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.
Josh is very near the top of the WNC mountain music heap. Although he also plays wonderful jazz, swing and blues, he’s probably best known for playing the stuffing out of guitar, fiddle, mandolin and banjo. After years of partnering with David Holt, playing with Doc Watson and others, Josh has truly come into his own. He’s one of the very best.
Masks are required for entry, whether you are vaccinated or not. NCDHHS has stated that “masks are strongly recommended for everyone at large crowded indoor events like sporting events and live performances.” We will be following and enforcing that recommendation for the foreseeable future.
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- Resume activities without wearing masks or physically distancing, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance
- Resume domestic travel and refrain from testing before or after travel or self-quarantine after travel
- Refrain from testing before leaving the United States for international travel (unless required by the destination) and refrain from self-quarantine after arriving back in the United States
- Refrain from testing following a known exposure, if asymptomatic, with some exceptions for specific settings
- Refrain from quarantine following a known exposure if asymptomatic
- Refrain from routine screening testing if feasible
For now, fully vaccinated people should continue to:
- Get tested if experiencing COVID-19 symptoms
- Follow CDC and health department travel requirements and recommendations
Announcing an all-new scholarship for exemplary performing arts teens in Henderson County! Selected students will be invited to attend the following Studio 52 summer program with a full scholarship:
CONSERVATORY
Rising 8th – 12th Grades
Learn from industry professionals in this two-week, pre-professional program blending acting & music theatre training as teens hone their skills and find their voice.
Qualified Student Nominees Must:
– Be enrolled in HCPS as a rising 8th-12th grade student for the 2021-2022 school year.
– Exhibit a passion for theatre, music, or dance.
– Serve as a leader within their drama, dance, or music classes at school.
– Provide the name and contact of a HCPS teacher who can serve as a reference.
Need-based scholarships are still available for all Studio 52 Summer Camps. Applications for need-based scholarships can be found on the Studio 52 website. All scholarship applications are due June 1.
ECONOMIC IMPACT
Partnering with local, state, and national organizations to track the impact of the arts in Buncombe County.
Asheville Area Arts Council has released a new Creative Jobs Report, which provides an in-depth look at Buncombe County’s creative economy leading up to the pandemic.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
A FREE book mailed to your child, every month!
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library mails an age-appropriate book monthly to enrolled children ages 0-5. Do you live in Henderson County and have a child younger than 5? Register today and your child can receive a free book in the mail each month until his/her fifth birthday!
How Do I Enroll My Child?
Enrolling your child is easy! You can register your child electronically (click for online registration) or call us at 828-693-1580 and we will mail you a hard copy of the registration form to complete and return to us.
When does the first book arrive?
If you enroll your child in person, we will give your child his/her first book. If not, your child will begin receiving books through the U.S. Postal Services six-eight weeks after the registration form has been received. If you move, please contact Smart Start at 828-693-1580 to notify us of your change in address so your child can continue receiving books.
Is there ever a cost to me?
NO! Through the generous support of the NC General Assembly and donations and grants from individuals and businesses in our community, this is a FREE program.
Annual Survey
Annually, some parents will be asked to complete a short survey. The survey will only take a few minutes to complete. Results will be used to make sure the program is getting results for families. If asked, please consider completing the short questionnaire. Thank you!
Do you have questions about Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Henderson County? Check out the Frequently Asked Questions here. If you still have questions, feel free to contact Smart Start Partnership for Children using the contact information below.
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| 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. |
- Claimants must make contact with at least three different employers each week and keep a record of their work search, as is required by state law. One of the three weekly job contacts can be satisfied by attending an approved reemployment activity offered by a NCWorks Career Center or a partnering agency.
- To continue receiving benefits, all unemployment claimants will be required to register with a jobseeker account on NCWorks.gov, North Carolina’s online portal for employment and training services. Jobseekers can use NCWorks.gov to search and apply for jobs, access labor market information, and find opportunities for workforce training. Over the next several weeks, existing claimants will receive notifications about registering for NCWorks.
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| Asheville, and the surrounding mountains, have also hosted numerous writers, musicians, and folklorists who have promoted (if not possibly created) some of these legends. Perhaps these are some of the reasons lore permeates the streets, hills, and valleys of this mountain city. You can see many of these sites for yourself, if you dare. |
Legends of Art & Innovation at Biltmore – a year-long series of multi-sensory experiences created to illuminate the remarkable lives of Van Gogh, Monet, and Da Vinci – is coming to Biltmore.
Produced by Grande Experiences, each individual component of this series offers fascinating ties to George Vanderbilt’s collection of treasures in Biltmore House. The series is included with regular daytime admission.
The three inspiring multi-sensory exhibitions at Biltmore include:
• Van Gogh Alive: Nov. 5, 2021 – March 5, 2022
Experience the most visited multi-sensory experience in the world to appreciate the works of Vincent Van Gogh during Christmas at Biltmore. Highlights include savoring the wonders of Van Gogh’s Starry Night and other masterpieces.
• Monet & Friends – Life, Light & Color: March 9, 2022 – July 6, 2022
The works of Claude Monet and famous Impressionist masters such as Pissarro, Cézanne, and Renoir come alive during Biltmore Blooms with an immersive experience that stimulates the senses. Two original Monet paintings from Biltmore’s collection will be on display in Biltmore House for the first time.
• Leonardo Da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius: July 10, 2022–Nov. 20, 2022
Marvel at the genius of Leonardo da Vinci as an inventor, artist, scientist, engineer, architect, and philosopher as you are immersed in his innovative and inspiring mind.
Ticket information
Tickets and required reservations for Van Gogh Alive will be available later this year, followed by the two remaining experiences at later dates. For updates, visit www.biltmore.com.
from Brevard Music CenterWe have wonderful news! New performances have been added to our summer festival season!
FRIDAY, JUNE 25: Jazz@BMC with Jane Monheit
SUNDAY, JULY 11: BMC Presents: Shannon & Woody
SUNDAY, JULY 18: BMC Presents: Fireside Collective
TUESDAY, JULY 20: Sidney Outlaw in Recital
SUNDAY, JULY 25: BMC Presents: Darrell Scott
SUNDAY, AUGUST 1: BMC Presents: Coming Soon!
We have heard your request to increase our seating capacity, as well as offer options for both regular and socially distanced seating. We are now very pleased to provide both!
We are currently reconfiguring our available seating to include both regular seating and socially distanced seating for every performance. We are very thankful for our open-air venues and large, beautiful campus so that we can provide you with your best experience.
We have temporarily paused our order processing in order to complete these changes as quickly as possible. We greatly appreciate your patience and understanding while we continue to prepare for a thrilling season.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When will general public ticketing begin?
General public ticketing will begin on June 1st. Previously received ticket orders will continue to be processed in order of donor level and submission date.
I have not submitted my ticket order. How do I submit an order?
If you would like to place an order, we kindly ask that you please email your request to [email protected]. Please include your:
- Name
- Phone Number
- Name(s) or Date(s) of Performances
- How Many Tickets for Each Event
- Seat Preference (Regular Seating or Socially Distanced Seating)
Your order will be placed in line according to donor level and submission date. We will be sure to contact you if we have any questions regarding your ticket order. You will receive an email confirmation when your ticket order has been processed. Due to extremely high demand, please provide extra time for your ticket order to be processed. We apologize for the delay.
I have submitted my order but not received a confirmation that the order has been processed. When will I receive my confirmation?
As soon as your ticket order is processed, you will receive a reservation confirmation by email. We truly appreciate your patience as we process your ticket orders as quickly as possible, in order of submission date and donor level. Due to extremely high demand, please provide extra time for your ticket order to be processed. We apologize again for the delay.
I have not purchased tickets and am currently on a waiting list. Will my order now be completed?
If you are currently on a waiting list for tickets, we will be reaching out to process your order as soon as possible. We very much appreciate your patience as we reach out to everyone in order of donor level and when their request was submitted.
I have purchased my tickets. Should I reach out to the box office?
We will take care of everything! If you would like to reach the box office, we kindly ask that you please email [email protected], or leave a message with your name and phone number and we will return your call as soon as possible. Please note that leaving multiple messages will cause delays. We apologize for the delay and deeply appreciate your patience as we reach out to everyone as quickly as possible.
What is the best way to reach the box office?
If you would like to reach the box office, we kindly ask that you please email [email protected]. We truly appreciate your patience as we respond to messages as quickly as possible.
May 31: Application Deadline
June 1 – June 11: Interviews Scheduled
June 14 – June 25: Interviews Conducted
June 28 – July 2: Offers Made
September 1: First Day of Service
Overview, Eligibility, & Compensation
Project Conserve individually places members in service with one of our host site organizations working to protect the unique natural resources of the southern Blue Ridge Mountain region. Full-time (1700-hour) positions will serve 11-months from September through July. During their terms of service, members will promote conservation through education, volunteerism and direct environmental service. Members participate in required trainings and service days each month with the full Project Conserve team. Trainings may cover a broad range of topics including conflict resolution, forest management, trail construction, invasive plant identification, environmental education, volunteer management, and disaster preparedness.
Para ver esta presentación en español haga clic en: https://youtu.be/edDO_Jl3LUM
Even if you don’t think you are eligible, there are funds and services available for residents of Buncombe County for COVID-19 relief, housing assistance, food, medical, children, employment, you name it. These conversations can be complicated, so let’s make it simple, Let’s Talk about what these services are, who can benefit from them, and how. Join us for Let’s Talk: Getting Back on Your Feet with Economic Services.
Buncombe County Health and Human Services has programs for those who need assistance getting back on their feet as a result of COVID, or through life’s unexpected circumstances. Programs consist of providing residents with free rent, food, energy and utility assistance, health assistance, employment training, emergency assistance, and more.
Check out the video above, below are links with more information about the services provided:
- First, call (828) 250-5500 if you want to inquire about any benefits. You will be connected with a case workers that will work to connect you with everything you are eligible for.
- Information on COVID-19 related Housing and Utility Assistance
- Information on Food Assistance
- Apply for Benefits Online
- Do you Qualify for Medicaid?
- Information on the STEP Program for Continuing Education
- Emergency Assistance through Eblen Charities
- More information on Economic Services/Public Assistance
Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC), has reopened all adventure activities and river outposts for the 2021 season featuring new food and beverage venues, expanded courses, and the return of events and live entertainment to main resort campus in Bryson City.
- Launched whitewater rafting on seven rivers in the Southeast and aerial adventures to high demand
- Two new food and beverage venues launching on NOC’s 500-acre campus including a renovated coffee and donut shuttle bus as well as a beer venue featuring New Belgium beer and custom beer blends
- Expanded courses at NOC’s Paddling School for kayakers to learn new skills and experience Southeastern rivers
- Full calendar of live music from local and regional bands, and the return of events like Women’s Paddlefest and river releases
- Relia’s Lost Kitchen dinner series kicking off this month with a sold out Orin Swift Wine Dinner; more to follow through October.
A guided whitewater rafting trip is one of the best ways to experience the Nantahala Gorge. The crystal-clear Nantahala River is the perfect family-friendly river where experienced river guides will help you navigate through splashy Class II-III rapids and bouncy waves, with occasional calmer waters where you can enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery. The fully guided rafting trip the most popular adventure at NOC, with thousands of families returning year after year.
- Participates in a federal benefits program, such as Medicaid, SNAP, or Lifeline
- Receives benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program,
- Lost a job or a significant amount of income in the past year,
- Received a Federal Pell Grant, or
- Is part of an internet service provider’s low-income or COVID-19 program.
Erica was a HUGE supporter of my farm and was a major part in my expansion. Without the support and help from her, I am not sure I could have done this!
The purpose of the Mentor Services program is to support beginning and intermediate farmers by partnering them with experienced regional farmers who can provide them with one-on-one practical planning skills in the areas of:
- farm design and production
- marketing and business development
- systems management
- connecting them to the regional farming community
By serving as Mentors, regional farmers will be able to pass on the skills and knowledge that they possess to other farmers and help to build collaboration and community among the farming community.
Who is eligible to apply
We are looking for farmers who have been farming at least 1 year and/or have worked as a farm manager.
Preference is given to graduates of Farm Beginnings® (or other relevant farmer training programs) and members of CRAFT.
Each applicant will be evaluated on an individual basis. Farming partners who apply jointly will receive one mentor.
We are also offering a limited number of mentorships focused on forest farming, in partnership with Appalachian Beginning Forest Farmer Coalition. These will be offered as free or reduced fee mentorships. If you are interested, you can indicate that on your application.
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.
Rafting
Available April – October with the morning departure of the Nantahala Gorge Excursion departing Bryson City, NC. Train seating in Open Air Gondola. Booking available by phone only: 1-800-872-4681.
Convenient, Inclusive, and Simple!
- Adult (13 years and older) $109
Child (Minimum of 7 years old or 60 pounds) $92
A Fully-Guided Experience
The original Raft & Rail© since 1988: enjoy the two best adventures in the region in one day, great for families. Southern Living Magazine calls this “an ideal adventure for families, first-timers, young or old.” This full-day guided adventure starts with a Wildwater staff member greeting you at the train depot, followed by a scenic train trip, deli lunch with all the fixings, and a Nantahala River whitewater trip with a guide in every boat. Hot showers and a photo show follow immediately after your 8 mile Nantahala River trip. All transportation is included to and from the Bryson City Train Depot.
Available by phone only. Book now by calling 800-872-4681.
Enjoy this trip combining the Great Smoky Mountains Railroads trip with the Waterfall Jeep® tour. You’ll begin your trip in Bryson City, NC, with a 2 hour (approximate) railroad excursion over Fontana Lake and into the Nantahala Gorge. As you travel on the train, watch paddlers challenge the rapids. At the top of the line, disembark from the train and climb aboard Wildwater’s customized Jeep® for a 2-hour (approximate) personal exploration up the mountain, past waterfalls and lakes, up to the Appalachian Trail and back. A delicious deli lunch is included.
Available by phone only. Book now by calling 800-872-4681.
* Children 40 – 80 lbs. are required to sit in the front passenger seat with the airbag disengaged using a child booster seat. Children 80 lbs. or greater will sit in the back using a lap seat belt. If there is more than one child in the 40 – 80 lb. range, the second child will sit in the back using a lap belt.
The construction of the Mountain Division of the Western North Carolina Railroad is widely considered one of the greatest human accomplishments in regards to both engineering and construction ever undertaken at the time it occurred. The project took place over a period of several years in the late 1800s. Many people are aware that the railroad provided the first dependable access to and from much of Western North Carolina for the rest of the state as well as much of the nation. Many also know the names of some of those who were instrumental in seeing through the completion of this ambitious project. Names such as Colonel Alexander Boyd Andrews, of Andrews’ Geyser fame. However, what most people are unaware of is that at least 95% of the labor which built the railroad across the Blue Ridge Escarpment was completed by inmates from the North Carolina State Penitentiary… and approximately 98% of those inmates were African American men… the majority of whom were unjustly imprisoned…
This project was created to share the true story behind this human endeavor and to honor the memory of those who labored and those who died here.
Western North Carolina has a rich assortment of county historical societies, archives, and museums. The Western North Carolina Historical Association seeks to help researchers, historians, genealogists, and the general public take full advantage of these resources.
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| Western North Carolina is defined as much by the various chains and valleys within the Appalachian Mountains as it is by the various people here. The region contains large swaths of national forest lands and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It contains old rivers and old folkways, along with an increasingly large stream of transplants and temporary visitors. This virtual tour gives a broad overview of our region. |
Welcome to Spring 2021 VLEAF Auction! In solidarity with LEAF and wanting to add some shopping fun to our VLEAF, our beloved Vendors, Partners & Board have donated to create an online auction. When you bid, you help support bringing LEAF Schools & Streets and LEAF International to youth who need ARTS even when the world stops! See all of the LEAFy items and bid away!
We’re kicking off our Spring Annual Fund Campaign! With your help, we’ve been able to do some amazing things this past year, from hosting major traveling exhibitions like Across the Atlantic to delivering 1,600 Art Kits for Kids to local students and fostering in-depth conversations about art and artists through virtual programs. Your gift to the Annual Fund supports all of this and more.
Unique outdoor sculptural works by environmental artist Patrick Dougherty, known as “Stick Man,” will reside in Antler Hill Village. Renowned worldwide for his monumental creations, Dougherty weaves saplings and branches into intricate artworks, fashioning whimsical forms ranging from gigantic snares and cocoons to sculptural interpretations of notable buildings. The visual appeal of these large-scale artworks may be appreciated up close as guests are encouraged to walk through and around the creations, affording the opportunity to admire the artistry and technical skills required to make the sculptures.
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Need help with your farm, garden, or homestead?
Contact us for a free 20 minute call helping you to identify your needs and goals and assess which service might be right for you. We offer a wide variety of consulting services—with hourly follow-up support and reduced fees available—including:
- Assessment of land that you own or want to purchase.
- Sustainability systems on your farm, garden, or homestead.
- Guidance for your land-based project.
How the process works:
Step 1: We talk on the phone to identify your goals and needs.
Step 2: We select a service and price that best meets your needs.
Step 3: We set up a time for an in-person site visit or video call
Step 4: We coach you through a self-assessment process.
Step 5: We have our virtual or in-person site visit.
Step 6: We invoice you.
Step 7: We follow up with you with next steps, referrals, report, etc.