
Nov 18 @ 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm
White Labs Kitchen & Tap
Policy on Tap is the Chamber’s quarterly discussion series highlighting topics that matter to our business community with insights shared by key leaders and experts.

This month’s topic is about the affordable housing. We’ll hear answers to these questions: What is in the City’s current pipeline? What has the City committee planned? The Land of Sky Board of Realtors will discuss the current and future of the our local housing market overall.

Our speakers will include Barry Bialik, owner and CEO of Thirsty Monk, Matt Allen from Land of the Sky Association of REALTORS, and Paul D’Angelo, community development program director for the City of Asheville.

This is a free event and registration is not required.

This event is offered as a benefit for Chamber membership and no registration is necessary. If you’re considering Chamber membership and would like to attend this event we welcome you to come and check us out! Please contact Jessica Kanupp, our Membership Development Specialist, at [email protected]
Read more
Categories: Business and Networking
Business After Hours
Nov 18 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Boyd Automotive

Business After Hours is the Chamber’s premier networking event and the best chance for your to make valuable connections to build your business – all while having a great time!
With fantastic food and beverages compliments of our host sponsor, and the chance to win great door prizes – this event is the best combination of business and fun!
Read more
Categories: Business and Networking
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
Nov 18 @ 5:00 pm – 9:30 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.

Read more
Categories: Family Fun Tours