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.

Wednesday, October 2, 2019
Sand Hill Community Garden Workday
Oct 2 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
BC Sports Park

Community Garden located at the Buncombe County Sports Park.  
The mission of Sand HIll Community Garden is to share in garden space, knowledge, and labor with all members of the community.  Using organic growing practices we promote community health and wellness by providing fresh produce for garden members and local people in need of food.

Thursday, October 3, 2019
NC State Theatre Garden Club Plant Sale for Flat Rock Playhouse
Oct 3 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse
Friday, October 4, 2019
NC State Theatre Garden Club Plant Sale for Flat Rock Playhouse
Oct 4 @ 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse
Saturday, October 5, 2019
Sand Hill Community Garden Workday
Oct 5 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am
BC Sports Park

Community Garden located at the Buncombe County Sports Park.
The mission of Sand HIll Community Garden is to share in garden space, knowledge, and labor with all members of the community.  Using organic growing practices we promote community health and wellness by providing fresh produce for garden members and local people in need of food.

Sunday, October 6, 2019
At Home in Black Mountain with Jan Karon
Oct 6 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Blue Ridge Assembly

The Friends of the Black Mountain/Tyson Library present a conversation and tea with number one WSJ and NYT bestselling author, Jan Karon. Jan is the author of the Mitford series, featuring Father Tim and the fictional village of Mitford.

Jan will not be signing books at the event, but guests may reserve a signed hardback copy of her latest book, Bathed in Prayer in advance. Visit SassafrasOnSutton.com no later than September 20 to reserve your copy. Books will be waiting for you at the event.

Tickets are not refundable. Seating is limited to 135.

Wednesday, October 9, 2019
Sand Hill Community Garden Workday
Oct 9 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
BC Sports Park

Community Garden located at the Buncombe County Sports Park.  
The mission of Sand HIll Community Garden is to share in garden space, knowledge, and labor with all members of the community.  Using organic growing practices we promote community health and wellness by providing fresh produce for garden members and local people in need of food.

Saturday, October 12, 2019
Carolina Bonsai Expo @ The NC Arboretum
Oct 12 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Arboretum Property

The North Carolina Arboretum’s 24th annual Carolina Bonsai Expo will be held on Saturday, October 12, and Sunday, October 13, 2019, in the Arboretum’s Bonsai Exhibition Garden, Baker Exhibit Center and Education Center.

This nationally known event features juried displays by bonsai enthusiasts hailing from a multi-state region. Visitors will have the opportunity to view the displays, watch free demonstrations and purchase bonsai plants and supplies. Also featured are an invitational show and sale of the work of bonsai potters and a display of floral art by members of the Asheville Chapter of Ikebana International. As the premier annual bonsai event of the Southeast, the Carolina Bonsai Expo offers programs for both the bonsai community and general public.

Schedule of Events

Saturday, October 12

9 a.m. – 5 p.m.  Arboretum’s bonsai on display in the Bonsai Exhibition Garden; main bonsai exhibit open in the Education Center, 1st floor; ikebana exhibit open in the Education Center, 2nd floor; vendors market open in the Baker Exhibit Center, 1st and 2nd floors; food service available in the Education Center, 1st floor

11 a.m. – Noon   Free ikebana educational program (More information to come) in the classrooms of the Education Center, 1st floor

1 p.m. – 5 p.m.   2019 Carolina Bonsai Expo Main Event presentation: “The Art of Bonsai Pottery,” featuring bonsai pottery artist Ron Lang, illustrated lecture program in the classrooms of the Education Center, 1st floor (Pre-registration required; fee charged for this program. Registration is not yet open.)

Sunday, October 13

9 a.m. – 4 p.m.   Arboretum’s bonsai on display in the Bonsai Exhibition Garden; main bonsai exhibit open in the Education Center, 1st floor; ikebana exhibit open in the Education Center, 2nd floor; vendors market open in the Baker Exhibit Center, 1st and 2nd floors; food service available in the Education Center, 1st floor

1 a.m – Noon   Free bonsai educational program, (More information to come), in the classrooms of the Education Center, 1st floor

2:30 – 3:30 p.m.   Live auction of bonsai and bonsai-related items, in the classrooms of the Education Center, 1st floor (Register onsite Expo weekend; $1 fee charged for this event.)

3:30 p.m.   Raffle drawing, presentation of “People’s Choice” award, and closing remarks in the classrooms of the Education Center, 1st floor

Sand Hill Community Garden Workday
Oct 12 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am
BC Sports Park

Community Garden located at the Buncombe County Sports Park.
The mission of Sand HIll Community Garden is to share in garden space, knowledge, and labor with all members of the community.  Using organic growing practices we promote community health and wellness by providing fresh produce for garden members and local people in need of food.

Sunday, October 13, 2019
Southeast Wise Woman Herbal Conference
Oct 13 all-day
Kanuga Conference & Retreat Center

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The Southeast Wise Women Herbal Conference was inspired by the thriving herbal conferences for women in the Northeast, Northwest, and California, which were founded in the 1990’s. After many years of running Red Moon Herbs and teaching herbal medicine for women, Corinna Wood—student and apprentice of  Wise Woman Herbalist Susun Weed—recognized that the Southeast, too, would be eager for this kind of gathering. From our first annual event in 2005 with 200 women attending, we quickly discovered that the community was more than ready, that this event is filling a deep hunger for the Wise Woman Ways in this region. The conference now has a heart and soul of its own. For many, it has become an annual event—with over a thousand women, the October gathering is a tradition in education, inspiration, and sisterhood.

3 Full days of workshops, intensives, gatherings and more.

For a complete schedule visit: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1HcEve8IzhO29Qt_ZFRQXF3jcXtsffDk31v5HEbUNm_A/edit#gid=2075348263

Carolina Bonsai Expo @ The NC Arboretum
Oct 13 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Arboretum Property

The North Carolina Arboretum’s 24th annual Carolina Bonsai Expo will be held on Saturday, October 12, and Sunday, October 13, 2019, in the Arboretum’s Bonsai Exhibition Garden, Baker Exhibit Center and Education Center.

This nationally known event features juried displays by bonsai enthusiasts hailing from a multi-state region. Visitors will have the opportunity to view the displays, watch free demonstrations and purchase bonsai plants and supplies. Also featured are an invitational show and sale of the work of bonsai potters and a display of floral art by members of the Asheville Chapter of Ikebana International. As the premier annual bonsai event of the Southeast, the Carolina Bonsai Expo offers programs for both the bonsai community and general public.

Schedule of Events

Saturday, October 12

9 a.m. – 5 p.m.  Arboretum’s bonsai on display in the Bonsai Exhibition Garden; main bonsai exhibit open in the Education Center, 1st floor; ikebana exhibit open in the Education Center, 2nd floor; vendors market open in the Baker Exhibit Center, 1st and 2nd floors; food service available in the Education Center, 1st floor

11 a.m. – Noon   Free ikebana educational program (More information to come) in the classrooms of the Education Center, 1st floor

1 p.m. – 5 p.m.   2019 Carolina Bonsai Expo Main Event presentation: “The Art of Bonsai Pottery,” featuring bonsai pottery artist Ron Lang, illustrated lecture program in the classrooms of the Education Center, 1st floor (Pre-registration required; fee charged for this program. Registration is not yet open.)

Sunday, October 13

9 a.m. – 4 p.m.   Arboretum’s bonsai on display in the Bonsai Exhibition Garden; main bonsai exhibit open in the Education Center, 1st floor; ikebana exhibit open in the Education Center, 2nd floor; vendors market open in the Baker Exhibit Center, 1st and 2nd floors; food service available in the Education Center, 1st floor

1 a.m – Noon   Free bonsai educational program, (More information to come), in the classrooms of the Education Center, 1st floor

2:30 – 3:30 p.m.   Live auction of bonsai and bonsai-related items, in the classrooms of the Education Center, 1st floor (Register onsite Expo weekend; $1 fee charged for this event.)

3:30 p.m.   Raffle drawing, presentation of “People’s Choice” award, and closing remarks in the classrooms of the Education Center, 1st floor

Fall Tree Giveaway Green Works
Oct 13 @ 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
The GreenWorks Nursery

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Take home a native tree for your home!

Sunday, October 20, 2019
St. John Church and Cemetery Tour The Episcopal Church of St. John in the Wilderness Flat Rock
Oct 20 @ 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
The Episcopal Church of St. John in the Wilderness

The cemetery is of historic significance, with graves of men and women whose names are
written in the history books of South Carolina and the United States. First Families of the early
years of our country, descendants of signers of the Declaration of Independence, influential
politicians of the 19th century, military leaders and others of note are buried in the churchyard.
The tour will last about an hour, Please wear comfortable shoes.

Sunday, November 3, 2019
WNC Fermenting Festival
Nov 3 @ 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Cooperative Extension

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This event creates a space for all of WNC and surrounding communities to join together in honor of fermentation, food preservation, farming and food resiliency in Madison County, NC.  All profits & proceeds from the festival will be donated to the Beacon of Hope Food Bank of Marshall, NC. There will be FREE demos on food preservation & fermentation, music, family friendly activities and of course local and regional fermenters, foodies and crafting vendors ranging from local farms to local potters, fermenters, crafters and much more!

Please Check Out More  Info Through Our Facebook Event Page!

Smash Don’t Trash
Nov 3 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
New Belgium Brewing

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Smash Don’t Trash is back for its 2nd year in Asheville! Bring out those rotten pumpkins for a smashing good time!

Monday, November 11, 2019
How to Structure Labor on the Small Farm Workshop
Nov 11 @ 4:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Creekside Farm and Education Center

Participants will…

  • Learn about different ways to structure labor on your farm including apprenticeship, paid hourly workers, temporary workers, volunteers.
  • Discover best practices for managing people on the ground.
  • Learn how to incorporate education on the farm.
  • Understand legal considerations you need to know about your labor structure.
  • Clarify the financial process for paying workers or apprentices.
  • Be aware of equity issues with on-farm labor.
  • Hear from experienced farmers running successful farms in WNC.
Tuesday, November 12, 2019
Backyard Composting Workshop
Nov 12 @ 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
The Jewish Community Center

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Backyard Composting Workshop

Tuesday, November 12th

6:30-7:30pm

The Jewish Community Center

Thursday, November 21, 2019
Extending the Growing Season
Nov 21 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
SAHC Community Farm

Join us as Christina Newhouse from Southwestern NC Resource Conservation & Development Council discusses season extension. In this informative workshop, you will learn how to extend your growing and marketing seasons while making more money.

$20 register at:   https://appalachian.org/event/farm-workshop-season-extension/?utm_source=SAHC+Default+MC+List&utm_campaign=32340c2ac5-February_2018_COPY_02&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_4717684d09-32340c2ac5-144635353&ct=t(February_2018_COPY_02)&mc_cid=32340c2ac5&mc_eid=cccced3ffd

Sunday, November 24, 2019
New Morning Holiday Open House
Nov 24 all-day
New Morning Gallery

Join us for our Annual Open House and enjoy cookies, hot cider and live music. New Morning Gallery features handcrafted ornaments and gifts by over 1,000 American artists that are housed in an amazing 2 story, 12,000 square foot gallery. There is free parking in beautiful Historic Biltmore Village. Ten percent of sales during our annual Holiday Open House will be donated to the Asheville MANNA Food Bank.

Holiday Open House Dates and Times:
Saturday, November 23rd 10:00am – 7:00pm
Sunday, November 24th 12:00pm – 5:00pm

Friday, December 6, 2019
Bullington Gardens Holiday Sale & Open House
Dec 6 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Bullington Gardens

Join the Elves at Bullington Gardens to shop for Amaryllis, Poinsettias, wreaths, unique holiday crafts, ornaments and so much more!

The Carols of Christmas
Dec 6 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
First Baptist Church

Choir and orchestra concert of popular carols and new Christmas songs.

Showtimes: Friday & Sunday at 6pm, Saturday at 3pm

Saturday, December 7, 2019
Bullington Gardens Holiday Sale & Open House
Dec 7 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Bullington Gardens

Join the Elves at Bullington Gardens to shop for Amaryllis, Poinsettias, wreaths, unique holiday crafts, ornaments and so much more!

Mushroom Log Inoculation Class
Dec 7 @ 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Sow True Seed

Dec 7 2019: Mushroom Log Inoculation Class

Cost: $5 to attend (ticket price will be a donation to The Utopian Seed Project). $20 to take home an inoculated log.

If you decide to take home a log at the end of the class and only paid $5 to attend, then we’ll discount the log to $15.

This popular hands on class will leave you with the skills and knowledge to inoculate your own mushroom logs at home. We’ll start with a short presentation inside to give you the technical knowledge to make good mushroom growing decisions, and then move outside to get some hands on time with drilling and inoculating mushroom logs.

A comprehensive handout will be included. Additional mushroom plugs and spare inoculated logs will be sold separately.

Bring warm clothing for the outside section of the class.

We will be limiting the class to 40 people so that everyone can have a fulfilling hands on learning experience.

Tuesday, December 10, 2019
A Holistic Approach to Soil Health
Dec 10 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Celo Community Center

This one-day workshop will give you an in-depth look at soil health and provide a hands-on opportunity to work with soil monitoring in the field. Participants will learn about how to manage the four ecosystem processes and some simple soil tests you can use to promote soil health and productivity on your farm. A local farmer with experience in holistic management will share the soil management practices that they use to promote soil health, and produce high quality, profitable crops.

Wednesday, December 11, 2019
Managing Weeds Holistically
Dec 11 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Celo Community Center

Effectively managing weeds can be the most labor-intensive task for ecological crop and vegetable production. This one-day workshop will cover common weed biology, ecology, and identification. You will also learn preventative as well as mechanical and cultural practices you can implement on your farm to reduce weed pressure, save time, and money.

Preserving the Season’s Harvest – Fermenting Roots
Dec 11 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Sew True Seeds

Dec 11 2019: Preserving the Seasons Harvest, Fermenting Roots

earn the basics of lactofermentation and several recipes to transform root vegetables in season this time of year into fermented food delicacies! Sarah will demonstrate techniques and offer troubleshooting advice on the Dos and Don’ts of home fermentation. Leave with the knowledge and inspiration to create live, probiotic-rich ferments for you and your family!

About the Instructors

Sarah Archer is the Owner and Fermentress behind local business Serotonin Ferments. She has been a fermenting enthusiast for 15 years, and over that time has honed her skills from novice to expert. She is passionate about sharing her love for food, health, and community, and truly believes that Food is our Medicine. Supporting local, organic farmers is a keystone of her process, and her creations are often inspired by what is growing in abundance locally.

 

Tuesday, December 17, 2019
Registration OPEN: 27th Annual Organic Growers School Spring Conference
Dec 17 all-day
Mars Hill University

Get the Early Registration Discount!

Early-registration prices for the 2020 Spring Conference are available through Friday, January 31, 2020.
Wednesday, December 18, 2019
5th Annual Display of Nativity Sets from Around the World
Dec 18 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
First Baptist Church of Asheville

We invite you to join us for the 5th annual Asheville Nativity exhibit, December 11 – 18, 2019. The website is http://www.ashevillenativity.org. Last year we had 300 Nativity sets from 60+ countries, and 1500 visitors who came to see them.

“Took my breath away.”
“Amazing, peaceful, joyous.”
“Beautiful.”
“Impressive and beautifully done.”
“Incredible.”

Join us for a Spirit-filled, family-friendly way to celebrate the Savior’s birth. The life-sized stable with costumes, so popular last year for photos, will be set up again. This is a free event (donations accepted).

We invite church groups or other organizations to help promote this event, and encourage anyone interested to help by loaning a set, hosting, or performing. There are time slots for choirs and music groups on the weekend.

We also have postcards for distribution and promotion and we can arrange to deliver quantities where appropriate. More information at ashevillenativity.org or by emailing [email protected].

Looking forward to another wonderful year,

Saturday, December 21, 2019
Registration OPEN: 27th Annual Organic Growers School Spring Conference
Dec 21 all-day
Mars Hill University

Get the Early Registration Discount!

Early-registration prices for the 2020 Spring Conference are available through Friday, January 31, 2020.
Saturday, December 28, 2019
Registration OPEN: 27th Annual Organic Growers School Spring Conference
Dec 28 all-day
Mars Hill University

Get the Early Registration Discount!

Early-registration prices for the 2020 Spring Conference are available through Friday, January 31, 2020.
Saturday, January 4, 2020
Registration OPEN: 27th Annual Organic Growers School Spring Conference
Jan 4 all-day
Mars Hill University

Get the Early Registration Discount!

Early-registration prices for the 2020 Spring Conference are available through Friday, January 31, 2020.