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.

Friday, October 4, 2019
Local Nonprofit Community Recreation Grant Application Up to $6,000
Oct 4 all-day
buncombe county

Buncombe County Recreation Services has opened the 2019-2020 cycle of Community Recreation Grants. The grants focus on supplemental funding for qualified organizations to promote innovative, inclusive, and sustainable recreational, fitness, and health and wellness initiatives within Buncombe County as well as community-based activities and capital improvements that increase recreational opportunities for the communities served. Grants may range in amount from $500-$6,000, depending on funding available and the number of qualifying applicants.

Eligible entities include Buncombe County non-profits focused on recreational, fitness, and health and wellness activities. These funds are intended to be a leveraging tool that promote partnerships between the County and area non-profits and are not a donation, funding stream, or sponsorship opportunity. Programs applying for funding should assist Buncombe County Recreation Services in achieving its mission and are required to provide clear timelines and explanations regarding funding requests. The objective of the grants is to extend the reach of the County in its recreation focus areas; grant applicants are required to articulate the estimated impact the grants will have on the community.

Want to Apply?

The grant application deadline is Friday, October 18, 2019. Late applications will be rejected. The Community Recreation Grant Committee will review applications in October and November with all organizations receiving an email notification no later than November 15, 2019.

 

RETR3AT Cybersecurity Conference
Oct 4 all-day
Montreat Collge, Anderson Auditorium

On October 4, 2019, Montreat College’s Center for Cybersecurity Education and Leadership will host RETR3AT, a conference designed to engage, educate, and raise awareness about cybersecurity in Western North Carolina and beyond. In its fifth year, RETR3AT goes beyond the “1s and 0s” approach to cybersecurity training, challenging attendees to think about how to lead in protecting their organization’s information within an ethical framework.

Saturday, October 5, 2019
Local Nonprofit Community Recreation Grant Application Up to $6,000
Oct 5 all-day
buncombe county

Buncombe County Recreation Services has opened the 2019-2020 cycle of Community Recreation Grants. The grants focus on supplemental funding for qualified organizations to promote innovative, inclusive, and sustainable recreational, fitness, and health and wellness initiatives within Buncombe County as well as community-based activities and capital improvements that increase recreational opportunities for the communities served. Grants may range in amount from $500-$6,000, depending on funding available and the number of qualifying applicants.

Eligible entities include Buncombe County non-profits focused on recreational, fitness, and health and wellness activities. These funds are intended to be a leveraging tool that promote partnerships between the County and area non-profits and are not a donation, funding stream, or sponsorship opportunity. Programs applying for funding should assist Buncombe County Recreation Services in achieving its mission and are required to provide clear timelines and explanations regarding funding requests. The objective of the grants is to extend the reach of the County in its recreation focus areas; grant applicants are required to articulate the estimated impact the grants will have on the community.

Want to Apply?

The grant application deadline is Friday, October 18, 2019. Late applications will be rejected. The Community Recreation Grant Committee will review applications in October and November with all organizations receiving an email notification no later than November 15, 2019.

 

Thomas Wolfe Birthday Celebration
Oct 5 @ 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
The Thomas Wolfe Memorial

Free tours for North Carolina residents. Used book sale cake to celebrate!

…she gave to Luck’s Lad the title of Eugene, a name which, beautifully, means “well born,” but which, as any one will be able to testify, does not mean, has never meant, “well bred.”

Creating Peace Within and Without
Oct 5 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Unity of The Blue Ridge
Creating Peace Within and Without
Oct 5 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Unity of The Blue Ridge
Sunday, October 6, 2019
Bach Flower Essence Workshop
Oct 6 all-day
Crystal Visions

Flower Essences are energetic remedies and one of Mother Nature’s many healing
gifts to us. As our souls journey through this human experience, we encounter various challenges that require us to evolve beyond our limiting patterns, programs and
beliefs. Flower essences assist us in a gentle and loving way to move beyond our limitations and step into our soul’s greatness. Mental, emotional and spiritual issues
can be transformed through the subtle powers imbued within flowers.

In this workshop we will explore the many aspects of flower essence therapy including:
• Dr. Edward Bach and the history of Flower Essences
• understanding Bach’s 38 remedies
• how to combine flower essences to make effective therapeutic remedies
• working with chronic vs acute conditions
• the art of case taking and finding the key symptoms
• working with intuition, and much more…
• There will also be live case taking with class volunteers
This course is for both lay people and healers who wish to add another powerful therapy to their practice.

Tuesday, October 8, 2019
What You Are Getting Wrong About Appalachia Book Discussion
Oct 8 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Malaprop's Bookstore

Join us Tuesday, October 8 for our next Discussion Bound book discussion. Elizabeth Catte’s What You Are Getting Wrong About Appalachia is a frank assessment of America’s recent fascination with the people and problems of the region. The book analyzes trends in contemporary writing on Appalachia, presents a brief history of Appalachia with an eye toward unpacking Appalachian stereotypes, and provides examples of writing, art, and policy created by Appalachians as opposed to for Appalachians. The book offers a must-needed insider’s perspective on the region. Presented in conjunction with Appalachia Now!

Thursday, October 10, 2019
Seminar: How to SCORE in Business
Oct 10 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Henderson County Chamber of Commerce
Event Description:
How to SCORE in Business
Featuring a panel of Business Experts for brief “how to use SCORE” followed by Q&A
Panel includes:
Health Care Administrator and Professor Emeritus
Small Business Owner
Commercial Banker
Chief Information Officer and Small Business Owner
Marketing Expert for Major Multinational Companies.
Franchise Business Operations Officer

For over 50 years SCORE’s thousands of working and retired business professionals have volunteered to support the success of small business nationwide.  SCORE business mentoring is free and confidential and provide general business advice on every aspect of business planning, startup, management and growth.

Ramble Ladies Evening Book Club
Oct 10 @ 7:00 pm
contact organizer

Second Thursday each Month
If you are interested in joining the Ramble Ladies Evening Book Club held the second Thursday of each month at 7pm, please, contact Judy Deutsch at [email protected].
Sunday, October 13, 2019
15th anniversary Southeast Wise Women Herbal Conference
Oct 13 all-day
near Asheville

The Southeast Wise Women Herbal Conference is a weekend for women to learn, celebrate and connect. Come share inspiration, celebration and practical learning about earth-based healing and women’s health. Surrounded by the ancient Blue Ridge Mountains, our venue at Kanuga Lake offers a serene backdrop for over 50 workshops and classes in herbalism, nutrition, personal growth and natural healing.

2019 featured speakers include Karen Rose, Sally Fallon, Dr. Jody Noe, Gina Breedlove and many more!

For all of the details and easy online registration visit www.sewisewomen.com

Southeast Wise Woman Herbal Conference
Oct 13 all-day
Kanuga Conference & Retreat Center

conferencelogo

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

Monday, October 14, 2019
DIYSigns Free Tool Designed to Help Educate about What’s Recyclable
Oct 14 all-day
online tool
The Recycling Partnership announced the public beta launch of DIYSigns, the debut of a free online resource that anyone can use to help people know what to throw into the recycling. Whether at home, at the office, at school, at a sports stadium, or anywhere, education is needed to show what is recyclable and where.

 

“We know that consumer confusion is one of the top reasons why trash still ends up in recycling bins and carts. Our community partners have asked for our help in creating free and customizable posters, labels and signs and we were happy to deliver. Anything we can do to help public and private sector recycling succeed is a boost for the industry,” said Keefe Harrison, CEO of The Recycling Partnership.

 

DIYSigns is an online tool with editable templates available in a variety of sizes from a bumper sticker to a poster – to fit just right wherever it’s needed.  Check out DIYSigns!
National Electrical Code (NEC) Class for Contractors
Oct 14 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Wesley Grant Sr. South Center

continuing education logo

Did you know that the Development Services Department offers training opportunities for professional development? Classes are held at Wesley Grant Sr. South Center, 285 Livingston St, Asheville, NC 28801 (unless noted otherwise).

Below is a list of upcoming classes:

  • Electrical Journeyman Test: Oct. 15, 8 a.m. to noon. Cost: $50.
  • Building Code Class: Nov. 5 and 12 (tentative dates), 1 to 4 p.m. Cost: $65.
  • Plumbing Code Class: Dec. 3 and 10, 1 to 4 p.m. (tentative dates). Cost: $65.
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
Electrical Journeyman Test
Oct 15 @ 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Wesley Grant Sr. South Center

continuing education logo

 

 

 

Did you know that the Development Services Department offers training opportunities for professional development? Classes are held at Wesley Grant Sr. South Center, 285 Livingston St, Asheville, NC 28801 (unless noted otherwise).

Below is a list of upcoming classes:

  • Building Code Class: Nov. 5 and 12 (tentative dates), 1 to 4 p.m. Cost: $65.
  • Plumbing Code Class: Dec. 3 and 10, 1 to 4 p.m. (tentative dates). Cost: $65.
National Electrical Code (NEC) Class for Contractors
Oct 15 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Wesley Grant Sr. South Center

continuing education logo

Did you know that the Development Services Department offers training opportunities for professional development? Classes are held at Wesley Grant Sr. South Center, 285 Livingston St, Asheville, NC 28801 (unless noted otherwise).

Below is a list of upcoming classes:

  • Electrical Journeyman Test: Oct. 15, 8 a.m. to noon. Cost: $50.
  • Building Code Class: Nov. 5 and 12 (tentative dates), 1 to 4 p.m. Cost: $65.
  • Plumbing Code Class: Dec. 3 and 10, 1 to 4 p.m. (tentative dates). Cost: $65.
Thursday, October 17, 2019
Caitlin Donovan: “In The way of all Flesh”
Oct 17 @ 6:30 pm
Firestorm bookstore

A new spooky book just in time for Halloween.  Caitlin Donovan will present works from  her young adult book “In The way of all Flesh” a paranormal fantasy novel; October 17th at 6:30 at the Firestorm bookstore in West Asheville. There will be giveaways, snacks and a Q&A session. Donovan has written for several magazines and blogs including Cracked, Anime feminist and Epicstream. She currently lives in Asheville and is working on a new book. For more information please  visit caitlinalisedonovan.com###

Friday, October 18, 2019
EVENT PLANNING CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
Oct 18 all-day
WCU Biltmore Park
  • It’s critical for planners to know how to effectively organize, budget and market a variety of different events to keep the company in the green, out of trouble, and on the minds of donors, business partners, and customers. Earning a certificate in Event Planning will expose you to the many different facets of being an event planner from managing people and projects to increasing exposure and dollars for your organization. Participants can earn a certificate by attending six of the designated event planning workshops (EP), which are offered each semester. Participants do not enroll in the certificate program, but rather complete the workshops at their own pace. Workshops are offered each semester (spring and fall) on either Thursday or Friday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. at WCU at Biltmore Park, Asheville, NC.

    Instructors will distribute a case study at the end of each EP workshop, and participants submit the case studies to the program coordinator when all 6 workshops are completed to complete the final requirement for the certificate. The workshop instructors include professionals from the Western North Carolina business and hospitality industry and faculty from Western Carolina University.

    Complete 6 of the below EP workshops and earn a certificate.

    Fee: $119 per workshop or register for 6 workshops for $640 (a 10% discount!) Workshops include lunch and continuing education credits.

  • FIVE-STAR CUSTOMER SERVICE FOR THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY Friday, August 16, 2019
  • MAKING EVERY PENNY COUNT: EVENT BUDGETING 101 Friday, September 20, 2019
  • CURRENT & TESTED SOCIAL MEDIA STRATEGIES FOR DIGITAL MARKETING  Friday, October 18, 2019
  • ENGAGE, STRATEGIZE, CULTIVATE – THE ART OF SECURING EVENT SPONSORSHIPS Thursday, October 24, 2019
  • MAXIMIZING YOUR RETURN FROM TRADESHOWS, EXPOS AND FAIRS Thursday, November 7, 2019
  • CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS, LIABILITY AND RISK FACTORS Friday, November 22, 2019
BIG BOOK SALE! Pack Library
Oct 18 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Pack Library

– ANTIQUE & COLLECTIBLE BOOKS, CDs, DVDs, SIGNED BOOKS – Priced as marked. (Special 1/2 price sale on Sat.)
– BOOKENDS USED BOOK STORE – 1/2 off our usual low prices.
– COFFEE TABLE and CHILDREN’S BETTER BOOKS – Priced as marked. (Special 1/2 price sale on Sat.)
Notes:
– Credit Cards will be accepted.
– Parking: The Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands will be at the U.S. Cellular Center; special parking rates will be in effect.
– Safety & Fairness Rules will be observed in Bookends. (No personal rolling carts or baskets.)

Saturday, October 19, 2019
DIYSigns Free Tool Designed to Help Educate about What’s Recyclable
Oct 19 all-day
online tool
The Recycling Partnership announced the public beta launch of DIYSigns, the debut of a free online resource that anyone can use to help people know what to throw into the recycling. Whether at home, at the office, at school, at a sports stadium, or anywhere, education is needed to show what is recyclable and where.

 

“We know that consumer confusion is one of the top reasons why trash still ends up in recycling bins and carts. Our community partners have asked for our help in creating free and customizable posters, labels and signs and we were happy to deliver. Anything we can do to help public and private sector recycling succeed is a boost for the industry,” said Keefe Harrison, CEO of The Recycling Partnership.

 

DIYSigns is an online tool with editable templates available in a variety of sizes from a bumper sticker to a poster – to fit just right wherever it’s needed.  Check out DIYSigns!
BIG BOOK SALE! Pack Library
Oct 19 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Pack Library

– ANTIQUE & COLLECTIBLE BOOKS, CDs, DVDs, SIGNED BOOKS – Priced as marked. (Special 1/2 price sale on Sat.)
– BOOKENDS USED BOOK STORE – 1/2 off our usual low prices.
– COFFEE TABLE and CHILDREN’S BETTER BOOKS – Priced as marked. (Special 1/2 price sale on Sat.)
Notes:
– Credit Cards will be accepted.
– Parking: The Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands will be at the U.S. Cellular Center; special parking rates will be in effect.
– Safety & Fairness Rules will be observed in Bookends. (No personal rolling carts or baskets.)

Bears Bees + Brews
Oct 19 @ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
New Belgium Brewing

We’re celebrating and learning about human-wildlife coexistence and conservation from trusted organizations, while enjoying lively, family-friendly entertainment, sweet+savory bites, and tasty brews, all in one place.

Join our guest list and spread the word.

We’ll see you there! ???

Fall Stargazing and Cosmic Storytelling
Oct 19 @ 9:00 pm – 10:30 pm
Hickory Nut Gap Farm

Join local astronomer and author Stephan Martin on a tour of the stars and constellations of the fall night sky above the farm. We’ll discuss some of the myths of the constellations along with the seasonal changes in the sky at this time as well as some of the latest discoveries in astronomy and theories of the universe. All ages are welcome and no background in astronomy or science is required.

Sunday, October 20, 2019
DIYSigns Free Tool Designed to Help Educate about What’s Recyclable
Oct 20 all-day
online tool
The Recycling Partnership announced the public beta launch of DIYSigns, the debut of a free online resource that anyone can use to help people know what to throw into the recycling. Whether at home, at the office, at school, at a sports stadium, or anywhere, education is needed to show what is recyclable and where.

 

“We know that consumer confusion is one of the top reasons why trash still ends up in recycling bins and carts. Our community partners have asked for our help in creating free and customizable posters, labels and signs and we were happy to deliver. Anything we can do to help public and private sector recycling succeed is a boost for the industry,” said Keefe Harrison, CEO of The Recycling Partnership.

 

DIYSigns is an online tool with editable templates available in a variety of sizes from a bumper sticker to a poster – to fit just right wherever it’s needed.  Check out DIYSigns!
Monday, October 21, 2019
Financial Permaculture – How to Start Your Own Community Savings Pool
Oct 21 @ 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Lenoir-Rhyne University

Join us for the evening for this practical training organized by Co-operate WNC

(a regional mutual aid network), Transition Asheville, and Lenoir Rhyne University.

A community savings pool is a resource-sharing technique whereby a trusted group of 15-25 people

pool their individual savings and then collectively loan money to each other for personal needs and

goals, community projects, business startups and expansions and so on.

Co-operate WNC has identified savings pools as one of the most powerful strategies to

pursue its mission: empowering a regional society of local organizers to grow a mutual aid

network of physical community centers that meet human needs and act as organizing hubs

for climate resilience.

We’ll play a savings pool game, and briefly discuss other cooperative financial tools and mutual aid

practices to improve your community’s life, respond to climate chaos, and grow a regenerative culture

and economy in our region. This discussion will include considerations around the bigger picture of

equity and access in our region and how our community organizing activities can either reinforce or

transform oppressive historical patterns.

You’ll leave with a tangible sense of how to organize and run a savings pool, the benefits

and risks of participation, tools for doing it successfully, and next steps in your own life for

starting or participating in one.

Please consider attending this event with some friends/family/colleagues, as the hope is that you can

go home and start a savings circle with people you trust.

 

Tuesday, October 22, 2019
Social Justice Book Club
Oct 22 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Alternates Leicester Library Firestorm Book Store

Social Justice Book Club

Tuesday, October 22, 2019, 7 – 8pm
Location Leicester Library – 1561 Alexander Rd. – Leicester
Phone (828) 250-6480
Email [email protected]
Event Type Book Club
Age Group Adult
Library Leicester
Details

Build relationships and build your understanding of social justice in this new reading group sponsored by the Leicester Library!

Monthly meetings will alternate between the Leicester Library and Firestorm.

On October 22, we’ll discuss I’m Still Here by Austin Channing Brown at the Leicester Library.

On November 26, we’ll discuss The 57 Bus by Dashka Slater at Firestorm.

On December 17, we’ll discuss How To Be Less Stupid About Race by Crystal Fleming at the Leicester Library.

You may check out the book from any BCPL branch, or purchase a copy at a discount from Firestorm. Meetings will alternate monthly between the Leicester Library and Firestorm.

Future titles will be selected with guidance from the host librarian and book club participants.

Link www.firestorm.coop…
Thursday, October 24, 2019
EVENT PLANNING CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
Oct 24 all-day
WCU Biltmore Park
  • It’s critical for planners to know how to effectively organize, budget and market a variety of different events to keep the company in the green, out of trouble, and on the minds of donors, business partners, and customers. Earning a certificate in Event Planning will expose you to the many different facets of being an event planner from managing people and projects to increasing exposure and dollars for your organization. Participants can earn a certificate by attending six of the designated event planning workshops (EP), which are offered each semester. Participants do not enroll in the certificate program, but rather complete the workshops at their own pace. Workshops are offered each semester (spring and fall) on either Thursday or Friday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. at WCU at Biltmore Park, Asheville, NC.

    Instructors will distribute a case study at the end of each EP workshop, and participants submit the case studies to the program coordinator when all 6 workshops are completed to complete the final requirement for the certificate. The workshop instructors include professionals from the Western North Carolina business and hospitality industry and faculty from Western Carolina University.

    Complete 6 of the below EP workshops and earn a certificate.

    Fee: $119 per workshop or register for 6 workshops for $640 (a 10% discount!) Workshops include lunch and continuing education credits.

  • FIVE-STAR CUSTOMER SERVICE FOR THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY Friday, August 16, 2019
  • MAKING EVERY PENNY COUNT: EVENT BUDGETING 101 Friday, September 20, 2019
  • CURRENT & TESTED SOCIAL MEDIA STRATEGIES FOR DIGITAL MARKETING  Friday, October 18, 2019
  • ENGAGE, STRATEGIZE, CULTIVATE – THE ART OF SECURING EVENT SPONSORSHIPS Thursday, October 24, 2019
  • MAXIMIZING YOUR RETURN FROM TRADESHOWS, EXPOS AND FAIRS Thursday, November 7, 2019
  • CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS, LIABILITY AND RISK FACTORS Friday, November 22, 2019
Asheville residents City-owned downtown properties Council Meeting
Oct 24 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
U.S. Cellular Center Banquet Hall

The City of Asheville is moving forward with the  creation of a master concept plan for City-owned properties on Haywood Street and Page Avenue. With the help of the award-winning consultant team Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects, residents can anticipate up to three conceptual designs for Council consideration for the acre of land at the intersection of Haywood and Page in downtown Asheville.

The two public sessions will take place on October 24 at the , 87 Haywood St., and on site around the property.

  • Meeting #1:

    • Noon — Food truck lunch at 68 Haywood Street and site walk-throughs

    • 1:15 p.m. — Presentation at U.S. Cellular Center Banquet Hall

  • Meeting #2:

    • 5:30 p.m. — Food truck dinner at 68 Haywood Street and site walk-throughs

    • 6:45 p.m. — Presentation at U.S. Cellular Center Banquet Hall

During the meetings  the consultant team will walk residents through a mapping exercise, followed by a site walk with community dossiers at key points of interest in and around the site.

During this phase, the primary objective will focus on creating bold and vibrant designs for the Haywood/Page property. Based on the meetings, the City and the consultant team will bring back designs to the community in winter.

Lunch and dinner will be provided. Parking  in the Civic Center Garage is free of charge, attendees should see staff for a validation sticker. RSVP is appreciated, but not required. Register here. For more information, please visit ashevillenc.gov.

Teen Writing Workshop with Jill Criswell
Oct 24 @ 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Pack Library

Teen Writing Workshop with Jill Criswell

Jill Criswell, young adult fantasy author and writing instructor at USC Upstate, will lead a writing workshop for aspiring writers and hobbyists. Focusing on world-building, this workshop will help writers better understand how to add details to their story’s settings and use this as a foundation for their characters and plot. All attendees will be entered in a drawing to win a signed hardcover copy of Criswell’s novel, Beasts of the Frozen Sun.

Bio: Jill Criswell is a writer of young adult fantasy. Born and raised in the swamps of northeastern Florida, she earned degrees in English and Psychology and an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Central Florida. Her greatest passion, besides reading and writing, is traveling the world; she’s visited fifty countries across six continents, falling in love with places like Iceland, Namibia, and Cambodia. She works as a university English teacher and lives in South Carolina, near the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, with her husband and daughter (who is named after a volcano in Iceland). Beasts of the Frozen Sun, the first book in the Frozen Sun trilogy, is her debut novel.

Registration is required for this event!

Friday, October 25, 2019
Southeastern Animal Fiber Fair
Oct 25 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
WNC Ag Center,

THE FAIR IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER!
Join us for 3 days of fun for the entire family! See spinning, knitting, weaving, felting, sheep, goats and much more! Join a workshop class to improve your skills or just enjoy browsing and shopping the beautiful and unique apparel and wearables.