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.
Splasheville
Splasheville is located in Pack Square Park on 80 Court Plaza. The free splash pad’s regular daily hours are 9.m-8:30pm, but may close for special events or during inclement weather. Check the calendar for scheduled closures.
Artists are invited to create artworks with the theme of “Red, White and Blue.“ Apply these patriotic colors at the center of your subjects, however there are no limits to your creativity, your artworks don’t need to be primarily patriotic theme, but viewers should be able to spot the use of recognizable amount of red, white and blue colors.
Saturdays from 10:30 AM – 12 PM
Visit LEAF Global Arts every Saturday for an in-house cultural exchange with Adama Dembele. Experience the Ivory Coast with our Culture Keeper from the House of Djembe.
Come out to Burntshirt Vineyards Tasting Room and Winery Saturday, August 31 for live music at the vineyard with Ashley Heath! Asheville songwriter Ashley Heath has been winning over the hearts of Americana music lovers since she gave up her barista apron in the Spring of 2015. Heath delivers her signature blend of sultry blues and anthemic rock n’ roll with a voice described as “velvet soul”. She is often compared to musical influences Bonnie Raitt, Grace Potter, and Susan Tedeschi. Yet Heath still manages to find a voice all her own.
Ashley is recognized across Appalachia for her strong songwriting and vocal abilities. Ashley has made the WNCW Top 100 list and Mountain Xpress’ “Best Of” several years in a row. She recently appeared at Merlefest, Bonnaroo, and Shakori Hills, supporting artists including Donna The Buffalo, Del McCoury Band, Anders Osborne, and Shamarr Allen. With her band “The Heathens”, Ashley aims to bring her message of hope and resilience to audiences everywhere. Ashley will be performing at Burntshirt Vineyards in Hendersonville Saturday from 4-7 PM. Join us for food, wine, and a musical good time! We look forward to seeing you here!
ASAP (Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project) has released a survey to learn more about how people in Western North Carolina shop for food and why they choose the food they do. The survey, part of a three-year project by ASAP’s Local Food Research Center, is for any resident of Western North Carolina over the age of 18, no matter where or how they shop for food. It can be completed online at surveymonkey.com/r/WNCFoodASAP or over the phone by calling ASAP at 828-236-1282. It should take approximately 8 to 12 minutes to complete and will be open through Oct. 31, 2024. Respondents are encouraged to share the survey widely with families, friends, and co-workers.
“By completing this survey, you are helping local farmers understand and connect with consumers,” said Amy Marion, ASAP Associate Director and lead researcher. “The challenges of our food system are constantly evolving. Improving it requires active participation from all community members. With this research we can better understand consumer values and the barriers they face, and help farmers and food producers improve communications with their customers and their communities.”
The survey is part of a three-year research project, “Connections in Direct Markets: Assessing the feedback loop between consumer values and farmers’ marketing strategies,” which will examine and improve communication and alignment between farmers and consumers in Western North Carolina. The research phase will also employ consumer focus groups, farmer interviews and case studies, and more targeted surveying. The broad consumer survey provides an update to the last consumer survey conducted by the Local Food Research Center in 2014. Results from the current research project will be shared in 2025.
ASAP founded the Local Food Research Center in 2011 to study the economic, environmental, and social impacts of localizing food systems. From its inception, ASAP’s programs and services have been grounded in research and evaluation, adjusting based on a strong feedback loop and observation of current conditions in the food system.
This project is supported in part by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under award number 2022-38640-37488 through the Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program under subaward number LS23-382. USDA is an equal opportunity employer and service provider.
Whenever you want!
Supplies available at
2 Sulphur Springs Road
If you need to request supplies for the same or next day, please call 828-254-1776.
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. Available supplies include safety vests, gloves, trash grabbers, trash bags, and SHARPs containers (upon request).
Review the attached guides for instructions and safety information.
Need to know
Please review the attached documents and contact [email protected] with any questions. Your supplies will be available for pickup on the date you’ve requested at Asheville GreenWorks’ office at 2 Sulphur Springs Road, Asheville, NC 28806.
All cleanups should be reported using the online form and supplies should be returned after your cleanup.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library impacts the pre-literacy skills and school readiness of children under the age of 5 in Buncombe County. The program mails a new, free, age-appropriate book to registered children each month until they turn five years old. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library creates a home library of up to 60 books and instills a love of books and reading from an early age. If you have any questions about the program, please send an email to [email protected].
A national panel of educators selects the Imagination Library titles, which include: The Little Engine that Could, Last Stop on Market Street, Violet the Pilot, As an Oak Tree Grows, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, Llama Llama Red Pajama, Look Out Kindergarten, here I come, and many more (take a look at all the titles).
Register your child now!
Program Launch and Expansions
Literacy Together became a Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library affiliate in November 2015 with support from the Buncombe Partnership for Children. Through this program, registered children in Buncombe County receive a free book in the mail each month. Their parents also have the opportunity to attend workshops to learn how to build their children’s early literacy skills. Parents in need of literacy assistance are encouraged to receive tutoring through Literacy Together’s adult programming.
The program served 200 children during the 2015/16 fiscal year. The program expanded to serve 400 children in July 2016, and 600 in August 2017. In July 2018, capacity increased to 1,900 thanks to a special allocation in the North Carolina state budget. We’re now serving 4,600 kids in Buncombe County.
2024 ESMF https://earlscruggsmusicfest.com/ Aug 30 – Sep 1, 2024 (Hours vary by day)
General Admission – $175
● Access to festival grounds, workshops, onsite activities, and secondary stage
● Children under age 12 are free with a paying adult
● Access to the floor of the International Arena at Flint Hill Stage
● May bring blankets or chairs for seating – limitations apply, see FAQs
Grandstand – $250
● Access to festival grounds, workshops, onsite activities, and secondary stage
● Access to the floor of the International Arena at Flint Hill Stage
● Children 3 and under are free with a paying adult
● Access to covered seating and concessions, including bars and washrooms, in the Grandstand
Scruggs Patron VIP – $450
● Access to festival grounds, workshops, onsite activities, and secondary stage
● Plus, access to designated VIP area on the International Arena floor
● Children 3 and under are free with a paying adult
● Includes dinner (deli sandwiches, chips, cookies, snacks), Two hour happy hour each day with access to a private bar, and washrooms on the second floor of the International Arena
● Exclusive ESMF merchandise item
● VIP Benefits apply only to the Flint Hill Stage (main)
Ridge VIP – $650
● Access to festival grounds, workshops, onsite activities, and secondary stage
● Plus, access to designated VIP area on the International Arena floor
● Children 3 and under are free with a paying adult
● Includes gourmet food service with tables and waiters on the third floor of International Arena, with balcony seating overlooking the Arena
● Private bars and washrooms in the Ridge VIP area
● Exclusive ESMF merchandise item
● VIP Benefits apply only to the Flint Hill Stage (main)
Bluegrass Cabana – $5,000
● Access for 8 to festival grounds, workshops, onsite activities, and secondary stage
● Private cabana on the floor of the International Arena, Includes private bar and food service
● Access to private washrooms
● Children 3 and under are free with a paying adult
● VIP Benefits apply only to the Flint Hill Stage (main)
Experience the perfect blend of relaxation and entertainment this Labor Day Weekend at The Omni Grove Park Inn. Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, our historic inn provides a perfect blend of relaxation, entertainment, and adventure to make your long weekend truly unforgettable. Join us for a series of special events and activities designed to elevate your holiday weekend, whether you’re here to unwind or celebrate with family and friends.
Our meticulously curated weekend schedule promises a delightful array of activities for guests of all ages. Whether you’re looking to unwind with soothing live music, indulge in refreshing summer treats, or enjoy fun-filled family activities, we’ve got something special for everyone.
Schedule of Events
Friday, August 30
Live Music with Lenny Pettinelli
Great Hall | 2:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Kick off your Labor Day Weekend with the soulful tunes of Lenny Pettinelli in our majestic Great Hall. His captivating music is the perfect accompaniment to the breathtaking views and inviting ambiance of our iconic venue.
Lemonade Stand
Front Porch | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Cool down with a refreshing glass of lemonade on our charming Front Porch. Enjoy the serene mountain views and a sweet drink, perfect for a leisurely afternoon.
Saturday, August 31
Live Music with James Hammel
Outdoor Pool | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Bask in the sun by our outdoor pool while enjoying the smooth, melodic sounds of James Hammel. His acoustic performance will set the tone for a relaxing and delightful afternoon.
Live Music with Jeff Thompson
Great Hall | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Jeff Thompson’s vibrant performance in the Great Hall is sure to entertain and inspire. Sit back and enjoy the lively tunes in our grand and historic setting.
Balloon Twister
Great Hall | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Bring the whole family to the Great Hall for some fun with our talented balloon twister. Watch as ordinary balloons are transformed into extraordinary creations, sure to delight guests of all ages.
Sunday, September 1
Omni Generation Cup
Golf Course
Sign up today and take part in The Omni Generation Cup, offering golfers across the country a family-focused golf tournament for players of all ages and skill levels.
Live Music with Aaron LaFalce
Outdoor Pool | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Aaron LaFalce brings his unique blend of acoustic rhythms to our outdoor pool area. Relax poolside and let the soothing melodies enhance your Sunday afternoon.
Live Music with James Hammel Trio
Great Hall | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
End your weekend on a high note with the James Hammel Trio in the Great Hall. Their dynamic performance will provide a perfect soundtrack to your Labor Day celebrations.
Join us this Labor Day Weekend at The Omni Grove Park Inn for a memorable getaway filled with music, fun, and relaxation. We look forward to celebrating with you
The Grassroots Arts Program provides programmatic and operating support for nonprofit arts organizations across all 100 counties in North Carolina through partnerships with local arts councils. Special consideration is given to multicultural programs and organizations outside of the City of Asheville. Grants range from $2,500-$7,50. Applications open August 15 and close September 16.
Jack’s Bluegrass Brunch kicks off every Sunday at 12 noon — with lively bluegrass tunes courtesy of The Jack of the Wood Bluegrass Brunch Boys from 1-3pm. Sip a Bloody Mary or Mimosa or a warm Irish coffee. Tasty brunch specials alongside our regular menu and 18 taps of rotating craft brews! Sláinte, y’all!
🎭 Join Me for an Afternoon of Advanced Long Form Improv! 🎭
Are you ready to dive deep into the art of improv? Whether you’re a seasoned performer or an enthusiastic fan, my upcoming Advanced Long Form Improv event is one you won’t want to miss!
Get ready for an afternoon of spontaneous storytelling, where every scene unfolds in unexpected ways. Together we will go on a journey through intricate narratives, rich characters, and imaginative worlds—crafted entirely in the moment! Expect to be entertained, amazed, and inspired by the skillful improvisation of our advanced group.
Please note: This event is intended for adults with a sense of humor who aren’t easily offended
Join me in honoring the New Moon by immersing yourself with the healing vibrations of a Sound Bath! The New Moon is a perfect time to set intentions for growth and new possibilities.
Join your host Kristin Hillegas, for a one-hour Serenity Sound Bath and experience a deeply immersive, full-body sound and vibrational experience. A sound bath can cleanse your soul, restore your balance, surround you with peace and tranquility and stimulate healing.
Note: Please bring a yoga mat/pillow/blanket since you will be lying on the floor. Wear warm, comfortable, and flexible clothing.
The Sound Bath will take place upstairs in the Education Building. Choose your space starting at 12:45 PM, doors close promptly at 1:00 PM.
This service is being offered on a Love Offering basis. Donations allow us to continue to provide these immersive experiences.
Accessible parking is available in the Center for Spiritual Living Asheville upper parking lot. The entrance to the upper parking lot is off of S. Bear Creek Rd between Science of Mind Way and Sand Hill Rd.
There is a boardwalk walk-way from the upper parking lot to the building entrance.
Jack’s long-running Traditional Irish Music Session is the perfect way to enjoy the Celtic-influenced sounds of talented pluckers from all over WNC & further afield! Stop in to enjoy a pint or afternoon Irish coffee with the music! Sláinte!
From modern to Mozart, this young ensemble to watch brings poise and panache to Asheville in this season-opening concert. Known for performing classical music through a fresh perspective, the innovative group drew inspiration for its name, Poiesis, from the ancient Greek word ποιεῖν, which means “to make” – or, specifically, to create something that has never been made before. – Proudly Sponsored By Tod Leaven
PROGRAM
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Clarinet Quintet in A Major, K. 581
Kevin Lau: String Quartet No. 3
Astor Piazzolla: Primavera Porteña from Four Seasons, arranged by Max Ball
Ludwig van Beethoven: String Quartet No. 15 in A minor, Op. 132
Date and Time: On Sun, 01 Sep 2024 16:00 – 19:00
Venue details: UU Congregation of Asheville, 1 Edwin Place, Asheville, North Carolina, 28801, United States
Prices:
General Admission: USD 48.00,
Students 25 and younger: USD 0.00
Artists: Poiesis Quartet, Amer Hasan
From modern to Mozart, this young ensemble to watch brings poise and panache to Asheville in this season-opening concert. Known for performing classical music through a fresh perspective, the innovative group drew inspiration for its name, Poiesis, from the ancient Greek word ποιεῖν, which means “to make” — or, specifically, to create something that has never been made before. Proudly Sponsored By Tod Leaven
EXPERIENCE Spirit Fest 2024 Together at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena on Sunday, September 1st!
This year’s Spirit Fest Concert is bigger and better than ever as Tye Tribbett returns as the headliner to set the stage for an evening of high energy and a dynamic worship EXPERIENCE. This year, concert goers will receive an EXPERIENCE, which will leave a lasting affect as they witness worship with Donald Lawrence and Company, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, The Canton Spirituals, Lisa Knowles & the Brown Singers, Tim Rogers & the Fellas and much more! As the Spirit Fest Concert celebrates 32 years, it has a legacy of inspiring the lives of individuals who attend. While awarding scholarships to deserving community youth (cumulative $125k) The intent of this year’s event is to help people have an encounter that will be a transformative EXPERIENCE! Stay tuned for updates all summer long as we engage with the community to give you a next level Spirit Fest! Tickets are on sale now for the 32nd Annual Spirit Fest! Get them at Ticketmaster, Spiritfest.co, or at The GSP Airport Box Office.
ASAP (Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project) has released a survey to learn more about how people in Western North Carolina shop for food and why they choose the food they do. The survey, part of a three-year project by ASAP’s Local Food Research Center, is for any resident of Western North Carolina over the age of 18, no matter where or how they shop for food. It can be completed online at surveymonkey.com/r/WNCFoodASAP or over the phone by calling ASAP at 828-236-1282. It should take approximately 8 to 12 minutes to complete and will be open through Oct. 31, 2024. Respondents are encouraged to share the survey widely with families, friends, and co-workers.
“By completing this survey, you are helping local farmers understand and connect with consumers,” said Amy Marion, ASAP Associate Director and lead researcher. “The challenges of our food system are constantly evolving. Improving it requires active participation from all community members. With this research we can better understand consumer values and the barriers they face, and help farmers and food producers improve communications with their customers and their communities.”
The survey is part of a three-year research project, “Connections in Direct Markets: Assessing the feedback loop between consumer values and farmers’ marketing strategies,” which will examine and improve communication and alignment between farmers and consumers in Western North Carolina. The research phase will also employ consumer focus groups, farmer interviews and case studies, and more targeted surveying. The broad consumer survey provides an update to the last consumer survey conducted by the Local Food Research Center in 2014. Results from the current research project will be shared in 2025.
ASAP founded the Local Food Research Center in 2011 to study the economic, environmental, and social impacts of localizing food systems. From its inception, ASAP’s programs and services have been grounded in research and evaluation, adjusting based on a strong feedback loop and observation of current conditions in the food system.
This project is supported in part by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under award number 2022-38640-37488 through the Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program under subaward number LS23-382. USDA is an equal opportunity employer and service provider.
Whenever you want!
Supplies available at
2 Sulphur Springs Road
If you need to request supplies for the same or next day, please call 828-254-1776.
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. Available supplies include safety vests, gloves, trash grabbers, trash bags, and SHARPs containers (upon request).
Review the attached guides for instructions and safety information.
Need to know
Please review the attached documents and contact [email protected] with any questions. Your supplies will be available for pickup on the date you’ve requested at Asheville GreenWorks’ office at 2 Sulphur Springs Road, Asheville, NC 28806.
All cleanups should be reported using the online form and supplies should be returned after your cleanup.
The Grassroots Arts Program provides programmatic and operating support for nonprofit arts organizations across all 100 counties in North Carolina through partnerships with local arts councils. Special consideration is given to multicultural programs and organizations outside of the City of Asheville. Grants range from $2,500-$7,50. Applications open August 15 and close September 16.
ASAP is conducting research on why people in our community choose the food they do. We want to know where you shop, what you value most when purchasing food, and what factors motivate or discourage you from purchasing locally grown food. Whether you buy locally grown food or not, you can help farmers understand and connect with consumers—which creates a stronger local food system!
The survey can be completed online or by calling ASAP at 828-236-1282. It should take 8–12 minutes to complete and will be open until Oct. 31, 2024. You must be over the age of 18 and a resident of Western North Carolina.
Please share with families, friends, and co-workers!
Artists are invited to create artworks with the theme of “Red, White and Blue.“ Apply these patriotic colors at the center of your subjects, however there are no limits to your creativity, your artworks don’t need to be primarily patriotic theme, but viewers should be able to spot the use of recognizable amount of red, white and blue colors.
This year’s election will be won by mobilizing voters who want to preserve our democracy and protect the rights of our citizens. Our phone bankers will be reaching out to likely supporters in your precincts who don’t vote on a regular basis. We will also be making separate calls in your precincts to recruit more volunteers for our efforts.
IF YOU HAVE A LAPTOP, PLEASE BE SURE TO BRING IT TO THE PHONE BANK. If you don’t have one, just be sure you bring your personal email login information (User ID & password) and you can use one of our Chromebooks. If you’ve canvassed or phone banked for Democrats in the past, you likely have an Action ID account, so please be sure to bring that login information as well. Of course, you will also need your cell phone.
Phone banking remains one of the best practices for winning elections and our phone banks are designed to reach those voters who rarely pick up their calls. We’ll leave a message on their voice mail, then also text them the same message. When someone does pick up their call, you’ll possibly have a lively conversation because we are targeting supporters!
This year’s election will be won by mobilizing voters who want to preserve our democracy and protect the rights of our citizens. Our phone bankers will be reaching out to likely supporters in your precincts who don’t vote on a regular basis. We will also be making separate calls in your precincts to recruit more volunteers for our efforts.
IF YOU HAVE A LAPTOP, PLEASE BE SURE TO BRING IT TO THE PHONE BANK. If you don’t have one, just be sure you bring your personal email login information (User ID & password) and you can use one of our Chromebooks. If you’ve canvassed or phone banked for Democrats in the past, you likely have an Action ID account, so please be sure to bring that login information as well. Of course, you will also need your cell phone.
Phone banking remains one of the best practices for winning elections and our phone banks are designed to reach those voters who rarely pick up their calls. We’ll leave a message on their voice mail, then also text them the same message. When someone does pick up their call, you’ll possibly have a lively conversation because we are targeting supporters!
Share experiences with others on a similar journey at this monthly cancer support group at the Woodfin YMCA. This group is a safe and supportive place for all and is free to the community. Meets on the first Monday of the month from 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Welcome to our weekly community contra dance in West Asheville! The Monday Night Dance has been around for decades, and we are carrying the torch forward! We are a loving, kind, and safe dance community and highly encourage masking during the dance. No derogatory comments in relation to masking will be tolerated! We encourage non-maskers to mask while partnering with a dancer wearing a mask, or to at least ask if the person would like them to mask while they dance with them.
Practicalities
Time: Contra dancing 8:15–10:30pm, with a beginner lesson starting at 7:45 and a waltz session ending the evening.
Location: St. George’s Center for Art and Spirit, 1 School Rd., Asheville, NC 28806
Cost: $12–$45 sliding scale, CASH ONLY. Please pay as much as you can afford to cover the cost of the wonderful live music, the caller, sound person, rent, and other expenses! ATMs are available at banks on Patton Ave., as well as cash back options at local gas stations and grocery stores.
Requirements: Face masks and sign-in agreeing to the dance’s Safety Guidelines.
Please enter through the front red doors to the sanctuary. Extra parking available in the lots between Moore’s Foot and Ankle and St. George’s (please avoid parking in front of their practice.) This is a scent-free dance. Please bring your own water and water bottle. Beginners are encouraged to attend! Beginner-friendly dances start the contra dancing in lieu of a lesson.
Community Focus
The Monday Night Dance is more than just a dance; the community is deeply rooted. Folks are welcome to sell their wares, like jewelry, dance shoes, dance clothes, pottery, etc. They are also welcome to leave business cards and help wanted or work needed ads. Additionally, the Take Some Leave Some Closet is a new feature of the MND. You can take any clothes, food, produce, feminine products or first aid supplies that we have, and as you are able you can also leave some to replenish. Private times to receive from the closet can also be arranged during the week depending on to the dance organizer’s availability.
Safety
We emphasize safety here at the MND. Mask wearing is strongly encouraged, and courtesy to those choosing to mask is required. No discrimination to those wearing masks will be tolerated! In addition, this is a family and LGBTQ-friendly dance and a safe event for ALL races, ethnicities, genders, ages, shapes, and sizes. Accordingly, no discrimination, inappropriate sexually predatory behavior, racist or discriminatory comments, bullying, or verbal or physical abuse of ANY kind will be tolerated. See our Safety Guidelines for more info.
Volunteers and Donations
Ours is a dance built on volunteerism, and we need your help to survive! Please consider volunteering or becoming a patron by giving a monetary gift. Opening, door and closing help are some of the volunteer jobs available. Those completing their entire shift dance free! Email [email protected] for more info and to sign up.
Finally, please follow, like and join us on Facebook!
Thanks so much and see you on the dance floor!
The Grassroots Arts Program provides programmatic and operating support for nonprofit arts organizations across all 100 counties in North Carolina through partnerships with local arts councils. Special consideration is given to multicultural programs and organizations outside of the City of Asheville. Grants range from $2,500-$7,50. Applications open August 15 and close September 16.
Registration is OPEN for Youth Inline Hockey. Coed – Non Contact. Ages 6 – 16. First year player may rent most gear free. Scholarships available for registration fee ($120 plus fees), and equipment.
9/3 – Evals
9/9 – First week of practice starts.
10 weeks long
1 practice, 1 game per week
$120 registration plus fees