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, June 12, 2020
Voting in the June 23 Second Primary Election: What You Need to Know
Jun 12 all-day
Buncombe County

The upcoming Second Primary Election is on Tuesday, June 23. Buncombe County Election Services wants to make sure you have all the information you need. Below is information about Early Voting, absentee ballots, finding out if you’re registered, sample ballots, and more. If you have additional questions, contact Election Services at (828) 250-4200.

Nature Connects®: Art with LEGO® Bricks
Jun 12 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Please note: Nature Connects®: Art with LEGO® Bricks has been postponed until July; however, the exhibit will have an extended schedule and will be open until November 1. We look forward to seeing you!

The Arboretum is excited to welcome back the widely popular traveling exhibit, Nature Connects®: Art with LEGO® Bricks by Sean Kenney. Featuring 14 larger-than-life-size sculptures place created with nearly 500,000 LEGO Bricks, this family-friendly exhibit draws inspiration from the living world and combines art, play and science to create an inspiring intersection of education, entertainment and the environment. New sculptures include a 5-foot tall colorful peacock, giant dragonfly, bonsai tree and more!

 

Chimney Rock Park Phase 2 Reopening
Jun 12 @ 8:30 am – 7:00 pm
Chimney Rock Park

New Park Updates Starting June 5

Since moving into Phase 2, we have slowly begun to reopen more and more amenities within the Park, while still emphasizing safe social distancing, handwashing/hand sanitizing, and masks where necessary. Here is what you need to know before visiting:

  • The Park is open Fridays – Tuesdays; the Ticket Plaza hours are from 8:30am – 4:30pm. Park closes at 7pm. We will continue to be closed on Wednesdays & Thursdays for construction on the top parking lot.
  • Since the Park will be operating at a “limited” parking capacity to allow for safe & maintainable social distancing, entrance into the Park will be on a first-come, first-serve basis. If capacity is reached, the Park will close to any further entry until some space has cleared to allow more vehicles to enter.
  • The top parking lot is still closed due to construction, so all guests will be required to park in the Meadows area (just past the Ticket Plaza).
  • While we are still encouraging guests to hike into the Park from the Meadows, we are now offering a limited shuttle service up to the top parking lot for those who are unable to hike. Facemasks or face coverings are required on all shuttles. Masks will be available for purchase for a minimal cost at the Ticket Plaza and in our gift shops. Shuttles will only be able to transport a limited number of guests per trip which may result in longer wait times. If you plan to ride the shuttle, please plan your day accordingly.
  • All annual passes purchased between March 2019 and March 2020 will receive an additional two months to their expiration date to make up for the period in which the Park was recently closed.
  • All six hiking trails are open, the Great Woodland Adventure trail is open for those looking for an easier, family-friendly hike. The Animal Discovery Den will be closed.
  • The elevator will remain closed at this time.
  • Cliff Dwellers gift shop and the Sky Lounge (near the Chimney) will be open with limited capacity. Snacks and bottled drinks will be available at both of these locations.
  • The Ticket Plaza will be accessible by drive-thru windows or the lobby will be available for one-person entry at a time.
  • The restrooms are open and will be marked with standing areas to provide proper social distancing. Beverage vending machines are also located next to each of these restrooms.
  • The Old Rock Café (in Chimney Rock Village) is open daily from 11am – 5pm for limited indoor and outdoor seating, which will be offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. Take-out service is also available. Please see OldRockCafe.com for more information.
  • Our associates will be taking appropriate precautions to protect the safety of ourselves and all of our guests. We are prepared and trained to handle any situation during this time.
  • Please recreate responsibly and continue to maintain proper social distancing, handwashing, and hygiene during your visit. Stay safe!

This plan is subject to change depending on circumstances. We appreciate your support and understanding during these unprecedented times and look forward to seeing you on the mountain sometime soon.

ODYSSEY CLAYWORKS 2020–Kids Clay Camp — A Bug’s Life — Ages 5 – 8
Jun 12 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
ODYSSEY CLAYWORKS

Instructor: Paige Janeri

What do you think of bugs? Are they eww gross? Or way cool?! One thing is for certain, they are super important for a healthy planet. We can learn a lot from these little critters, and in this camp, we will do just that! We’ll dig in the dirt and watch our ideas take flight. Come on all you earthworms and ladybugs! Let’s party!

Tuition: $225
$25 discount for siblings enrolled in the same class
Use promo code “claycamp25”

Pisgah Legal Services: Helps Unemployed Due to COVID-19 Find Health Insurance
Jun 12 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Online

Pisgah Legal Services Launches Campaign to Help Those Recently Unemployed Due to COVID-19 Find Health Insurance through Special Enrollment Process

 

Pisgah Legal Services (PLS), a nonprofit that provides free, civil legal aid in Western North Carolina, recently launched a targeted campaign to reach people recently unemployed due to COVID-19 who may have also lost their health insurance. Anyone who has experienced a qualifying life event in the past 60 days, including job loss, may qualify for Affordable Care Act (ACA) insurance. Pisgah Legal Services offers free assistance and free information to help understand options for affordable health insurance. To find out more or to make an appointment, visit pisgahlegal.org/aca  or call 828-210-3404.

 

“The COVID-19 pandemic has left many people without jobs and with that, health insurance,” said Jim Barrett, Executive Director for Pisgah Legal Services. “Many of these people may qualify to file for health insurance through Special Enrollment and it’s our goal to help them understand their options.”

 

As recently as early May, NC had surpassed the one million mark for individual unemployment insurance benefit claims, as noted on the N.C. Division of Employment website. Almost one-quarter, or 20.3 percent of the 4.97 million North Carolinians listed in the state’s workforce as of mid-March have filed an unemployment insurance claim. “The need is great and will likely grow,” notes Barrett. “Pisgah Legal wants to make sure that no one misses health care coverage as a result of recent job loss.”

 

When qualifying for a special enrollment period, people do not have to wait until November for Open Enrollment; they can take advantage of options now. One Asheville resident, Christina, lost her job in March and with it, her insurance. She suffers from heart disease and without insurance, was unsure how she would afford her medicines. By working with Pisgah Legal Services, she was able to get a Blue Cross Blue Shield plan for less than $17/month.  “Pisgah Legal took care of everything for me,” said Christina. She hopes others take advantage of this valuable, free service.

 

Pisgah Legal Services works with organizations in WNC to provide these services across the region. These organizations include: Blue Ridge Community Health Services, Council on Aging of Buncombe County, Legal Aid or North Carolina, Mountain Projects, Inc., and, Western Carolina Medical Society.

 

 

 

 

Toe River Arts Reopens in Spruce Pine and Burnsville
Jun 12 @ 10:30 am – 5:00 pm
Toe River Arts

Guests can once again peruse and purchase handmade wares from the local artist community. Guests who visit
the Spruce Pine location will also be able to preview artwork that will be featured in an upcoming
online auction to help raise funds lost during the COVID-19 pandemic. To keep all visitors and staff
safe, visitors will be required to wear a face covering and sanitize their hands upon entering.
Toe River Arts has made great strides within the last few years to reassess programming and artistic
endeavors to ensure the organization is truly fulfilling its mission. The organization has wonderful
partners in both the town of Burnsville and Yancey County. Since 2006, Toe River Arts has occupied
office space and featured the work of local artists at 102 West Main Street in Burnsville. In July Toe
River Arts will turn the upper floor into artist studio spaces. Artists who are members of Toe River Arts
with studio space in the Burnsville location will have access to the gallery space, as well as unlimited
access to their studio space. Toe River Arts will feature artist demonstrations and continue to sell
artist’s work in the gift shop.
Anyone interested in renting a studio space should contact Nealy Andrews at [email protected]

Asheville Outlets Hosts American Red Cross Blood Donation Drive
Jun 12 @ 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Asheville outlets

The need for blood donations continues! Asheville Outlets will host a blood donation drive in partnership with the American Red Cross, Friday, June 12, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm between Famous Footwear and VF Factory Outlet.

Donors are asked to register in advance, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org/give and entering the sponsor code Ashevilleoutlets. The American Red Cross will establish additional safety guidelines to ensure all donors are socially distanced.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stated that the coronavirus (COVID-19) does not pose any known risk to blood donors during the donation process or from attending blood drives.

For more information visit ShopAshevilleOutlets.com.

Free Lunches at Ferguson YMCA
Jun 12 @ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Ferguson Family YMCA

Image may contain: 2 people, people sitting and outdoor, possible text that says 'the MEETING COMMUNITY NEED'

FREE LUNCHES for anyone 18 years of age and under at the Ferguson Family YMCA. Simply drive up to our front door and let us know how many lunches you need, no questions asked.

For additional food for your family, pick up a FREE box of fresh produce at our Mobile Markets. Calendars are online at ymcawnc.org/nutritionprograms.

ODYSSEY CLAYWORKS 2020–Kids Clay Camp — It’s Wheely Fun! — Ages 8 – 12
Jun 12 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
ODYSSEY CLAYWORKS

Instructor: Halima Flynt

Learn how to throw on the potter’s wheel during this “wheely” fun camp! We will make and decorate mugs, bowls, flower vases and more! Join Halima for a fun camp with an upbeat atmosphere. Let’s go for a spin!

Tuition: $225
$25 discount for siblings enrolled in the same class
Use promo code “claycamp25”

In This Together: closer with music and conversation
Jun 12 @ 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
online radio

Check out our new weekly segment called In This Together, something to help bring us a little closer with music and conversation in a time when we need to be apart. Hosted by Daniel Gilliam and Teddy Abrams, with each show we’ll virtually gather with notable figures, musicians and you. You can listen Fridays at 3pm on 90.5 WUOL or watch live on Facebook.

Brews and Bears: WNC Nature Center CANCELLED
Jun 12 @ 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
WNC Nature Center

It’s happy hour at the WNC Nature Center! Join us for the always popular Brews & Bears after hours event featuring beer, cider, food, music, and an up close view of an awesome bear enrichment activity with our black bears Uno and Ursa!  Event will run from 5:30pm-8:00pm with food and drink available for purchase.

Tickets sell out quickly!

Children ages 2 and under get in free, all others will need a ticket to attend this event.

*Please bring valid photo ID to purchase alcoholic beverages.

This is a rain or shine event. If the weather is so bad that we are forced to cancel/reschedule, we will post that information on our Facebook event page and email everyone who has purchased tickets.

Free Dead Fridays
Jun 12 @ 5:30 pm
The One Stop at Asheville Music Hall

Join us at The One Stop at Asheville Music Hall every Friday at 5:30PM for our FREE Acoustic Grateful Dead series Featuring members of Phuncle Sam and great drink and food specials.

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Legally Blonde
Jun 12 @ 7:30 pm
Asheville Community Theatre
Chorus Line POSTPONED to 2021 Season
Jun 12 @ 8:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse
Formal Friday, a fancy online comedy show
Jun 12 @ 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Online

 

Image may contain: possible text that says 'Modelface Comedy Presents Formal Friday Instagram Live 8pm EST @ModelfaceComedy Venmo @modelface-comed comedy All donations will be shared Join a group of the best dressed comedians for a fancy night of high-clas -class laughs'

A fancy formal live comedy show on the internet featuring 10 very well dressed comedians!

Live streaming on Instagram on @ModelfaceComedy
The show is free but tips are appreciated and will be divided among all the comics on the show.
Paypal [email protected]
Venmo @modelface-comedy

Saturday, June 13, 2020
 Keith’s Corner! Czech composer Leoš Janáček
Jun 13 all-day
Online
It’s time for a brand new Keith’s Corner! This week, Keith explores the music of Czech composer Leoš Janáček, specifically the Adagio movement from the Idyll for String Orchestra. The featured performance is by A Far Cry, a self-conducted and Boston-based chamber orchestra.
Absentee Ballot Information: June 23 Second Primary Election
Jun 13 all-day
Buncombe County

The second primary election will take place on Tuesday, June 23. Eligible voters include:

  • Registered Republicans
  • Unaffiliated voters that voted Republican in March
  • Unaffiliated voters that did not vote in March

Absentee by-mail voting is taking place now.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and response the North Carolina State Board is reminding North Carolinians that all voters can vote by mail during every election, casting a ballot without leaving the comfort of home. No excuse is necessary. The State Board Office and Task Force are discussing ways to make voting by mail easier, while making sure that the 100 county boards of elections stand ready to process an expected increase in mail-in ballots. If you, or someone you know, will be unavailable to vote in person, there is information you need to know to ensure your vote is counted.

For active duty military, their family members, and U.S. citizens living abroad:

You will need to go to FVAP.gov or ncsbe.gov/voting-options/military-overseas-voting and follow the absentee ballot instructions to receive an absentee ballot. If you have questions about that process, you can call us at (828) 250-4222.

For all others wishing to receive an absentee ballot:

Anyone else wishing to request an absentee ballot may do so for any reason as long as they complete a 2020 North Carolina Absentee Ballot Request Form and return it one of the following ways:

  • Mail it to: P.O. Box 7468, Asheville, NC 28802
  • Hand deliver it to the dropbox located in the entryway of our office at 77 McDowell St., Asheville, 28801

Special Note: Military and overseas voters may email to [email protected] or fax (828) 250-6262 a signed copy of this form.

Deadline to return the completed Absentee Ballot Request Form is Tuesday, June 16, at 5 p.m.

Once your N.C. Absentee Ballot Request Form has been received, an absentee ballot will be sent out. Absentee ballots must be postmarked on or before Tuesday, June 23, 2020, and received by Friday, June 26, at 5 p.m. They may also be returned in person to our office (by 5 p.m. on June 23) but only by the voter or a near relative. For more information about absentee voting, visit the North Carolina Board of Elections website.

Near relative exceptions

From June 17 to June 22, a voter’s near relative may come into the office to fill out an absentee request form for a voter who is sick or disabled who did not previously request an absentee ballot. The request will be processed immediately and the ballot handed to the near relative to take to the voter.  These ballots have the same deadlines as stated above.

The following qualify as a near relative: spouse, brother, sister, parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, in-laws, stepparent, stepchild, or verifiable legal guardian.

Session Law 2019-239 made several changes to the absentee voting process. Changes include:

  • An absentee request form is now valid only if returned to the county board of elections by the voter, the voter’s near relative or legal guardian, or a Multi-partisan Assistance Team (MAT).
  • The absentee request form must be mailed or delivered in person to the voter’s county board of elections. Unlike past elections, request forms may not be emailed or faxed.
  • If a voter needs help completing the request form due to blindness, disability, or inability to read or write, and a near relative or legal guardian is not available, the voter may get help from another person, who must list their name and address on the form.

For any additional information or questions contact us at (828) 250-4200.

AMS Socially-Distanced Summer Camps
Jun 13 all-day
Asheville Music School

Image may contain: 8 people, people playing musical instruments

We are happy to announce that we will be offering socially-distanced summer camps. All camps will comply with CDC and NCDHHS and the state Executive Order 138 regarding easing restrictions on travel, business operations, and mass gatherings: Phase 1.

Here are some guidelines and protocols that we are putting in place, including, but not limited to:

• Providing adequate hand sanitizer, hand washing stations, and disinfectant solutions.

• All campers will be required to bring masks to camp, and to wear them in all appropriate settings.

• Camps with more than 10 people will be held outdoors to assist in maintaining 6 or more feet of social distancing.

• Camps with 10 or fewer people will be held indoors at AMS Loft, with proper ventilation assured, and will include as much outdoor time as possible.

• Singing will be properly monitored for extra social distancing, and will include masks and 1-person-use microphones at all times.

JUNE 15-19: Rock Camp, ages 10-18

JULY 13-17: Ukulele Camp, ages 7-10, 9am-12pm

JULY 20-24: Ukulele Camp, ages 7-10, 9am-12pm

JULY 27-31: Harry Potter-themed Suzuki Strings, ages 7-12

JUNE 8-12: Fiddle Camp, ages 7-12, 1pm-4pm

Camps run 9am-4pm, except where noted.
Prices range from $190-$350

Application Open for Farm Beginnings 2020/2021
Jun 13 all-day
Organic growers School

 

Organic Growers School’s Farm Beginnings® Farmer Training is entering its sixth year offering a year long farmer training. Organic Growers School has graduated 61 farmers in the last 5 years and will graduate 76  by September 2020.  Farm Beginnings® is a 12-month training that uses a mix of farmer-led classroom sessions, on-farm tours, mentorship, and an extensive farmer network, tapping into the  knowledge of the most innovative & skilled farmers in Western NC. During this current pandemic, the role of farmers and how food gets to our tables has been more at the forefront of conversations. Many individuals right now are expressing interest in growing their own food and developing more self sufficiency and land based skills. If you want to farm, it has never been easy and if you want to get into farming now, it is time to do so with the right support and training on how to be adaptive and resilient, like our Farm Beginnings training.

Apply Now for a Preservation Grant
Jun 13 all-day
Online
Our second and final grant round of 2020 is now open.  We will be accepting grant applications through August 9th in the following categories:
1. Bricks and Mortar -Rehabilitation, restoration and repair of structures that are 50 years of age or older
2. Public Education -Development of educational materials and programs that advance knowledge of our shared history
3. Planning, Survey and Designation -Planning and design for building rehabilitation and restoration projects, historic resource surveys and local or national designations
Asheville Art Museum Summer Art Camp To Go!
Jun 13 all-day
online classes

Summer Art Camp To Go!

Join us for Summer Art Camp To Go! Sessions are available for K–12 students. Each weekly session includes several age-appropriate art projects using a variety of materials to engage students in an exploration of art through creativity and imagination. Enrollment is limited, and registration is required.Registration includes instructional videos for each project, art materials, and daily virtual classes. Virtual classes—beginning at 10am via Zoom—include time for inspiration, Q&A, and sharing. Streaming instructional videos and creative challenges are designed to provide hours of creative engagement at your own pace each day. All art materials necessary for each session are available for curbside pickup at the Museum the week before each session begins; if you prefer to ship materials to your home, then two weeks’ advance registration is required. Registration starts this Monday. For more information, email Sharon McRorie, education programs manager, or call 828.253.3227 x124.

Members: $85, Non-Members: $95 (additional charge for shipping materials)

Asheville Art Museum: #MuseumFromHome
Jun 13 all-day
Online

Now more than ever, we’re striving to provide you with inspiration, education, relaxation, and solace through art. Until we reopen to Members and visitors, we invite you to explore our Collectionvirtual programsblog, and art activities through the Museum From Home page on our website. Here’s a sample of our latest virtual offerings:

Work of the Week: Assistant Curator Whitney Richardson examines the history of craft and its ability to let historically silenced people express themselves artistically. When craft allows artists to make their voices actively heard, it can serve an even higher purpose. The pottery of Upstate South Carolina artists known as Pottery by Eugene offers husband-and-wife team Rosa & Winton Eugene a way not only to share their skills and creativity but also to communicate their voices as African Americans. Read more here.
#MakerMonday: In the 1960s, artist Ray Johnson began to create small collages and drawings. He mailed them to friends and other artists. Sometimes he would ask them to add something and mail it back. What began as a simple and creative form of communication developed into what is now known as “mail art.” For instructions and inspiration to create your own mail art click here. Look for a new art activity on our website this Monday.
Big Star Nothing Can Hurt Me-The Orange Peel
Jun 13 all-day
Online

BIG STAR: NOTHING CAN HURT ME is a feature-length documentary about legendary Memphis band Big Star. While mainstream success eluded them, Big Star’s three albums have become critically lauded touchstones of the rock music canon. A seminal band in the history of alternative music, Big Star has been cited as an influence by artists including REM, The Replacements, Belle & Sebastian, Elliot Smith and Flaming Lips, to name just a few. With never-before-seen footage and photos of the band, in-depth interviews and a rousing musical tribute by the bands they inspired, BIG STAR: NOTHING CAN HURT ME is a story of artistic and musical salvation.

Brevard Music Center Video of the Week: Morgen! by Richard Strauss
Jun 13 all-day
Online

Video of the Week

Charles Mutter shares a performance of Morgen! (Tomorrow!) by Richard Strauss with Ilona Domnich, soprano, and Anthony Legge, piano. The text is by John Henry Mackay, translated by Richard Stokes.

And tomorrow the sun will shine again
And on the path that I shall take,
It will unite us, happy ones, again,
Amid this same sun-breathing earth…
And to the shore, broad, blue-waved,
We shall quietly and slowly descend,
Speechless we shall gaze into each other’s eyes,
And the speechless silence of bliss shall fall on us.

Digital BMC: MOZART Symphony No. 41, BUSSER Etude No. 1
Jun 13 all-day
Online

Digital BMC

Selected past performances by BMC orchestras, faculty, and guest artists on YouTube, SoundCloud, and Open Air Brevard.

Free Video: India Arie – Worthy Tour LIVE @ LEAF Festival
Jun 13 all-day
Like many movements in history and moments that changed the world, there’s more than one step that pushes us forward. When thinking about how we can qualify the current moment, we have to look at what people are fighting for and see how they determine that progress has taken place. While many inequalities that people of color have faced have been outlawed for some time, it is the equity that has escaped them. The difference being an emphasis on the identity of the person asking for help.

For example, if Equality is synonymous with “leveling the playing field” then Equity should be synonymous with “more for those who need it.” Having a fuller appreciation for the difference is key to progressing our country forward. And we’ll know that we are moving in the right direction when disenfranchised communities feel hope and see change. Hope, that they will see a brighter tomorrow. Hope, their children will grow up without fear or prejudice. Hope, that the world sees them as worthy.

Music creates hope and change. From American to African voices, enjoy two vintage LEAF Concerts.

Jupiter & Okwess – Congolese Freedom Music
@ ​47th LEAF Festival 
Fall 2018

Free Video: Jupiter & Okwess – Congolese Freedom Music @ ​47th LEAF
Jun 13 all-day
Online

Like many movements in history and moments that changed the world, there’s more than one step that pushes us forward. When thinking about how we can qualify the current moment, we have to look at what people are fighting for and see how they determine that progress has taken place. While many inequalities that people of color have faced have been outlawed for some time, it is the equity that has escaped them. The difference being an emphasis on the identity of the person asking for help.

For example, if Equality is synonymous with “leveling the playing field” then Equity should be synonymous with “more for those who need it.” Having a fuller appreciation for the difference is key to progressing our country forward. And we’ll know that we are moving in the right direction when disenfranchised communities feel hope and see change. Hope, that they will see a brighter tomorrow. Hope, their children will grow up without fear or prejudice. Hope, that the world sees them as worthy.

Music creates hope and change. From American to African voices, enjoy two vintage LEAF Concerts.

India.Arie – Worthy Tour LIVE
@ 48th LEAF Festival Spring 2019

Grant Opportunities for the Crafts
Jun 13 all-day
online
The Craft Futures Fund will fund up to $30,000 each month from May 2020 – October 2020 to support craft-based education projects. These one-time, unrestricted grants of $5,000 will be disbursed to craft-based education projects that envision and build new futures for craft.
Guided Hikes: Grandfather Mountain
Jun 13 all-day
Grandfather Mountain

Interpretive Rangers are available to lead guided hikes, bird walks and wildflower walks for families and groups that visit Grandfather Mountain. To see the mountain in this whole new way, you can schedule an appointment by calling the interpretive ranger office at (828) 737-0833 or emailing [email protected].

Please note that walks and hikes are available for all ability levels, but hikes that take you into Grandfather Mountain’s backcountry require careful footwork, proper footwear and the ability to handle heights. All backcountry hikes require participants to traverse ladders and use cables to navigate steep sections of the trail.

Interpretive Rangers are available year-round (weather permitting) to lead guided hikes to:

MacRae Peak ($15 + park admission)
Attic Window ($25 + park admission)
Calloway Peak ($35 + park admission)

Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance, and a minimum of two participants per hike are required. For more information, please call (828) 737-0833.

It Happened on Chiles Ave series Preservation Society
Jun 13 all-day
Online
Online Education Programming
Please enjoy the final installment of our It Happened on Chiles Ave series.  Thank you to our speaker James Vaughn for the hard work it took to put this series together.  All videos were research and produced by James and we can’t thank him enough!