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.
The Violin Channel recently caught up with violinists and www.intermissionsessions.com wellness coaches Elena Urioste and Melissa White to get their advice on some simple physical exercises that every string player should be doing to stay physically and mentally healthy – during quarantine and beyond …
Violinists Elena Urioste & Melissa White share 10 essential, daily stretches for musicians.
Join us June 26-28 for free live yoga classes. YouCallThisYoga is offering three days of free, accessible yoga classes to unite all people and share the healing benefits of yoga and community. We are offering hour long classes for all levels, from beginner to expert, taught by teachers from across North America. Visit our website to view our full class schedule and register now! Space is limited.
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.
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit open the 36th season of An Appalachian Summer Festival on Sunday, June 28 at 8pm at the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts. The summer stop is part of the highly anticipated national tour behind the group’s newest album, Reunions (to be released May 15). As such, the festival is included in the tour announcement and is opening up sales ahead of the rest of the festival in support of the tour. Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit is A Schaefer Popular Series Event.
Tickets:
$60 adults, $50 students. *Limit 4 tickets per transaction*
MONDAY, MARCH 2 at 9AM – LOCAL/WALK-UP PRESALE – Maximum 500 tickets available for purchase in person only at the Schaefer Center Box Office, 733 Rivers Street, Boone, NC. No phone/online sales.
Beginning TUESDAY, MARCH 3 at 9AM – Online, in person, or by phone at www.appsummer.org, 800-841-2787 or 828-262-4046.
Independence Day events across the country will not look the same this year.
Many communities have been forced to cancel their annual Fourth of July events, including most in Buncombe County. Although the fireworks display at Lake Julian Park will not take place, there are other ways to celebrate locally.
Buncombe County Recreation Services‘ parks and trails will be open, though some areas may be restricted including grills, picnic shelters, and restrooms. Access to the French Broad will be available at our seven river parks. The five outdoor pools operated by Buncombe County will also be open with new safety guidelines.
Park and pool visitors will be required to practice the Three Ws: wear a cloth face covering, wait at least six feet apart from and avoid close contact with anyone who does not live in your household, and wash your hands or use hand sanitizer often.
The Asheville Downtown Association will host a virtual Independence Day Celebration in partnership with the City of Asheville with support from Explore Asheville. The online concert will feature eight Asheville area bands performing at local music venues.
Follow Buncombe County Recreation on Facebook and Instagram.
The Violin Channel recently caught up with violinists and www.intermissionsessions.com wellness coaches Elena Urioste and Melissa White to get their advice on some simple physical exercises that every string player should be doing to stay physically and mentally healthy – during quarantine and beyond …
Violinists Elena Urioste & Melissa White share 10 essential, daily stretches for musicians.
The Violin Channel recently caught up with violinists and www.intermissionsessions.com wellness coaches Elena Urioste and Melissa White to get their advice on some simple physical exercises that every string player should be doing to stay physically and mentally healthy – during quarantine and beyond …
Violinists Elena Urioste & Melissa White share 10 essential, daily stretches for musicians.
The Violin Channel recently caught up with violinists and www.intermissionsessions.com wellness coaches Elena Urioste and Melissa White to get their advice on some simple physical exercises that every string player should be doing to stay physically and mentally healthy – during quarantine and beyond …
Violinists Elena Urioste & Melissa White share 10 essential, daily stretches for musicians.
Learn how to reverse the very real and devastating impact of stress through the SIMPLE practice of instinctive meditation that will profoundly shift your life.
Instinctive meditation means it’s natural and our bodies are wired to do it easily and efficiently. All we need to do is to set up the right conditions and our bodies will eagerly cooperate. Learn the skill set needed to meditate on your own even if you have a racing mind and little spare time.
Dropping into deep relaxation on a regular basis helps you to be calm in the face of overwhelm and urgency, can improve your health, and help you be more responsive and less reactive to challenges.
This will be a live webinar on Zoom. You can attend from anywhere that is comfortable to you. Once you register, you will get instructions on how to log in to the event. You will have the option of having your video on or off. You can also call in using a phone number. Link to zoom class:
https://mailchi.mp/9e1057b0227e/meditation-asheville-salt-cave
We’ll start with the basic principles of this approach. Then you will learn and practice some basic skills. This will be followed by a longer guided meditation where you can incorporate the basic skills. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions during the class.
A weekly Zoom drop-in class in instinctive meditation will run on Wednesdays from 10:00-11:00 am EST starting April 29 and running for 12 weeks.
Drop in as you can. Each class will cover a different technique.
The Violin Channel recently caught up with violinists and www.intermissionsessions.com wellness coaches Elena Urioste and Melissa White to get their advice on some simple physical exercises that every string player should be doing to stay physically and mentally healthy – during quarantine and beyond …
Violinists Elena Urioste & Melissa White share 10 essential, daily stretches for musicians.
2020 Blue Ridge Pride Festival Cancelled
We are sad to announce the suspension of all previously planned summer and fall events. This includes:
- Blue Ridge Pride Festival
- Welcoming WNC Procession
- Mx Pride Pageant
- Movies & Mixer Series
- LGBTQ Story Slam
- We are looking into alternative events – both virtual and face-to-face.
The Violin Channel recently caught up with violinists and www.intermissionsessions.com wellness coaches Elena Urioste and Melissa White to get their advice on some simple physical exercises that every string player should be doing to stay physically and mentally healthy – during quarantine and beyond …
Violinists Elena Urioste & Melissa White share 10 essential, daily stretches for musicians.
Mountain Fresh Orchards will be celebrating Freedom Days at the Farm July 3, 4 & 5 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Fresh picked peaches, blueberries, blackberries, half runner beans, okra and other fruits and vegetables will be available for purchase in the farm market.
Mountain Fresh Orchards has the largest farm bakery in Henderson County serving over 18 fresh baked items. They offer warm apple cider donuts, fresh baked apple bread, apple pies and other tasty treats. The farm market has a wide range of canned goods such as sourwood honey, wildflower honey, honey crisp apple sauce, apple butter, peach butter, jams, jellies, preserves, BBQ sauces, hot sauces, pickles, salsas, canned peaches and sorghum. Handmade crafts such as face mask, potholders, hand towels, wreaths and decorated glass blocks are also available. The kids will love the Kids Korner with fun books, train whistles, t-shirts, engineer hats and stuffed animals to choose from.
The Apple Express trackless train will take folks of all ages on a ride through the orchard.
If you are unable to visit Mountain Fresh Orchards in person an online store is available on their website so you can shop at your convenience. Curbside pickup is available for local folks.
● Antonin Dvořák: Symphony No. 9 “From the New World”
● Ellen Taaffe Zwilich: Avanti!
Inspired by American dreams and legends, Dvořák created some of his greatest works while living in the United States, above all the “New World” Symphony. This program illuminates the multiple stories and influences – Native American, African-American and Czech – that Dvořák transformed in his most beloved work. Ellen Taaffe Zwilich’s Avanti! offers a contemporary interpretation of the American archetype of “moving on.”
To learn more about All-Star Orchestra: https://allstarorchestra.org/
Available via YouTube, Facebook, appsummer.org
2020 Blue Ridge Pride Festival Cancelled
We are sad to announce the suspension of all previously planned summer and fall events. This includes:
- Blue Ridge Pride Festival
- Welcoming WNC Procession
- Mx Pride Pageant
- Movies & Mixer Series
- LGBTQ Story Slam
- We are looking into alternative events – both virtual and face-to-face.
On June 10th, 2020, the County Health department advised the Brevard Rotary that “given the upward direction of the infection numbers, they cannot sign-off on the event on July 4, 2020″.
This event will be postponed until September 5, 2020 when we will run a combined race with the White Squirrel 5K.
So here we go …. Covid-19 and all
Dear Participant:
Thank you for your continuing support of the, three, Rotary Club of Brevard 5K and Fun runs in 2020.
We are fortunate to have three great sponsors, in the Pisgah Health Foundation, Pardee and Mountain Outdoor Products.
Gordon has laid out a great new course starting and finishing at the new Depot. The City have helped us immensely.
As you know all of the race net proceeds are used in the community, by Rotary, in one way or another. See details below. None of the volunteers are paid.
Our Conundrum for the Firecracker on July 4:
Our goal is to keep everyone safe (runners/walkers and volunteers) while at the same time bringing back some community and competitive exercise opportunities. Yes, we are “open”, but in a controlled way.
Presently we have to keep groups to a maximum of 25 people, and we cannot wait until June 26th , for details of the next phase, to make a change for July 4. So we run under the rules we have in front of us today.
We are offering you three choices to run the Firecracker in 2020
Everyone will sign-up at Runsignup https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/Brevard/Firecracker5kandFunRun
It is first come first served
Through June 14, 2020 the price to participate will be $30; $35 after that date or up to a maximum of 200 runners – we currently have 40 slots allocated, so 160 more participants can register. You will be able to register online up until July 2, 2020 or until we reach 200 runners. Note -this is far short of the 600 we ran last year, but is about all we can ‘safely’ handle.
There are no sign-ups on Saturday (as we cannot handle/ touch the paperwork involved; there is no fun run for the Children (sorry we do not have the volunteers to keep them physically distanced at this run) and no early indoor registration and shirt pick-up on Friday.
1/ Run our course on your own or in a small group and record your own time.
From Monday to Friday, June 29 to July 3, 2020, we will place signs at 7.00AM and remove them at 7.00PM. Once you have registered you can record your time manually. You can collect a shirt on Saturday at the Depot or opt to have it mailed to you for an extra $10.
You run the course on your own and at your own risk. Please be considerate to our neighbors.
2/ Run your own 5K course.
From Monday to Friday, June 29 to July 3, 2020, you can run in the Brevard 5K Firecracker, anywhere in the Country, indeed anywhere in the world (there is a prize for the furthest away), if you wish. Once you have registered you can record your time manually. You can collect a shirt on Saturday at the Depot in Brevard or opt to have it mailed to you for an extra $10.
You run the course on your own and at your own risk. Please be considerate to our neighbors.
3/ Saturday July 4, 2020 – Running with others
We will limit runners/walkers to 150 on Saturday.
Please do not come to the Depot if you are feeling unwell.
The staging area at the DEPOT will have one entrance, on Railroad on the entrance to the depot (the pull in area) – please use that one entrance and physically distance yourself, while you wait.
The staging area will open at 7.00AM – we ask for your patience; our volunteers and the organizers have never done this before.
No one, other than registered runners, walkers, volunteers and public safety officers, will be allowed in the staging area.
At this stage, we require that everyone wear a mask in the staging area (not essential on the run, but preferred.) We will have spare masks for those registered runners/walkers only, who forget their mask.
We will then make sure you are registered and give you a bib. The Bib, will not have an RFID chip on it – you will be timing yourselves for this run/walk.
You will also be asked for an approximate speed and given a chip with a number on it. Low numbers will be faster runners – walkers’ will be given higher
numbers.
Teams will receive their own number.
You will be directed to your numbered zone, where we ask you to stay until called to the start line.
Each Zone will be called up to the start as soon as another zone has been cleared – the starter controls the time between each group.
AT worst this should have everyone away by 8.40AM
Water will be available on this day only – our thanks to Telco
We hope to celebrate the opening of the depot.
Upon your return; you will be asked your time, or you can enter it yourself at home after the race.
Results will be posted the next week.
Prizes:
Will be given for:
The fastest runners
The One running the race in the most remote virtual location.
The best dressed Covid-19 virus look a like
Everyone will get a shirt and a medal
Funner stuff:
On Saturday, July 4, we will have a starter, the big clock and the all-important finish gate with a professional photographer ready to immortalize your finish.
Once you have finished, you can collect the ‘more-important’ classic race shirt. It will be a collector’s item.
We may have other fun stuff, as well.
Safety:
We will do all we can to keep everyone safe, including our neighbors. Please run in a mask, if that is comfortable – by blowing and puffing you are going to express water droplets a lot further than 6 feet.
There will be no support, marshals or water on the course at any time during Monday to Friday -by signing up you agree you run at your own risk. Please respect our Neighbors ‘health’ and property and do not litter.
Social distancing of 6′ is encouraged at all times.
On July 4, anyone in North Carolina can enjoy one of state’s best outdoor activities for free. Residents and out-of-state visitors are allowed to fish without having to purchase a license or pay a daily permit fee including in public fishing spots such as Charles D. Owen and Lake Julian Parks. All other fishing regulations apply, such as length and daily possession limits, as well as bait and tackle restrictions.
“Free Fishing Day allows families and individuals to enjoy quality time outdoors,” says Josh O’Conner, Director of Buncombe County Recreation Services. “Fishing crosses all gender, cultural, and economic lines. For our younger residents, it builds confidence, improves coordination, teaches patience, and encourages an appreciation of nature.”
To give anglers a better chance of catching fish, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission stocks a variety of fish in waters across the state including trout and channel catfish.
Many fishing areas will be crowded on July 4, so park visitors are urged to be patient and courteous. Also, because of COVID-19, physical distance of at least six feet must be maintained between anglers and others who do not live in the same household. All park visitors are reminded to practice the Three Ws: wear a cloth face covering when entering/exiting the pool and when not in the pool, wait at least six feet apart from and avoid close contact with anyone who does not live in your household, and wash your hands or use hand sanitizer often.
While anyone can fish for free on July 4, a fishing license is required for people age 16 and older on all other days of the year in order to fish in any public water in North Carolina. Purchasing a license online is quick and easy.
Follow Buncombe County Recreation on Facebook and Instagram.
The Violin Channel recently caught up with violinists and www.intermissionsessions.com wellness coaches Elena Urioste and Melissa White to get their advice on some simple physical exercises that every string player should be doing to stay physically and mentally healthy – during quarantine and beyond …
Violinists Elena Urioste & Melissa White share 10 essential, daily stretches for musicians.
Independence Day events across the country will not look the same this year.
Many communities have been forced to cancel their annual Fourth of July events, including most in Buncombe County. Although the fireworks display at Lake Julian Park will not take place, there are other ways to celebrate locally.
Buncombe County Recreation Services‘ parks and trails will be open, though some areas may be restricted including grills, picnic shelters, and restrooms. Access to the French Broad will be available at our seven river parks. The five outdoor pools operated by Buncombe County will also be open with new safety guidelines.
Park and pool visitors will be required to practice the Three Ws: wear a cloth face covering, wait at least six feet apart from and avoid close contact with anyone who does not live in your household, and wash your hands or use hand sanitizer often.
The Asheville Downtown Association will host a virtual Independence Day Celebration in partnership with the City of Asheville with support from Explore Asheville. The online concert will feature eight Asheville area bands performing at local music venues.
Follow Buncombe County Recreation on Facebook and Instagram.
Mountain Fresh Orchards will be celebrating Freedom Days at the Farm July 3, 4 & 5 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Fresh picked peaches, blueberries, blackberries, half runner beans, okra and other fruits and vegetables will be available for purchase in the farm market.
Mountain Fresh Orchards has the largest farm bakery in Henderson County serving over 18 fresh baked items. They offer warm apple cider donuts, fresh baked apple bread, apple pies and other tasty treats. The farm market has a wide range of canned goods such as sourwood honey, wildflower honey, honey crisp apple sauce, apple butter, peach butter, jams, jellies, preserves, BBQ sauces, hot sauces, pickles, salsas, canned peaches and sorghum. Handmade crafts such as face mask, potholders, hand towels, wreaths and decorated glass blocks are also available. The kids will love the Kids Korner with fun books, train whistles, t-shirts, engineer hats and stuffed animals to choose from.
The Apple Express trackless train will take folks of all ages on a ride through the orchard.
If you are unable to visit Mountain Fresh Orchards in person an online store is available on their website so you can shop at your convenience. Curbside pickup is available for local folks.
The Asheville Downtown Association will host a virtual Independence Day Celebration on the Fourth of July. Set to begin at 4 p.m., the online concert event is presented by Ingles Markets, with support from Explore Asheville, and produced in partnership with the City of Asheville.
Due to the need for physical distancing posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, following guidance from Buncombe County and State health officials, there will be no public fireworks display. While we would love to produce a downtown festival for our neighbors, we understand that the health and safety of our community is of the utmost importance.
The event will feature eight local Asheville area bands performing at host venues (times are approximate):
Featured artists include:
• BoogiTherapi with Ryan RNB Barber – funk from Asheville Music Hall at 4pm
• Jane Kramer and Friends – singer/songwriter from The Grey Eagle at 4:30pm
• Lyric – soul, R&B from The Orange Peel at 5pm
• Peggy Ratusz & Daddy LongLegs – blues, jazz from Isis Music Hall at 5:30pm
• Joe Lasher – country from The Orange Peel at 6pm
• Funk Jam House Band – funk, rock from Asheville Music Hall at 6:30pm
• Fireside Collective – bluegrass from Isis Music Hall at 7pm
• Empire Strikes Brass – New Orleans-style brass band from The Grey Eagle at 7:30pm
Drop in to listen for a while or check out the whole four hours. Tune in to IamAVL’s YouTube channel to enjoy a diverse offering of local music on the Fourth of July holiday. Links to the virtual celebration will be posted on a variety of social media channels, making it easy for people to find, including on Visit Asheville, the City of Asheville and the Asheville Downtown Association’s Facebook pages.