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.
Donating blood has the potential to save lives. The 34th Annual Operation Blood Drive happens on Thursday, June 24, schedule your appointment today. All resenting blood donors will receive an Operation Blood Drive t-shirt, while supplies last.
KEY FACTS:
- In the past few days, hospital partners are reporting they are using blood at a much higher rate than normal. When demand is high, and the supply is critically low – that is a dangerous equation for the community.
- Because of the critically low supply, The Blood Connection (TBC) is now having to back-order blood products. This has affected 12 hospital partners so far.
- 48% of days this month, TBC DID NOT collect enough blood to cover hospitals’ needs. For comparison, in May of 2020 (during the pandemic) TBC collected enough to cover those needs 84% of the days.
- There is a high likelihood that TBC will have to start rationing blood by the end of the weekend.
- Heading into a holiday weekend – hospitals are stocking up their blood supply. TBC has already not been able to provide those products.
- The community is the ONLY solution to this dangerous problem. The blood supply for local hospitals is in the community’s hands.
The North Carolina Arboretum is going wild for art and nature in 2021 with Wild Art! On view April 1 through September 26, this outdoor sculpture exhibition features works by 17 local and national artists drawing inspiration from the natural environment. Situated throughout the Arboretum’s spacious, open-air gardens, the show offers guests a doorway into the wild world from the comfort and safety of cultivated landscapes transformed by art.
The 18 sculptures on display represent a variety of approaches to the theme of “wild art,” from the literal to the abstract, and are crafted from a diverse array of materials that will delight and inspire. Let your imagination take you on a wild journey into the world of plants and animals near and far with Wild Art at The North Carolina Arboretum.
The exhibit is available to all guests during normal Arboretum hours, and there is no admission cost to view the sculptures beyond our usual parking fee of $16 per personal vehicle.
Included with admission
Our fun-for-all-ages botanical model train displays invite you to experience our grounds in an engaging new way. Located in the Conservatory in the Walled Garden, the displays feature replicas of structures connected with Biltmore and its founder George Vanderbilt. Each beautifully executed piece was handcrafted from such natural elements as leaves, bark, and twigs.
In compliance with state and local mandates related to COVID-19, all guests must enter the Conservatory via the ADA entrance in the back and follow a one-way route.
Join Sarah Fraser, New Belgium’s Sustainability Specialist, for a tour of their pollinator-friendly landscape. As part of a multi-faceted effort to make their Asheville brewery as sustainable as possible, New Belgium has incorporated an array of native, pollinator-friendly plants into their landscape. Stop by to learn more about what they’re doing to help pollinators and grab a beer afterwards! Please meet outside the Liquid Center.
Big thanks to Wedge Brewing Co for donating the use of their Cloud Room for this event!
Description: With over 500 known species of bees in the state, it is not surprising that their conservation is a bit more complex than planting packets of “pollinator” seeds. We will explore a tiny bit of regional bee diversity; point out species groups of plants that are particularly important to creating that bee diversity and talk about how your property (no matter how small) and community can be a contribution to the harboring, and the conservation of, a diverse group of interesting bees.
Sam Droege is a wildlife biologist at the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, part of the US Geological Survey. He is widely published in journals and has been the editor of numerous government publications on birds and insects. His work cataloging and photographing bees has been featured by NPR, The Weather Channel, and the National Wildlife Federation, as well as in numerous publications including Wired, the Wall Street Journal, and Popular Science.
This and other Pollination Celebration events are made possible by Carolina Native Nursery, with additional support from Reems Creek Nursery.
Second Gear – Nonprofit of the Month = SAHC
Second Gear in Asheville, NC is donating 1% of proceeds from all sales during the month of June to Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy – their Nonprofit Partner of the Month. PLUS – as Land Trust Day sponsors, Second Gear will donate 10% of proceeds from sales on Saturday, June 5. Get the outdoor gear you need at a great price, and help support local conservation efforts while you do it – it’s a win-win for everyone!
A year-long program
Individualized to meet you where you are
in your farm business journey
Starting a farm is a formidable challenge, but keeping a farm business going, growing and thriving is even harder! The Journeyperson Program is designed for farmers who have been independently farming for 3 or more years, and are serious about operating farm businesses in the Southern Appalachian region. This program will give you the space and time to work on your business while making connections that deepen your peer-to-peer support.
This 12-month program starts in November 2021 and ends in October 2022.
What is unique about this program?
Participants can use this program as a tangible step toward achieving their farm goals, and make significant contributions to the agricultural community and economy. This program is designed to give tailored guidance and support for your farm business to answer questions of: scale, market access, land access, risk management, understanding cash flow, and enterprise innovation. You will leave this program with a responsive, adaptable business plan to help your farm achieve long-term farm viability and resilience.
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POLLINATOR PHOTO CONTEST… WITH PRIZES!
Now until June 27
Break out your smartphones and cameras this Week and start snapping pics of WNC’s native pollinators!
Enter your best photos in our contest for a chance to win incredible prizes, like a $100 gift card to Reems Creek Nursery, and an Asheville Bee Charmer gift basket!
While you’re out taking photos, consider also participating in our BioBlitz.
KEY FACTS:
- In the past few days, hospital partners are reporting they are using blood at a much higher rate than normal. When demand is high, and the supply is critically low – that is a dangerous equation for the community.
- Because of the critically low supply, The Blood Connection (TBC) is now having to back-order blood products. This has affected 12 hospital partners so far.
- 48% of days this month, TBC DID NOT collect enough blood to cover hospitals’ needs. For comparison, in May of 2020 (during the pandemic) TBC collected enough to cover those needs 84% of the days.
- There is a high likelihood that TBC will have to start rationing blood by the end of the weekend.
- Heading into a holiday weekend – hospitals are stocking up their blood supply. TBC has already not been able to provide those products.
- The community is the ONLY solution to this dangerous problem. The blood supply for local hospitals is in the community’s hands.
The North Carolina Arboretum is going wild for art and nature in 2021 with Wild Art! On view April 1 through September 26, this outdoor sculpture exhibition features works by 17 local and national artists drawing inspiration from the natural environment. Situated throughout the Arboretum’s spacious, open-air gardens, the show offers guests a doorway into the wild world from the comfort and safety of cultivated landscapes transformed by art.
The 18 sculptures on display represent a variety of approaches to the theme of “wild art,” from the literal to the abstract, and are crafted from a diverse array of materials that will delight and inspire. Let your imagination take you on a wild journey into the world of plants and animals near and far with Wild Art at The North Carolina Arboretum.
The exhibit is available to all guests during normal Arboretum hours, and there is no admission cost to view the sculptures beyond our usual parking fee of $16 per personal vehicle.
Included with admission
Our fun-for-all-ages botanical model train displays invite you to experience our grounds in an engaging new way. Located in the Conservatory in the Walled Garden, the displays feature replicas of structures connected with Biltmore and its founder George Vanderbilt. Each beautifully executed piece was handcrafted from such natural elements as leaves, bark, and twigs.
In compliance with state and local mandates related to COVID-19, all guests must enter the Conservatory via the ADA entrance in the back and follow a one-way route.
Seed Saving 101 Course
Knowing how to save our own seed is an important and fun skill that anyone can learn how to do, and make part of one’s current garden plans. Seed Saving is an accessible craft that can actually make you a better gardener by helping you understand the full life cycle of plants and botany. Learn why, how, and when to save seeds; with a focus on harvesting and processing for viability, good germination, and storage. This class will include demonstrations on low tech seed processing methods.
Second Gear – Nonprofit of the Month = SAHC
Second Gear in Asheville, NC is donating 1% of proceeds from all sales during the month of June to Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy – their Nonprofit Partner of the Month. PLUS – as Land Trust Day sponsors, Second Gear will donate 10% of proceeds from sales on Saturday, June 5. Get the outdoor gear you need at a great price, and help support local conservation efforts while you do it – it’s a win-win for everyone!
A year-long program
Individualized to meet you where you are
in your farm business journey
Starting a farm is a formidable challenge, but keeping a farm business going, growing and thriving is even harder! The Journeyperson Program is designed for farmers who have been independently farming for 3 or more years, and are serious about operating farm businesses in the Southern Appalachian region. This program will give you the space and time to work on your business while making connections that deepen your peer-to-peer support.
This 12-month program starts in November 2021 and ends in October 2022.
What is unique about this program?
Participants can use this program as a tangible step toward achieving their farm goals, and make significant contributions to the agricultural community and economy. This program is designed to give tailored guidance and support for your farm business to answer questions of: scale, market access, land access, risk management, understanding cash flow, and enterprise innovation. You will leave this program with a responsive, adaptable business plan to help your farm achieve long-term farm viability and resilience.
|
|
POLLINATOR PHOTO CONTEST… WITH PRIZES!
Now until June 27
Break out your smartphones and cameras this Week and start snapping pics of WNC’s native pollinators!
Enter your best photos in our contest for a chance to win incredible prizes, like a $100 gift card to Reems Creek Nursery, and an Asheville Bee Charmer gift basket!
While you’re out taking photos, consider also participating in our BioBlitz.
KEY FACTS:
- In the past few days, hospital partners are reporting they are using blood at a much higher rate than normal. When demand is high, and the supply is critically low – that is a dangerous equation for the community.
- Because of the critically low supply, The Blood Connection (TBC) is now having to back-order blood products. This has affected 12 hospital partners so far.
- 48% of days this month, TBC DID NOT collect enough blood to cover hospitals’ needs. For comparison, in May of 2020 (during the pandemic) TBC collected enough to cover those needs 84% of the days.
- There is a high likelihood that TBC will have to start rationing blood by the end of the weekend.
- Heading into a holiday weekend – hospitals are stocking up their blood supply. TBC has already not been able to provide those products.
- The community is the ONLY solution to this dangerous problem. The blood supply for local hospitals is in the community’s hands.
The North Carolina Arboretum is going wild for art and nature in 2021 with Wild Art! On view April 1 through September 26, this outdoor sculpture exhibition features works by 17 local and national artists drawing inspiration from the natural environment. Situated throughout the Arboretum’s spacious, open-air gardens, the show offers guests a doorway into the wild world from the comfort and safety of cultivated landscapes transformed by art.
The 18 sculptures on display represent a variety of approaches to the theme of “wild art,” from the literal to the abstract, and are crafted from a diverse array of materials that will delight and inspire. Let your imagination take you on a wild journey into the world of plants and animals near and far with Wild Art at The North Carolina Arboretum.
The exhibit is available to all guests during normal Arboretum hours, and there is no admission cost to view the sculptures beyond our usual parking fee of $16 per personal vehicle.
Included with admission
Our fun-for-all-ages botanical model train displays invite you to experience our grounds in an engaging new way. Located in the Conservatory in the Walled Garden, the displays feature replicas of structures connected with Biltmore and its founder George Vanderbilt. Each beautifully executed piece was handcrafted from such natural elements as leaves, bark, and twigs.
In compliance with state and local mandates related to COVID-19, all guests must enter the Conservatory via the ADA entrance in the back and follow a one-way route.
Virtual attendance via Zoom video and audio internet connection.
Presenter: Kay Green, Extension Master GardenerSM Volunteer
Love the taste of home-grown vegetables and herbs but have limited space? Try growing them in containers. With a few containers, sun, and water, you can grow your own vegetables on your deck or patio. The presentation will cover:
- the advantages and flexibility of container gardening
- types of containers that work best for vegetables and herbs
- sun requirements
- growing media
- watering, and
- the benefits of mulch and a fertilizer plan.
And did you know? There are vegetables that have been specifically developed for containers. All of this and a great handout to download.
Registration: The talk is free but registration is required. Please click on the link below to register. If you encounter problems registering or if you have questions, call 828-255-5522.
Join Tanya LaCorte & Ruth Gonzalez for a tour of Reems Creek Nursery’s pollinator garden. In a very small space we’ve created a beautiful Pollinator Garden that supports pollinators throughout the growing season. During the Garden Tour we’ll have a casual discussion of our favorite plants, why we like them, and demonstrate design considerations. We’ll showcase the native plants in our Habitat as they offer extra benefits to pollinators. Our tour is limited to 15 people per session so we can socially distance
Looking to get involved, stay active, and meet some new friends? Sand Hill Community Garden workdays take place on Wednesdays (6-8 p.m.) and Saturdays (10 a.m.-noon) from Feb. 27-Oct. 30, 2021, at Buncombe County Sports Park. The garden is located on 16 Apac Dr. in West Asheville/Enka-Candler.
Join friends and neighbors as they come together on common ground to raise fresh, organic vegetables and fruits for the Enka community.
Expect to wear a mask and maintain social distance throughout. Tools and hand sanitizer are available, but any gloves, loppers, pruners, or gardening tools you can bring will decrease the amount of contact between volunteers. Please wear work clothes to get dirty and closed-toe shoes. Sunscreen, water, and a hat are also handy items to have on hand.
Sand Hill Community Garden has been growing fresh produce since 2011 and raised over 1,200 lbs. of organic produce last year.
NOTE: Community workdays are weather dependent. Please join the community garden email list (send your info to [email protected]) to stay up on workday tasks and other garden news.
To receive the I Heart Parks monthly newsletter, sign up online. Follow Buncombe County Recreation on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.
Heather Davis Studio & Gallery and GRIND have teamed up to bring plants to Pink Dog Creative on the weekends. Whynot Farm, which is affiliated with HDS&G, raises the plants on its farmland in Eastern TN, so they are locally-raised.
The plant sale will take place on Saturdays and Sundays, weather permitting, on the patio at Pink Dog Creative. During the week, select plants will be available for purchase in GRIND.
Our first celebration was such a success that we are doing it again…and again, and again! Join us at Ross Farms (formally Jack Young’s Greenhouse) for a family friendly, COVID cautious celebration of fun on Saturday, June 26th from 12 noon to 4 pm!
Papa’s Express will be there serving yummy Mexican cuisine and John Kirby and the New Seniors will be rockin’ and rollin’ on the main stage. In addition, we will have Red’s Resin Relics vending and a snow cone machine!
Our greenhouses will be open and full of flourishing plants, from annuals to veggie starters and everything between! We’ll bring the bloom, you bring the fun! Ross Farms at Jack Young’s Greenhouse is located at 91 Holbrook Rd, Candler, NC. We are so excited to see you again!
Emily Sampson will lead the group on a tour of the beautiful 600 square foot pocket meadow on the steep bank at Lake Tomahawk in Black Mountain. The meadow, created in the fall of 2019, is a Monarch Waystation and exemplifies the vast benefits that even a small planting space can provide. In its second full year, it’s proving to be easy to maintain while providing a diverse habitat for pollinators. Emily will discuss converting portions of lawns into functional pollinator meadows, methods and techniques that she has implemented, and will touch on slope erosion control using native pollinator plants.
PatchWork Meadows is a Green business, growing and installing native plants for pollinator habitat. Their goal is to convert sections of residential and commercial lawn into beautiful wildflower meadow patches that benefit bees, butterflies, birds and other wildlife.