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.
Join us for another Parish Breakfast hosted by the Chefs of St. John, this one in celebration of the arrival of our new Curate, his family, and our visiting summer scholar. The Chefs will serve up bacon, sausage, eggs, grits, gravy, fruit salad, potatoes, biscuits, French toast and juice/coffee/tea. There is no cost for this breakfast, but donations are welcome and appreciated. Please sign up by Wednesday, June 29 to aid in planning.
The Rev. Dr. Robert MacSwain
2022 Summer Scholar-in-Residence
Dr. Rob MacSwain is the Associate Professor of Theology at the seminary at The University of the South, in Sewanee, TN. For a number of years, Dr. MacSwain has been researching how the lives of holy people serve as evidence of God’s existence.
Dr. MacSwain is no stranger to North Carolina, having been ordained as a priest of the Church in the eastern part of the state in 2002. He holds masters degrees from Princeton Theological Seminary and The University of Edinburgh in Scotland. He completed his Ph.D. at The University of St. Andrews in Scotland in 2010. He has authored and edited several works including his book Solved by Sacrifice: Austin Farrer, Fideism, and the Evidence of Faith (2013). While in Flat Rock, he intends to relax in the mountains of Western North Carolina and he hopes to find time to continue working on his book to be titled The Saint is our Evidence.
The Rev. Dr. Robert MacSwain
2022 Summer Scholar-in-Residence
Dr. Rob MacSwain is the Associate Professor of Theology at the seminary at The University of the South, in Sewanee, TN. For a number of years, Dr. MacSwain has been researching how the lives of holy people serve as evidence of God’s existence.
Dr. MacSwain is no stranger to North Carolina, having been ordained as a priest of the Church in the eastern part of the state in 2002. He holds masters degrees from Princeton Theological Seminary and The University of Edinburgh in Scotland. He completed his Ph.D. at The University of St. Andrews in Scotland in 2010. He has authored and edited several works including his book Solved by Sacrifice: Austin Farrer, Fideism, and the Evidence of Faith (2013). While in Flat Rock, he intends to relax in the mountains of Western North Carolina and he hopes to find time to continue working on his book to be titled The Saint is our Evidence.
Tours of St. John in the Wilderness are sponsored and led by a team of volunteer docents who seek to tell the story of our historic parish. Tours are held every third Saturday of the month at 11:00am and last about one hour.
There is no cost to tour the churchyard. Please wear comfortable shoes, and meet in the Carriage Entrance of the church. Space is limited to 30 people per tour
The Rev. Dr. Robert MacSwain
2022 Summer Scholar-in-Residence
Dr. Rob MacSwain is the Associate Professor of Theology at the seminary at The University of the South, in Sewanee, TN. For a number of years, Dr. MacSwain has been researching how the lives of holy people serve as evidence of God’s existence.
Dr. MacSwain is no stranger to North Carolina, having been ordained as a priest of the Church in the eastern part of the state in 2002. He holds masters degrees from Princeton Theological Seminary and The University of Edinburgh in Scotland. He completed his Ph.D. at The University of St. Andrews in Scotland in 2010. He has authored and edited several works including his book Solved by Sacrifice: Austin Farrer, Fideism, and the Evidence of Faith (2013). While in Flat Rock, he intends to relax in the mountains of Western North Carolina and he hopes to find time to continue working on his book to be titled The Saint is our Evidence.
The Rev. Dr. Robert MacSwain
2022 Summer Scholar-in-Residence
Dr. Rob MacSwain is the Associate Professor of Theology at the seminary at The University of the South, in Sewanee, TN. For a number of years, Dr. MacSwain has been researching how the lives of holy people serve as evidence of God’s existence.
Dr. MacSwain is no stranger to North Carolina, having been ordained as a priest of the Church in the eastern part of the state in 2002. He holds masters degrees from Princeton Theological Seminary and The University of Edinburgh in Scotland. He completed his Ph.D. at The University of St. Andrews in Scotland in 2010. He has authored and edited several works including his book Solved by Sacrifice: Austin Farrer, Fideism, and the Evidence of Faith (2013). While in Flat Rock, he intends to relax in the mountains of Western North Carolina and he hopes to find time to continue working on his book to be titled The Saint is our Evidence.
Tours of St. John in the Wilderness are sponsored and led by a team of volunteer docents who seek to tell the story of our historic parish. Tours are held every third Saturday of the month at 11:00am and last about one hour.
There is no cost to tour the churchyard. Please wear comfortable shoes, and meet in the Carriage Entrance of the church. Space is limited to 30 people per tour
Presented as part of the Faith in Arts Institute, hosted by BMCM+AC, these conversations and interviews with a diverse group of artists, faith leaders, and scholars explore the role of arts in spiritual practice and religious life.
“I dare suggest that the clearest examples of relationship are to be found in geometry…With geometry as the body reference for learning about relationship, we can best illustrate principles of mathematics and arithmetic. Given this understanding, one is equipped with the foundation for critical and clear thinking, and is best prepared to navigate with a healthy respect for self in relation to other in the domain of community.”
Vandorn Hinnant is a visual artist, poet and educator based in Durham, North Carolina. He grew up in Greensboro, North Carolina and received a Bachelor’s of Art degree from North Carolina A&T University. After college, he moved to New York City and worked for the printmaker Josef Werner. Known for his visual exploration of metaphysical ideas, Hinnant utilizes Sacred Geometry (studied formally under his mentor, inventor and physicist Robert L. Powell, Sr.), fractal mathematics, the golden ratio, and the logarithmic spiral to create his dynamic two and three-dimensional artworks. Referencing Buckminster Fuller, Leonardo da Vinci, Frank Lloyd Wright, and M.C. Escher as inspirations because of their use of geometry and math in making their artworks, Hinnant catalyzes dialogue through and around his work about the golden proportion, human relationships, and metaphysical energy. His work has been exhibited widely, including at the Fayetteville Museum of Art, Antioch College, and Saugerties Performing Arts Factory, and belongs to numerous private and corporate collections.
Cindy Morgan, Wil Nance and Jason SeverCindy Morgan, Wil Nance and Jason Sever are a blend of GRAMMY® nominated, Dove award winning, chart-topping songwriters who’ve penned songs for George Strait, Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Brad Paisley, Diamond Rio, Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Martina McBride, Tim McGraw and many more!Showcasing their mission to support the military community, Operation Song will be presenting a songwriter event at the Tryon Fine Arts Center. District 113 NC State Representative Jake Johnson is scheduled to appear. Operation Song will also be honoring local hero, Major General Jack A. Davis and his family. Major General Davis served in the United States Marine Corps for 37 years. He is a decorated Vietnam Veteran and an active member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Tryon.
If unable to attend, please consider a donation at www.operationsong.org or text “SONG” to 615-471-6008. You can also download our app at: https://subsplash.com/operationsong/app!
Operation Song is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that pairs Nashville Songwriters with veterans, active duty, and their family members to tell their story through the process of songwriting. To learn more visit www.operationsong.org & like us on socials. Operation Song® is a tax-exempt public charity (federal tax ID #46-5442758). All contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowable by law.
Spirit Fest Turns 30! Online ticket sales coming soon.
Spirit Fest 2022 returns to The Bon Secours Wellness Arena on Sunday September 4, 2022! This year is a celebration of three decades of presenting gospel music in the Upstate of SC.
We celebrate “Shining 30 Years of Hope, Love, and Light to our Families, Faith, and Communities.”
Performing at Spirit Fest this year is Tye Tribbett, Tamela Mann, Bishop William Murphy, Tim Rogers, Roy and Revelation, Kelontae Gavin, and the Gospel Legends! More information to come on other Spirit Fest activities and artists to the 30th celebration!
Tickets go on sale Thursday May 5, 2022 at the GSP International Airport Box Office at the Arena and Ticketmaster.com. Early bird tickets will be available through June 17.
Tours of St. John in the Wilderness are sponsored and led by a team of volunteer docents who seek to tell the story of our historic parish. Tours are held every third Saturday of the month at 11:00am and last about one hour.
There is no cost to tour the churchyard. Please wear comfortable shoes, and meet in the Carriage Entrance of the church. Space is limited to 30 people per tour
The Veterans Healing Farm, in collaboration with LivingWorks is offering
safeTALK, a 4-hour training that equips people to be more alert to
persons thinking of suicide and better able to connect them with
further help.
What Will You Learn?
In LivingWorks safeTALK you will learn how to reach out to someone thinking about
suicide and help them keep safe by promptly connecting them to further support.
Your role as a connector is the main focus of this training.
You will also be encouraged and empowered to talk openly with someone about
suicide through a 4-step model.
Overcoming personal and community attitudes to seeking and providing help is a
key theme of this training.
A growing body of published research and evaluation supports the value of this
training to individuals and organizations while informing program improvements.
Over 800,000 people have attended this training since its inception.
How Will You Learn?
We aim to provide a safe learning environment. The learning process includes:
Trainer presentations, facilitated discussion, and skills practice.
Videos that illustrate what happens when signs of suicide are overlooked, and how
you can contribute to safe outcomes when these signs are heard and addressed.
Opportunities to further explore organizational applications of the training.
Direct and honest discussion about suicide is encouraged. While sometimes
challenging, this prepares helpers to openly approach people with thoughts of
suicide and connect them with further help.
Who Should Attend?
Anyone aged 15+ years is encouraged to take LivingWorks safeTALK.
It will prepare you to raise and respond to concerns about suicide in relationships
with family, friends, and co-workers.
It will equip you to build a culture of safety from suicide in your organization or
community.
You can play a vital connector role in what LivingWorks has called a Networks of
Safety.
There is no instructional cost to attend this class but each participant is required to
purchase the ASIST participant kit, $43.25 each, plus $3.00 shipping costs.
What Will You Learn?
In LivingWorks ASIST you will learn how to help someone thinking about suicide develop
a personalized SafePlan to keep safe-for-now and connect with further help.
You will learn to apply a Safety Framework to guide the development of this
SafePlan through a collaborative helping relationship.
You will also consider how personal and community attitudes about suicide affect
someone’s openness to seek help and your ability to provide it.
This workshop will increase your willingness, confidence, and capacity to provide
suicide first aid.
A growing body of published research and evaluation supports the value of this
training to individuals and organizations while informing program improvements.
More than one million people have attended LivingWorks ASIST globally over 35
years.
How Will You Learn?
We aim to provide a safe learning environment. The learning process includes:
Trainer presentations and powerful videos to stimulate discussion and support
learning
Extensive opportunities for skills practice
Shared participant experiences that enrich learning
Trainer-facilitated workgroups to optimize participation
Direct and honest discussion about suicide is encouraged. While sometimes
challenging, this prepares helpers to openly approach people with thoughts of
suicide, and to help them keep safe.
Commented [AY1]:
Who Should Attend?
Anyone aged 16+ years is encouraged to take LivingWorks ASIST.
It provides a suicide first-aid intervention model for relationships with family,
friends, and co-workers. It can also be incorporated into more formal helping roles
such as counseling, health care, crisis services, or chaplaincy.
You can play a vital role in creating Networks of Safety from suicid
Some of our greatest art has come in response to the pain of this world: war, accident, crime and punishment, physical and mental illness, racial and class-based inequities. As Asheville resident Nancy Sehested has written, “The deeply human questions of forgiveness, redemption, and mercy emerge from the ruins of broken lives…Pain is not the last word.”
On eight evenings from September to December, the Wilma Dykeman Legacy and the West Asheville Library will celebrate four memoirs of resilience and hope from the mountains of Western North Carolina. All events are free and will be at the West Asheville Library, except for the digital event on December 8.
About the Wilma Dykeman Legacy
The Wilma Dykeman Legacy is a tax-exempt non-profit organization founded in 2012 to sustain and promote Wilma Dykeman’s values by sponsoring diverse workshops, events, and other programs. The core values of this extraordinary woman from Buncombe County included environmental integrity, social justice, and the power of the written and spoken word. For more information, visit www.wilmadykemanlegacy.org.
Tours of St. John in the Wilderness are sponsored and led by a team of volunteer docents who seek to tell the story of our historic parish. Tours are held every third Saturday of the month at 11:00am and last about one hour.
There is no cost to tour the churchyard. Please wear comfortable shoes, and meet in the Carriage Entrance of the church. Space is limited to 30 people per tour
David Jeremiah Announces New Teaching Series and Fall Tour Coming This October to South Carolina.
As Turning Point embarks on its fortieth year of ministry, Dr. David Jeremiah shares how we can find hope in God’s Word, even as our world seems to be spinning out of control.
Turning Point for God is pleased to announce the schedule for David Jeremiah’s 2022 Fall Tour. The website for An Evening with David Jeremiah: HIS VOICE! OUR VOICE! has launched, and tickets are now available at DavidJeremiah.org/TOUR.
There is One Voice we ought to trust more than other voices, One Voice we need to hear—the voice of Jesus Christ. We are living in a time when Bible prophecy is intersecting with our world as never before, and there is an urgency to communicate the message of hope and peace that only Jesus Christ can offer!
Each event will include a night of dynamic worship led by The Voice contestant Michael Sanchez, life-changing teaching by renowned Bible teacher and New York Times bestselling author, Dr. David Jeremiah, from his new series, The World of the End, and the opportunity to secure exclusive resources and merchandise.
As we begin the tour in Raleigh, North Carolina, on October 6, the Grammy-award-winning Gaither Vocal Band will be joining us. Additional guest artists for other locations will be announced at a later date.
This special event is a great opportunity to share an uplifting message from God’s Word with those in your community and around the world.
Turning Point is also grateful for the partnership and support of local radio stations in and around Greenville, South Carolina, and looks forward to a successful tour season.
Admission is free, but tickets are required. Visit davidjeremiah.org for tickets.
*Please note no ticket sales are available at the GSP International Box Office or via Ticketmaster. Tickets are available via the event website only.
Chimney Rock honors veterans, reservists, retired and active military personnel with a free visit to Chimney Rock State Park from November 7-11, 2022. Must present military ID or proof of service.
.jpg)
To show support for Veterans and shine a light on the support services that Buncombe County has to offer, Buncombe County will be shining the green light for Veterans November 7-13 in three locations in downtown Asheville:
- Buncombe County Courthouse
- Health and Human Services Tower- Home to Buncombe County Veterans Services
- Buncombe County Family Justice Center
Spearheaded by the National Association of Counties (NACo), Operation Green Light aims to let those who served know they are seen, appreciated, and supported. Residents are encouraged to participate in this community-wide initiative by shining a green light for Veterans at your home or place of business. Together, we can show support and encourage the Veterans in our lives and communities to seek the resources they need to thrive here at home.
The contributions and sacrifices of the people who served in the Armed Forces have been vital in maintaining the freedoms and way of life enjoyed by all Americans. Upon returning to civilian life, many Veterans report experiencing high levels of stress due to financial hardship, mental health struggles, physical ailments, and lack of connection and community support.
Buncombe County stands in solidarity with Veterans and is home to a host of essential resources that can provide opportunities for health, safety, stability, and connection for those returning from service. Grounded in a commitment to support our Veterans, Heath Smith, Director of Buncombe County Veterans Services, accepted a proclamation from the Buncombe County Commissioners, designating Buncombe County as a Green Light for Veterans County. “Becoming a Green Light for Veterans County is an essential step in uniting our community in the effort to support local Veterans with the comprehensive resources and services they are entitled to.”
Veterans Services and Resources
BUNCOMBE COUNTY VETERANS SERVICES (BCVS)
6th Floor
40 Coxe Avenue in Downtown Asheville
Monday – Friday 8 AM – 5 PM
(828) 250-5726
BCVS offers essential benefits assistance to Veterans and their families. Services include:
- Health Care
- Home Loans
- Life Insurance
- Education & Training
- Vocational Rehabilitation & Training
- Burial Benefits
- Dependent & Survivor Benefits
- Disability Benefits
Charles George VA Medical Center
1110 Tunnel Road in Asheville
Open 24/7 for your convenience
Main phone: 828-298-7911
Mental health care: 828-298-7911 x2519
The Charles George VA Medical Center offers comprehensive medical care to Veterans and their families, including mental health care services, urgent care visits, and clinical care scheduling. Visit their website for a comprehensive list of medical services and support services offered at the Charles George VA Medical Center.
Veterans Treatment Court
60 Court Plaza- 9th Floor
Buncombe County Courthouse
(703) 389-9918
Veterans Treatment Court is an alternative to the conventional criminal justice system in which Veterans who are struggling to acclimate back into civilian life and find themselves charged with an offense are met with the support, structure, and resources they need to settle into life after service.
Chimney Rock honors veterans, reservists, retired and active military personnel with a free visit to Chimney Rock State Park from November 7-11, 2022. Must present military ID or proof of service.
To show support for Veterans and shine a light on the support services that Buncombe County has to offer, Buncombe County will be shining the green light for Veterans November 7-13 in three locations in downtown Asheville:
- Buncombe County Courthouse
- Health and Human Services Tower- Home to Buncombe County Veterans Services
- Buncombe County Family Justice Center
Spearheaded by the National Association of Counties (NACo), Operation Green Light aims to let those who served know they are seen, appreciated, and supported. Residents are encouraged to participate in this community-wide initiative by shining a green light for Veterans at your home or place of business. Together, we can show support and encourage the Veterans in our lives and communities to seek the resources they need to thrive here at home.
The contributions and sacrifices of the people who served in the Armed Forces have been vital in maintaining the freedoms and way of life enjoyed by all Americans. Upon returning to civilian life, many Veterans report experiencing high levels of stress due to financial hardship, mental health struggles, physical ailments, and lack of connection and community support.
Buncombe County stands in solidarity with Veterans and is home to a host of essential resources that can provide opportunities for health, safety, stability, and connection for those returning from service. Grounded in a commitment to support our Veterans, Heath Smith, Director of Buncombe County Veterans Services, accepted a proclamation from the Buncombe County Commissioners, designating Buncombe County as a Green Light for Veterans County. “Becoming a Green Light for Veterans County is an essential step in uniting our community in the effort to support local Veterans with the comprehensive resources and services they are entitled to.”
Veterans Services and Resources
BUNCOMBE COUNTY VETERANS SERVICES (BCVS)
6th Floor
40 Coxe Avenue in Downtown Asheville
Monday – Friday 8 AM – 5 PM
(828) 250-5726
BCVS offers essential benefits assistance to Veterans and their families. Services include:
- Health Care
- Home Loans
- Life Insurance
- Education & Training
- Vocational Rehabilitation & Training
- Burial Benefits
- Dependent & Survivor Benefits
- Disability Benefits
Charles George VA Medical Center
1110 Tunnel Road in Asheville
Open 24/7 for your convenience
Main phone: 828-298-7911
Mental health care: 828-298-7911 x2519
The Charles George VA Medical Center offers comprehensive medical care to Veterans and their families, including mental health care services, urgent care visits, and clinical care scheduling. Visit their website for a comprehensive list of medical services and support services offered at the Charles George VA Medical Center.
Veterans Treatment Court
60 Court Plaza- 9th Floor
Buncombe County Courthouse
(703) 389-9918
Veterans Treatment Court is an alternative to the conventional criminal justice system in which Veterans who are struggling to acclimate back into civilian life and find themselves charged with an offense are met with the support, structure, and resources they need to settle into life after service.
Chimney Rock honors veterans, reservists, retired and active military personnel with a free visit to Chimney Rock State Park from November 7-11, 2022. Must present military ID or proof of service.
To show support for Veterans and shine a light on the support services that Buncombe County has to offer, Buncombe County will be shining the green light for Veterans November 7-13 in three locations in downtown Asheville:
- Buncombe County Courthouse
- Health and Human Services Tower- Home to Buncombe County Veterans Services
- Buncombe County Family Justice Center
Spearheaded by the National Association of Counties (NACo), Operation Green Light aims to let those who served know they are seen, appreciated, and supported. Residents are encouraged to participate in this community-wide initiative by shining a green light for Veterans at your home or place of business. Together, we can show support and encourage the Veterans in our lives and communities to seek the resources they need to thrive here at home.
The contributions and sacrifices of the people who served in the Armed Forces have been vital in maintaining the freedoms and way of life enjoyed by all Americans. Upon returning to civilian life, many Veterans report experiencing high levels of stress due to financial hardship, mental health struggles, physical ailments, and lack of connection and community support.
Buncombe County stands in solidarity with Veterans and is home to a host of essential resources that can provide opportunities for health, safety, stability, and connection for those returning from service. Grounded in a commitment to support our Veterans, Heath Smith, Director of Buncombe County Veterans Services, accepted a proclamation from the Buncombe County Commissioners, designating Buncombe County as a Green Light for Veterans County. “Becoming a Green Light for Veterans County is an essential step in uniting our community in the effort to support local Veterans with the comprehensive resources and services they are entitled to.”
Veterans Services and Resources
BUNCOMBE COUNTY VETERANS SERVICES (BCVS)
6th Floor
40 Coxe Avenue in Downtown Asheville
Monday – Friday 8 AM – 5 PM
(828) 250-5726
BCVS offers essential benefits assistance to Veterans and their families. Services include:
- Health Care
- Home Loans
- Life Insurance
- Education & Training
- Vocational Rehabilitation & Training
- Burial Benefits
- Dependent & Survivor Benefits
- Disability Benefits
Charles George VA Medical Center
1110 Tunnel Road in Asheville
Open 24/7 for your convenience
Main phone: 828-298-7911
Mental health care: 828-298-7911 x2519
The Charles George VA Medical Center offers comprehensive medical care to Veterans and their families, including mental health care services, urgent care visits, and clinical care scheduling. Visit their website for a comprehensive list of medical services and support services offered at the Charles George VA Medical Center.
Veterans Treatment Court
60 Court Plaza- 9th Floor
Buncombe County Courthouse
(703) 389-9918
Veterans Treatment Court is an alternative to the conventional criminal justice system in which Veterans who are struggling to acclimate back into civilian life and find themselves charged with an offense are met with the support, structure, and resources they need to settle into life after service.
Chimney Rock honors veterans, reservists, retired and active military personnel with a free visit to Chimney Rock State Park from November 7-11, 2022. Must present military ID or proof of service.
To show support for Veterans and shine a light on the support services that Buncombe County has to offer, Buncombe County will be shining the green light for Veterans November 7-13 in three locations in downtown Asheville:
- Buncombe County Courthouse
- Health and Human Services Tower- Home to Buncombe County Veterans Services
- Buncombe County Family Justice Center
Spearheaded by the National Association of Counties (NACo), Operation Green Light aims to let those who served know they are seen, appreciated, and supported. Residents are encouraged to participate in this community-wide initiative by shining a green light for Veterans at your home or place of business. Together, we can show support and encourage the Veterans in our lives and communities to seek the resources they need to thrive here at home.
The contributions and sacrifices of the people who served in the Armed Forces have been vital in maintaining the freedoms and way of life enjoyed by all Americans. Upon returning to civilian life, many Veterans report experiencing high levels of stress due to financial hardship, mental health struggles, physical ailments, and lack of connection and community support.
Buncombe County stands in solidarity with Veterans and is home to a host of essential resources that can provide opportunities for health, safety, stability, and connection for those returning from service. Grounded in a commitment to support our Veterans, Heath Smith, Director of Buncombe County Veterans Services, accepted a proclamation from the Buncombe County Commissioners, designating Buncombe County as a Green Light for Veterans County. “Becoming a Green Light for Veterans County is an essential step in uniting our community in the effort to support local Veterans with the comprehensive resources and services they are entitled to.”
Veterans Services and Resources
BUNCOMBE COUNTY VETERANS SERVICES (BCVS)
6th Floor
40 Coxe Avenue in Downtown Asheville
Monday – Friday 8 AM – 5 PM
(828) 250-5726
BCVS offers essential benefits assistance to Veterans and their families. Services include:
- Health Care
- Home Loans
- Life Insurance
- Education & Training
- Vocational Rehabilitation & Training
- Burial Benefits
- Dependent & Survivor Benefits
- Disability Benefits
Charles George VA Medical Center
1110 Tunnel Road in Asheville
Open 24/7 for your convenience
Main phone: 828-298-7911
Mental health care: 828-298-7911 x2519
The Charles George VA Medical Center offers comprehensive medical care to Veterans and their families, including mental health care services, urgent care visits, and clinical care scheduling. Visit their website for a comprehensive list of medical services and support services offered at the Charles George VA Medical Center.
Veterans Treatment Court
60 Court Plaza- 9th Floor
Buncombe County Courthouse
(703) 389-9918
Veterans Treatment Court is an alternative to the conventional criminal justice system in which Veterans who are struggling to acclimate back into civilian life and find themselves charged with an offense are met with the support, structure, and resources they need to settle into life after service.
Many national parks have direct connections to the American military—there are dozens of battlefields, military parks, and historic sites that commemorate and honor the service of American veterans. In addition, every national park is part of our collective identity that defines who we are and where we came from as a nation. They are tactile reminders of the values, the ideals, and the freedoms that our veterans protect.
The majestic landscapes, natural wonders, and patriotic icons that we cherish as a society have also inspired military members through the years. The Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore, the USS Arizona Memorial, and the Statue of Liberty are just a few of the national parks that have served as reminders of home to those stationed abroad. On Veterans Day, or any day, honor those who have served and sacrificed for our country with a visit to a national park.
The National Park Service invites all visitors to remember our veterans by visiting any National Park Service site for free on Veterans Day (November 11). Find tips to recreate responsibly while you visit!
This Veterans Day will be the first since Congress passed legislation granting free lifetime park passes to eligible veterans and Gold Star families, which can be obtained here. There are meaningful experiences waiting for veterans and all Americans in our parks this month and beyond!
Chimney Rock honors veterans, reservists, retired and active military personnel with a free visit to Chimney Rock State Park from November 7-11, 2022. Must present military ID or proof of service.
The Hendersonville Swing Band, under the direction of trombonist Jerry Zink, plays music of the Big Band era of the ‘30s, ‘40s and ‘50s. The band is primarily made up of musicians from Henderson, Transylvania, Haywood and Buncombe counties. Nearly all the members of the band are retirees. This is the first time the band has played a concert for Veterans Day.
Showtime is at 7:30 pm. Running time is approximately 2 hours with one 15 minute intermission. Hendersonville Theater has made masks optional for patrons, and no proof of vaccination is required to attend a performance.
To show support for Veterans and shine a light on the support services that Buncombe County has to offer, Buncombe County will be shining the green light for Veterans November 7-13 in three locations in downtown Asheville:
- Buncombe County Courthouse
- Health and Human Services Tower- Home to Buncombe County Veterans Services
- Buncombe County Family Justice Center
Spearheaded by the National Association of Counties (NACo), Operation Green Light aims to let those who served know they are seen, appreciated, and supported. Residents are encouraged to participate in this community-wide initiative by shining a green light for Veterans at your home or place of business. Together, we can show support and encourage the Veterans in our lives and communities to seek the resources they need to thrive here at home.
The contributions and sacrifices of the people who served in the Armed Forces have been vital in maintaining the freedoms and way of life enjoyed by all Americans. Upon returning to civilian life, many Veterans report experiencing high levels of stress due to financial hardship, mental health struggles, physical ailments, and lack of connection and community support.
Buncombe County stands in solidarity with Veterans and is home to a host of essential resources that can provide opportunities for health, safety, stability, and connection for those returning from service. Grounded in a commitment to support our Veterans, Heath Smith, Director of Buncombe County Veterans Services, accepted a proclamation from the Buncombe County Commissioners, designating Buncombe County as a Green Light for Veterans County. “Becoming a Green Light for Veterans County is an essential step in uniting our community in the effort to support local Veterans with the comprehensive resources and services they are entitled to.”
Veterans Services and Resources
BUNCOMBE COUNTY VETERANS SERVICES (BCVS)
6th Floor
40 Coxe Avenue in Downtown Asheville
Monday – Friday 8 AM – 5 PM
(828) 250-5726
BCVS offers essential benefits assistance to Veterans and their families. Services include:
- Health Care
- Home Loans
- Life Insurance
- Education & Training
- Vocational Rehabilitation & Training
- Burial Benefits
- Dependent & Survivor Benefits
- Disability Benefits
Charles George VA Medical Center
1110 Tunnel Road in Asheville
Open 24/7 for your convenience
Main phone: 828-298-7911
Mental health care: 828-298-7911 x2519
The Charles George VA Medical Center offers comprehensive medical care to Veterans and their families, including mental health care services, urgent care visits, and clinical care scheduling. Visit their website for a comprehensive list of medical services and support services offered at the Charles George VA Medical Center.
Veterans Treatment Court
60 Court Plaza- 9th Floor
Buncombe County Courthouse
(703) 389-9918
Veterans Treatment Court is an alternative to the conventional criminal justice system in which Veterans who are struggling to acclimate back into civilian life and find themselves charged with an offense are met with the support, structure, and resources they need to settle into life after service.
To show support for Veterans and shine a light on the support services that Buncombe County has to offer, Buncombe County will be shining the green light for Veterans November 7-13 in three locations in downtown Asheville:
- Buncombe County Courthouse
- Health and Human Services Tower- Home to Buncombe County Veterans Services
- Buncombe County Family Justice Center
Spearheaded by the National Association of Counties (NACo), Operation Green Light aims to let those who served know they are seen, appreciated, and supported. Residents are encouraged to participate in this community-wide initiative by shining a green light for Veterans at your home or place of business. Together, we can show support and encourage the Veterans in our lives and communities to seek the resources they need to thrive here at home.
The contributions and sacrifices of the people who served in the Armed Forces have been vital in maintaining the freedoms and way of life enjoyed by all Americans. Upon returning to civilian life, many Veterans report experiencing high levels of stress due to financial hardship, mental health struggles, physical ailments, and lack of connection and community support.
Buncombe County stands in solidarity with Veterans and is home to a host of essential resources that can provide opportunities for health, safety, stability, and connection for those returning from service. Grounded in a commitment to support our Veterans, Heath Smith, Director of Buncombe County Veterans Services, accepted a proclamation from the Buncombe County Commissioners, designating Buncombe County as a Green Light for Veterans County. “Becoming a Green Light for Veterans County is an essential step in uniting our community in the effort to support local Veterans with the comprehensive resources and services they are entitled to.”
Veterans Services and Resources
BUNCOMBE COUNTY VETERANS SERVICES (BCVS)
6th Floor
40 Coxe Avenue in Downtown Asheville
Monday – Friday 8 AM – 5 PM
(828) 250-5726
BCVS offers essential benefits assistance to Veterans and their families. Services include:
- Health Care
- Home Loans
- Life Insurance
- Education & Training
- Vocational Rehabilitation & Training
- Burial Benefits
- Dependent & Survivor Benefits
- Disability Benefits
Charles George VA Medical Center
1110 Tunnel Road in Asheville
Open 24/7 for your convenience
Main phone: 828-298-7911
Mental health care: 828-298-7911 x2519
The Charles George VA Medical Center offers comprehensive medical care to Veterans and their families, including mental health care services, urgent care visits, and clinical care scheduling. Visit their website for a comprehensive list of medical services and support services offered at the Charles George VA Medical Center.
Veterans Treatment Court
60 Court Plaza- 9th Floor
Buncombe County Courthouse
(703) 389-9918
Veterans Treatment Court is an alternative to the conventional criminal justice system in which Veterans who are struggling to acclimate back into civilian life and find themselves charged with an offense are met with the support, structure, and resources they need to settle into life after service.