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, December 18, 2020
Greenworks: 7 Cleanup Supply Stations throughout Asheville + Buncombe County
Dec 18 all-day
Asheville NC

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Covid-Friendly Clean-Up Stations: #AVLquaranclean

We’ve learned a lot about adapting this year. Back in March, we canceled all of our upcoming events and volunteer opportunities. But it didn’t stop you from working to make Asheville cleaner and safer.

So we amped up our Cleanup Supply Station program, fully stocking existing locations and adding on 2 new stations, for a total of 7 Cleanup Supply Stations throughout Asheville & Buncombe County. We threw in our catchy #AVLquaranclean hashtag on top, and you did the rest!

Since March, 132 volunteers used these stations 36 times to collect over 2,700 pounds of litter from creeks and roads on their own time!! We are also incredibly grateful to Mountain Xpress for donating newspaper stands to be repurposed into these supply stations, the City of Asheville and Buncombe County Government for supporting cleanups, and to Mast General Store and Asheville Sun Soo Martial Arts for hosting our newest stations.

These stations remain stocked and ready for your quarantine pod’s next outing. Remember to sign out supplies, report the trash back to us afterwards, and return supplies for cleaning and reuse! Read more at https://www.ashevillegreenworks.org/latest…/avlquaranclean and contact [email protected] for more information or to schedule supply pick up for larger groups.

Greenworks: Our Fleet of Trash Trout Jrs Expands!
Dec 18 all-day
Greenworks

Since 2015, GreenWorks has been working to perfect the 24/7 litter capturing device.

Enter… the Trash Trout Jr!

 

The litter traps on our Trash Trout Jrs work all day, every day to prevent trash from reaching our rivers. The majority of litter is single-use plastic, and most of it is not recyclable. These devices are less expensive to build and easier to maintain that our larger Trash Trouts, and they are perfect for small streams and tributaries — meaning we’re able to capture and remove litter earlier in its “life in the water.” This all means less photodegradation, less exposure to aquatic life, and less negative impact on water quality.

In 2020, we added 3 new Trash Trout Jr locations: Smith Mill Creek, Haw Creek, and Hayes Run Creek (Madison County). We also built 2 others, to be installed in 2021. These devices are checked regularly, especially after large rain events, and are cleaned out by staff, interns, and volunteers.

Wanna be a hero? We’re kicking off our Adopt a Trash Trout program! If you’d like to get more involved in protecting our waterways, and if you love the Trash Trouts (because who doesn’t?!) – find more information and sign up at https://bit.ly/2W2y0iR

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Grants from The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina have helped fund our Trash Trout program since 2017, and local sponsors provide support for annual maintenance and cleanouts. Let’s give them all a HUGE thank you:

 

Smith Mill Creek: Sponsored by New Belgium Brewing and Southern Appalachian Anglers

Town Branch Creek: Sponsored by Sitework Studios and Wedge Brewery

Hayes Run Creek: Sponsored by Ivy River Partners and Sustainable Madison

Hominy Creek: Sponsored by Zen Tubing and Pisgah Plants

Mud Creek: Sponsored by Hendersonville, NC City Government and Pisgah Plants

 

Happy Hanukkah from Flat Rock Playhouse
Dec 18 all-day
Online
Hanukkiah with text that reads
                  Happy Hanukkah.

Happy Hanukkah

Last night, December 10, marked the first night of Hanukkah! Wishing all those who celebrate a very happy Hanukkah. If you don’t celebrate Hanukkah but want to learn more about the history and traditions of the holiday… check out this video by actress and neuroscientist Mayim Bialik from The Big Bang Theory and Blossom!

Homemade Holiday A Gift Guild from Asheville Makers
Dec 18 all-day
Online

Handmade Holidays

Spread some mountain magic and holiday cheer with these unique gifts from Asheville’s artisans and makers. Shop from over 50 local vendors or share your love of Asheville by giving the gift of travel this holiday season.

Housing Assistance Available for Those Affected by Pandemic-Related Losses
Dec 18 all-day
online w/ Buncombe County Government

Update: Funding must be accessed by Dec. 30, 2020.

Attention Buncombe County residents: If you are struggling to pay your rent, mortgage, or utilities, Buncombe County’s COVID Housing Assistance Program may be able to help. The funds must be accessed prior to Dec. 30.

“If you think you may possibly qualify, please call our office at 250-5500 to learn more,” said Economic Services Director Phillip Hardin. “Financial assistance is available immediately to support our community members impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic who need help with rent, mortgage, or utilities, but we have to use these dollars by Dec. 30.”

To qualify to receive relief funds earmarked for the Housing Assistance Program, households must meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • The applicant/household lost income due to COVID-19.
  • There is a sustainability plan to pay shelter expenses going forward after the County assists with past due bills.
  • Income limit of 200% of the federal poverty level ($52,400) for a family of four.

Buncombe County is now accepting inquiries and applications. Please fill out the attached form and return to Buncombe County Health and Human Services or call (828) 250-5500 to be connected with a caseworker to start the application process.

How local businesses are adjusting to the COVID-19 crisis: Woolworth Walk Interview
Dec 18 all-day
Online

The Woolworth Walk is truly a unique Asheville experience; a privately and locally owned gallery in the heart of downtown, located in the historic Woolworth building and exclusively representing local artists. If you’re looking for a way to spice up your gifts this holiday season, The Woolworth Walk has both practical and beautiful pieces perfect for anyone on your list. Also get the inside scoop about the new Woolworth Lofts, located right above the gallery and perfect for your next weekend getaway.

See the video interview here!

While we’ve all had to adjust to the “new normal” (whatever that is), our local business owners and managers have their own stories to tell about how they’ve been affected and what they are doing during these unprecedented times. Dig Local is proud to interview some of the awesome folks who make Asheville, Asheville.
Joint task force votes to remove Vance Monument
Dec 18 all-day
Online

The recommendation will now go to the Buncombe County Commissioners and Asheville City Council, who will vote in December to consider the recommendation and determine next steps for removal logistics and funding sources.

While public comment is now closed, public can access the archive of agendas, minutes, public comments and recorded meetings here: https://publicinput.com/VanceMonumentTaskForce.

Keep the Cheer Contest Shop and Dine
Dec 18 all-day
Hendersonville

 COC Shop and Dine

Enter the KEEP THE CHEER HERE Contest hosted with WTZQ!

WTZQ ShopDine Slider

 

What is Shop & Dine HC?

Shop & Dine HC is a collaborative movement designed to remind the public of the benefits and importance of spending their dollars with our local businesses. Local businesses lay the framework for a strong community and we want Henderson County to shop local, spend local, save local.

Why does shopping locally matter?

When you shop locally:

  • $0.02 of every $1 stays in the community through the Sales Tax. These dollars support county and municipal budgets for schools, law enforcement, infrastructure, and more.
  • you help create and retain jobs for existing businesses as they succeed and grow, and create a successful business community that attracts other businesses and entrepreneurs.
  • those same businesses you are supporting will give back to our community through donations to non-profits, civic clubs, youth programs, and more.

Simply put – our local businesses make our community better.

Want to get involved?

Be part of the conversation!

Join the Shop & Dine Facebook Group

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Businesses – Take the #SafeHendo Pledge! 

We celebrate businesses that are committed to the safety of our community in these extraordinary times. Check out the #SafeHendo pledge and let your customers know their safety is your focus.

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Kelly Hall-Tompkins plays the Fiddler on Broadway’s Fiddler on the Roof
Dec 18 all-day
Online w/ Brevard Music Center

BMC guest artist Kelly Hall-Tompkins joins Tony nominee Daniel J. Watts in this powerful performance of “The Gatherers” from the Shabbat Community-building organization One Table. Kelly Hall-Tompkins is an award-winning classical soloist and plays the Fiddler on Broadway’s Fiddler on the Roof.

Land Conservation Volunteers for Karen Cragnolin Park w/ Riverlink
Dec 18 all-day
Karen Cragnolin Park

Land Conservation

We’re looking for a team of dedicated volunteers to commit to monthly service days at the site of the future Karen Cragnolin Park. Volunteers will work outside at a safe social distance to remove invasive species. We will be working in groups of 15 or less, and wearing masks to ensure the safety of everyone involved. If you are interested in helping please click here to fill out a survey to help us determine the best day and time to offer this monthly day of service.

LEAF 2021 announces a few key dates
Dec 18 all-day
LEAF

Spring LEAF Retreat May 13-16 at Lake Eden
LEAF Downtown/ Reimagine August 27-28
Fall LEAF Festival October 14-17 at Lake Eden 
(Size TBD*)

These events will be limited in size but will retain all the LEAF Love. LEAF Members will have priority and at times exclusive access to these events. Please note that Spring LEAF Retreat will be members-only and tickets will be made available on January 4th, 2021. Members have kept LEAF Mission alive and at work in this wild year of 2020! Your membership empowered LEAF to maintain our support of LEAF International Culture Keepers in the 10 countries and local LEAF Schools & Streets Artists. When you support culture, artists and teachers you are investing in the community and young people’s future. Interested in becoming a member? Join membership today!

All $250+ memberships will receive the 2021 LEAF Calendar hot off the press and its going to be a great year!

Live with Carnegie Hall: Live Streamed
Dec 18 all-day
Online w/ Brevard Music Center

Brevard Music Center Around The Web

Live-streamed performances, resources, and activities we love from around the web, updated regularly.

Live with Carnegie Hall: Live Streamed
Enjoy Live with Carnegie Hall! Viewers can stream past and present performances by a wide variety of artists, including violinist Joshua Bell, singer Michael Feinstein, the New York String Orchestra, Kronos Quartet, Judy Collins, and many more.

Low Income Energy Assistance
Dec 18 all-day
Online

The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) is a federally-funded program that provides for a one-time vendor payment to help eligible households pay their heating bills.

Households including a person aged 60 or older or disabled persons receiving services through the NC Division of Aging and Adult Services are eligible to sign up for assistance from Dec. 1 – 31. All other households may apply from Jan. 1 – March 31 or until funds are exhausted.

Households that meet the following criteria may be eligible:

  • Have at least one U.S. citizen or non-citizen who meets the eligibility criteria.
  • Meet an income test.
  • Have reserves at or below $2,250.
  • Be responsible for its heating costs.
Matching Donations Challenge Asheville Art Museum
Dec 18 all-day
Online

The Museum was closed for nearly six full months as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, causing severe losses in revenue. Though we are now open, uncertainty still looms, and it will take a dedicated effort to recover to a position of strength and stability. Thanks to a generous grant from a longtime foundation supporter, the Museum has established the Asheville Art Museum COVID-19 Relief Fund and matching challenge to encourage additional operational support during this difficult year. We invite you to participate in the challenge and help secure the Museum’s future as we work to serve our community through engagement with the arts.

Through December 31, 2020, all Annual Fund donations and upgraded memberships will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $75,000. Give any amount to the Annual Fund, and boost your impact at this critical time with the one-to-one match. You may also join the Masterpiece Society or renew at another upgraded membership level. Any gift in addition to your current renewal will be matched by this fund and will count toward your membership

Mozart Overture to The Marriage of Figaro
Dec 18 all-day
Online w/ Brevard Music Center

MOZART Overture to The Marriage of Figaro
Brevard Music Center Orchestra • Rune Bergmann, conductor
Recorded on July 20, 2018,
at the Whittington-Pfohl Auditorium at the Brevard Music Center.

NCDHHS Offers Guidance for Fall-Related Events
Dec 18 all-day
Online

As we move toward the Holiday season, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has released guidance for fall-related events. The guidance was developed with the goal of safer holiday breaks for college students and private social gatherings.

New Anonymous Crime Tip Tool
Dec 18 all-day
Online

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Asheville Police Department announces rollout of new anonymous crime tip tool

The Asheville Police Department (APD) is putting a new crime-fighting tool into the hands of community members. This new tool, TIP2APD, allows the public to share anonymous tips with police officers and lets officers respond back to create an anonymous two-way conversation. (See video tutorial below.)

 

TIP2APD app screenshots

The tool also allows the community to find information on incidents APD is currently asking for help with, and to receive alerts about crime activity in their city.

 

 

 

The application is available for free download for both iPhone and Android users via the iTunes App Store or Google Play Store by searching “AshevillePD.”

 

Individuals without a smartphone can share information with police by sending an anonymous text tip via their cell phone by texting keyword TIP2APD and their message/tip to 847411.

 

The TIP2APD tool is only for non-emergencies and is not a replacement for 9-1-1. In the event of an emergency please dial 9-1-1 immediately.

North Carolina Introduces COVID-19 County Alert System
Dec 18 all-day
Online
Governor Roy Cooper and Dr. Mandy Cohen, Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS) announced a new COVID-19 County Alert System to pinpoint counties with the highest levels of viral spread and offer specific recommendations to bring numbers down. This system will help give local leaders another tool to understand how their county is faring and to make decisions about actions to slow viral spread. The map will be updated every four weeks.
The system uses metrics informed by the White House Coronavirus Task Force and North Carolina’s key metrics to categorize counties into three tiers:
Yellow: Significant Community Spread
Orange: Substantial Community Spread
Red: Critical Community Spread
Because no one metric provides a complete picture, the COVID-19 County Alert System uses a combination of three metrics: case rate, the percent of tests that are positive, and hospital impact within the county.
Now Accepting Applications For Mentors + Mentees Organic Growers School
Dec 18 all-day
Online w/Organic Growers School
The purpose of the Mentor Services program is to support beginning and intermediate farmers by partnering them with experienced regional farmers who can provide them with one-on-one practical planning skills in the areas of:
  • farm design and production
  • marketing and business development
  • systems management
  • connecting them to the regional farming community
By serving as Mentors, regional farmers will be able to pass on the skills and knowledge that they possess to other farmers and help to build collaboration and community among the farming community.

Apply to be Mentored

We are looking for farmers who have been farming at least 1 year and/or have worked as a farm manager.
Each applicant will be evaluated on an individual basis. Farming partners who apply jointly will receive one mentor.

Apply to be a Mentor

We are seeking experienced farmer mentors. We are specifically seeking experienced African American, Indigenous and Farmers of Color and any who may speak Spanish to serve our diverse beginning farmer population. We offer a $500 honorarium for your service as a mentor.
Farm Beginnings mentors offer participants 15 hours of mentorship from February to September, with a mix of in person and remote support.
Mentor Services is for new and beginning farmers. Mentors offer participants up to 30 hours of mentoring for a full year.
Pardee UNC Health: CDC Guidance on Who Should Get Tested for COVID-19
Dec 18 all-day
Online
Pardee UNC Health Care recently shared CDC guidance on who should get tested for COVID.
Considerations for Who Should Get Tested for COVID-19
  • People who have symptoms of COVID-19.
  • Click here for a Coronavirus Self-Checker
  • People who have had close contact (link to help you determine your risk) (within 6 feet for a total of 15 minutes or more) with someone with confirmed COVID-19.
  • People who have been asked or referred to get testing by their healthcare provider, links to local or state ​health departments.
Not everyone needs to be tested. If you do get tested, you should self-quarantine/isolate at home pending test results and follow the advice of your health care provider or a public health professional.
Pisgah Legal Covid-19 Urgent Response Matching Gift Challenge
Dec 18 all-day
Online

all donations — up to $200,000 — will be matched by donors

Pisgah Legal Services
is receiving 1,000 calls
per week on average
for assistance.

More than ever, people across Western North Carolina need Pisgah Legal Services: Many have lost their jobs and can no longer pay their rent; others need help securing health insurance. Many are facing increased domestic violence and do not how to safely escape. Others are too scared to seek medical treatment because of their immigration status.

Support Pisgah Legal today and help us provide legal remedies that result in long-term solutions for people struggling in our region during the COVID-19 crisis, and beyond. With early legal intervention, we can keep difficult situations from spiraling out of control and trapping families, seniors, children and other vulnerable people in poverty.

Please join us in the fight so that more people can get back on their feet and we can emerge from this crisis a more just and resilient community.

Save Our Stages Donate to The Orange Peel! Keep Live Music ALIVE!
Dec 18 all-day
Online

Thank you for always being such a great friend of The Orange Peel. Your continued support means so much to us!

But, we still need your help!

Thanks to you, the Save Our Stages Act passed in the House of Representatives — but as you may know, it’s not law yet. We’re pushing to get it included in the next COVID-19 Relief package, which is being negotiated now – and we need your voice (again) ASAP.

The situation gets more dire with each passing day. With no emergency relief, hundreds of venues have already shuttered forever, through no fault of their own.

Even if you’ve done it before, can you please take 30 seconds to remind your Congressional representatives that you want them to pass the next COVID-19 Relief Act now and include crucial assistance for independent venues and promoters. Just click here to Save Our Stages.

When legislators hear from you it makes all the difference – and can help us get this across the finish line. On behalf of the nearly 3,000 members of the National Independent Venue Association, thank you for your continued support.

You don’t know what you’ve got ‘till it’s gone…

You can also donate directly to The Orange Peel to help us get through this difficult time. Just click here!

Shop Local: Consider what it means to shop Amazon
Dec 18 all-day
Online

Consider what it means to shop Amazon
Did you know that Amazon’s net sales for Q4 are expected to be $121 Billion and to grow 38% compared with fourth quarter 2019 numbers? Clearly in this pandemic, they are the big winner. Y’all… there has NEVER been a more critical year to SHOP LOCAL! Please show your love and support of our amazing local business community which truly has all you could ever need- a vintage dress, wall tapestry, piece of pottery, growler of beer or endless gift cards to your favorite Asheville restaurants. Get some ideas here:  shops , restaurants , breweries , and more.
Shostakovich Symphony No. 11
Dec 18 all-day
Online w/ Brevard Music Center

SHOSTAKOVICH Symphony No. 11
II. The Ninth of January: Allegro
Brevard Music Center Orchestra • Keith Lockhart, conductor
Recorded live on June 28, 2019,
at the Whittington-Pfohl Auditorium at the Brevard Music Center.

Show and Tell Holiday Pop Up Shop
Dec 18 all-day
Online

WELCOME TO OUR ONLINE POP UP SHOP

South Arts Southern Prize + State Fellowships
Dec 18 all-day
Online

Apply by Jan. 11 | Visual artists, applications are now open for the 2021 Southern Prize & State Fellowships. $80,000 in cash awards and residencies at The Hambidge Center for Creative Arts & Sciences will be awarded to celebrate the highest quality artistic work being created in the South.

TED-Ed: Calm Under Pressure
Dec 18 all-day
Online w/ Brevard Music Center

BMC Staff Picks From Around the Web

TED-Ed:
Calm Under Pressure

Explore why we choke under pressure and what we can do to avoid it. Lesson by Noa Kageyama.

The 2021 Preserve Our Parks Fund Drive
Dec 18 all-day
Online

Preserve our Parks

America’s national parks belong to all of us. They connect us to the natural world and root us to our nation’s rich and fascinating history.

National parks exist because people had the foresight to protect the wonder of these unique places for future generations. The parks are a legacy that has been handed down to us; it is up to us to prove that we are worthy of that legacy by continuing to protect and preserve these iconic locations for the generations that come after us.

That’s the idea behind our annual Preserve Our Parks Fund Drive. In order to provide the resources for the crucial work that’s needed in our parks in 2021, we must raise $1,332,000 before December 31.

As an added incentive, when you donate to the Preserve Our Parks Fund Drive, you are able to send a beautiful eCard featuring our national parks to whomever you want. Let your friends, colleagues, and loved ones know how important our national parks are to you.

The Big Crafty Online
Dec 18 all-day
Online

Our weekend.

For the first time in more than a decade, we won’t be sharing hugs with you all, and we’re really missing it.
But we’ll still be admiring the year’s creative harvest and we hope you will, too!
Our artists have responded to the extraordinary circumstances of this year with creative zeal, and we hope you’ll enjoy checking in with them via our list of artists.
We will also be sharing some of our favorite work and gift ideas via Instagram and Facebook this weekend and throughout the holidays.
Treat yourself. Treat your fam. Know that your support is needed and appreciated.
Also…know that next year we will be hugging you extra tight.
Til then, stay well, keep your fires burning, and take extra good care of one another ❉❊❤❊❉

The Woman Who Built Beethoven’s Pianos
Dec 18 all-day
Online w/ Brevard Music Center

 

Brevard Music Center Staff Picks From Around the Web

 

The Woman Who Built
Beethoven’s Pianos

Learn of the special relationship between Nannette Streicher and Ludwig van Beethoven.