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.
Because of the continued need for physical distance posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s Asheville-Buncombe Memorial Day Ceremony will again be held as a virtual ceremony.
The keynote speaker will be USMC Veteran John Mason, who was awarded two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star Medal for Valor during his time in Vietnam 1968 to 1969 as an Infantry First Lieutenant with the United States Marine Corps. A longtime Asheville lawyer, Mason helped form Veterans Treatment Court in Buncombe County as well as North Carolina Veterans Writing Alliance Foundation, a 501 (C)(3), dedicated to the healing of Veterans who have served their country.
The ceremony, planned in concert by the City of Asheville Mayor’s Committee for Veterans Affairs and Buncombe County Veterans Council, will be streamed live from Asheville City Hall. Tune into the City of Asheville’s YouTube channel on Memorial Day, Monday, May 31, at 11 a.m., to view the ceremony live in real time. Following the ceremony, it will be archived for later viewing on the City’s YouTube channel.
Expected to last about 50 minutes, the ceremony will serve in place of both the City and the State Veterans Cemetery in-person events. There will be no attendees other than the individuals with active roles in the program. The program will consist of the following:
- Introductory remarks: US Air Force Veteran Alllan Perkal, Vietnam, Master of Ceremony, Chair Buncombe County Veterans Council; Board of Directors, Vietnam Veterans of America, North Carolina State Council.
- National Anthem: Ric Ledford, USMC
- Pledge of Allegiance: Steve Henderson, USMC, Vietnam
- Greeting from City of Asheville and Buncombe County: Esther E. Mannheimer, Mayor, City of Asheville; Brownie Newman, Chair, Buncombe County Board of Commissioners
- Presenter: Dr. Angela Williams, Acting Director, Charles George VA Medical Center
- Keynote Speaker: Asheville Attorney John Mason, who served his Country in Vietnam 1968 to 1969 as an Infantry First Lieutenant with the United States Marine Corps.
- Readings from Brothers and Sisters Like These: A Veterans writing group that promotes healing the wounds of war.
- Closing remarks: Allan Perkal, Master of Ceremony
The City of Asheville and Buncombe County encourage all residents to tune in to this virtual Memorial Day Ceremony in remembrance of the fallen, those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.
Join us in kicking off the Summer season with this special introductory price! Our workshops last between 1-2 hours and include all information and materials needed to create a fun, living terrarium. This class is perfect for beginners or experienced crafters!
Instruction covers learning about air plants, care tips, design principles, and more. We include everything needed to create your terrarium, from the container and plants to fun additions like shells, driftwood, gemstones and crystals, figurines, and more. A gift box and care instructions are included to ensure your success. Participants are welcome to bring (waterproof) figurines or other design additions that they’d like to incorporate into their terrarium.
Please register and purchase tickets at www.Vivid-Event.com . This is our most popular class and registration fills up quickly! Food, beverages, and alcohol will be available for purchase through our host venue, 828 Market on Main (180 N. Main St, Waynesville NC)
1 package pasture raised bacon for breakfast (12 oz ea.)
2 packs grassfed hot dogs for lunch (6/ pack)
2 juicy ribeye steaks for dinner (12 oz ea.)
Plus, a special Hickory Nut Gap apron!
For your convenience, this product is shipped directly to your door. Order by Wednesday, June 16th to ensure delivery by Father’s Day.
For your convenience, this product is shipped directly to your door. Order by Wednesday, June 16th to ensure delivery by Father’s Day.
For your convenience, this product is shipped directly to your door. Order by Wednesday, June 16th to ensure delivery by Father’s Day.
Official 2021 Raffle Rules
PROCEEDS
This raffle is a fundraising event, and all net proceeds benefit the Brevard Music Center (BMC). Brevard Music Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN# 56-0729350
DRAWING
The drawing will take place on Monday, November 15, 2021 at 3:00pm EDT. All mail, phone, and internet orders must be received by 11:59pm EDT on Sunday, November 14, 2021.
TICKETS
The cost to purchase a single entry (“Ticket”) for the Raffle is $125 (U.S. Funds only) and is not tax deductible.
For your convenience, this product is shipped directly to your door. Order by Wednesday, June 16th to ensure delivery by Father’s Day.
For your convenience, this product is shipped directly to your door. Order by Wednesday, June 16th to ensure delivery by Father’s Day.
Join Buncombe County Public Libraries in a Community Celebration of Juneteenth!
On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers arrived in Texas, bringing news that the Civil War had ended and to enforce Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, issued two and a half years earlier. The news galvanized African-Americans across Texas. Some celebrated, others left to find family members from whom they had been separated, and still others continued fighting to free themselves from white landowners who did not want to accept the proclamation. In Asheville, African-Americans claimed their freedom in late April 1865, when Union cavalry arrived in the region. Today, June 19th is recognized across the nation as a holiday to celebrate and uplift African-Americans everywhere.
This year, the Buncombe County Commissioners voted to make Juneteenth an official holiday, joining communities across the country to recognize the importance of celebrating this important day.
Celebrate Juneteenth with Buncombe County Public Libraries on Tuesday, June 15 from 5-7 pm at Pack Memorial Library. There will be opportunities for community members of all ages, including:
-Community art and archiving activities
-Opportunities to view historical documents related to enslavement and emancipation held in the Buncombe County Special Collections
-The opportunity to contribute to a community time capsule
-Storytelling, music, and light refreshments
We look forward to celebrating this important holiday with our community!
- National Museum of African American History & Culture: The Historical Legacy of Juneteenth
- School House Rocks-style overview of Juneteenth, via Black-ish
- The Devastation of Black Wall Street
- Juneteenth website
- Center for the Study of Social Policy: Juneteenth and Challenging Anti-Black Racism
For your convenience, this product is shipped directly to your door. Order by Wednesday, June 16th to ensure delivery by Father’s Day.
- National Museum of African American History & Culture: The Historical Legacy of Juneteenth
- School House Rocks-style overview of Juneteenth, via Black-ish
- The Devastation of Black Wall Street
- Juneteenth website
- Center for the Study of Social Policy: Juneteenth and Challenging Anti-Black Racism
Official 2021 Raffle Rules
PROCEEDS
This raffle is a fundraising event, and all net proceeds benefit the Brevard Music Center (BMC). Brevard Music Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN# 56-0729350
DRAWING
The drawing will take place on Monday, November 15, 2021 at 3:00pm EDT. All mail, phone, and internet orders must be received by 11:59pm EDT on Sunday, November 14, 2021.
TICKETS
The cost to purchase a single entry (“Ticket”) for the Raffle is $125 (U.S. Funds only) and is not tax deductible.
- National Museum of African American History & Culture: The Historical Legacy of Juneteenth
- School House Rocks-style overview of Juneteenth, via Black-ish
- The Devastation of Black Wall Street
- Juneteenth website
- Center for the Study of Social Policy: Juneteenth and Challenging Anti-Black Racism
Join us in kicking off the Summer season with this special introductory price! Our workshops last between 1-2 hours and include all information and materials needed to create a fun, living terrarium. This class is perfect for beginners or experienced crafters!
Instruction covers learning about air plants, care tips, design principles, and more. We include everything needed to create your terrarium, from the container and plants to fun additions like shells, driftwood, gemstones and crystals, figurines, and more. A gift box and care instructions are included to ensure your success. Participants are welcome to bring (waterproof) figurines or other design additions that they’d like to incorporate into their terrarium.
Please register and purchase tickets at www.Vivid-Event.com . This is our most popular class and registration fills up quickly! Food, beverages, and alcohol will be available for purchase through our host venue, 828 Market on Main (180 N. Main St, Waynesville NC)
Official 2021 Raffle Rules
PROCEEDS
This raffle is a fundraising event, and all net proceeds benefit the Brevard Music Center (BMC). Brevard Music Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN# 56-0729350
DRAWING
The drawing will take place on Monday, November 15, 2021 at 3:00pm EDT. All mail, phone, and internet orders must be received by 11:59pm EDT on Sunday, November 14, 2021.
TICKETS
The cost to purchase a single entry (“Ticket”) for the Raffle is $125 (U.S. Funds only) and is not tax deductible.
- National Museum of African American History & Culture: The Historical Legacy of Juneteenth
- School House Rocks-style overview of Juneteenth, via Black-ish
- The Devastation of Black Wall Street
- Juneteenth website
- Center for the Study of Social Policy: Juneteenth and Challenging Anti-Black Racism
Official 2021 Raffle Rules
PROCEEDS
This raffle is a fundraising event, and all net proceeds benefit the Brevard Music Center (BMC). Brevard Music Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN# 56-0729350
DRAWING
The drawing will take place on Monday, November 15, 2021 at 3:00pm EDT. All mail, phone, and internet orders must be received by 11:59pm EDT on Sunday, November 14, 2021.
TICKETS
The cost to purchase a single entry (“Ticket”) for the Raffle is $125 (U.S. Funds only) and is not tax deductible.
Fathers climb the Treetops Park or Zip KidZip for free with paying family members. Use code “dad” when booking online.
Juneteenth is the celebration of the timeframe when slavery was abolished. During the weekend of Juneteenth, GRIND Coffeehouse will hold GRINDfest – a celebration of black business and entrepreneurship. GRINDfest will highlight the progress made by people of color while also connecting people across cultures. This weekend of fun will include a play entitled “Savagery”, a poetry slam, local storytellers, game tournaments, a lip sync battle, vendors selling unique items, Black food from around the world and an outdoor dance party with local DJs. This event promises to be one of the most fun and enlightening of the year.
⚡WHAT IS GRINDFEST?
Juneteenth is the time where we celebrate the timeframe where slavery was abolished. It took time for word to spread so it is recognized as Juneteenth.
During the weekend of Juneteenth, we will have GRINDfest – a celebration of black business and entrepreneurship. After slavery was abolished the people held as slaves began to use their skills and talents to do business in an economy that previously thought of them as property. Nonetheless, they made progress and became business owners.
GRINDfest will bring people together to celebrate Black Business and Black Entrepreneurs. It will highlight the progress made by people of color while also connecting people across cultures. Economies do not exist in a bubble. They include everyone.
⚡WHY THIS WEEKEND?
Our commissioners just declared Juneteenth a Holiday in Buncombe county. This was the time that slavery was abolished. We know that the effects of slavery and white supremacy still torment our communities, but we have determined to celebrate the life and progress of Black people in Asheville.
We will be hosting GRINDfest on June 18th-20th, our celebration of Black Business and Entrepreneurship. Conveniently located in the River Arts District, we will have a weekend full of fun and learning: “Savagery” (the play), a poetry slam, local storytellers, game tournaments, a lip sync battle, vendors selling unique items, Black food from around the world and an outside dance party with local DJ’s. This event promises to be one of the most fun and enlightening of the year.
⚡WHAT WILL HAPPEN?
🔥EVENT HIGHLIGHTS🔥
📍XTREME HIP HOP AEROBICS: Supercharge your morning with movement set to great music.
📍PINK DOG BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS: Neighboring businesses opening up for breakfast so patrons can come purchase meals
📍ROOTS REVEAL: We have done this activity already with Bowie State University and will do it during the festival. People will order their DNA test that shows countries of origin and features that run in their bloodline. But they will wait until the event to open the results. In this 90 minute workshop, people will open their results and reveal their ancestry. Then they will be engaged in activities led by Dr. Masica Jordan, Clinical Psychologist and College Professor, that highlight the similarities and overlaps shared among people in the room that may not know each other, but share similar histories, countries of origin, and features. By sharing their ancestral DNA, we see that we are more alike than different.
** participants must order their own DNA test results ahead of time
📍SAVAGERY: Another event during the festival will be the play, “Savagery”. This play was scripted by local author, Nichole Lee and was written as a collection of stories and music from people of color. It is therapeutic in that it tells the story, but it is also entertaining and engaging.
📍GAMES TOURNAMENT: We will have card game tournaments in addition to family fun activities. This in addition to local food vendors with West African cuisine, Jamaican Island cuisine, and a Seafood Boil/Fish Fry, we will host community awards given to people who have made significant progress and contributions such as “single fathers/mothers, blended families, people who had to switch careers, and those succeeding after recovery/re-entry.
📍LIP-SYNC BATTLE: Another event that will happen is the lip-sync battle where contestants perform in the goofiest, funniest way they can to win the prize.
📍DEPOT STREET DANCE PARTY: We close the night out with a huge dance party. It is a festival that has great purpose and practical fun. The whole idea is to celebrate differences and learn from them while uniting people. We have already gathered all the businesses on our block in the River Arts District in addition to 20 other black businesses that are part of our Black Wall Street Program to make this festival a success. Tension can exist between people who look differently, but we designed this festival to bring folks together to celebrate and learn in a fun-filled weekend.
✅Download our Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3hB1U9Z
✅Be one of the sponsors: https://bit.ly/3w1SmbR
✅Be a volunteer: https://bit.ly/33HmVHy
⚡Free-Entry event made possible by our amazing sponsors. Bring the whole family and friends and enjoy the Blackest Weekend in Asheville
Official 2021 Raffle Rules
PROCEEDS
This raffle is a fundraising event, and all net proceeds benefit the Brevard Music Center (BMC). Brevard Music Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN# 56-0729350
DRAWING
The drawing will take place on Monday, November 15, 2021 at 3:00pm EDT. All mail, phone, and internet orders must be received by 11:59pm EDT on Sunday, November 14, 2021.
TICKETS
The cost to purchase a single entry (“Ticket”) for the Raffle is $125 (U.S. Funds only) and is not tax deductible.
Official 2021 Raffle Rules
PROCEEDS
This raffle is a fundraising event, and all net proceeds benefit the Brevard Music Center (BMC). Brevard Music Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN# 56-0729350
DRAWING
The drawing will take place on Monday, November 15, 2021 at 3:00pm EDT. All mail, phone, and internet orders must be received by 11:59pm EDT on Sunday, November 14, 2021.
TICKETS
The cost to purchase a single entry (“Ticket”) for the Raffle is $125 (U.S. Funds only) and is not tax deductible.
Official 2021 Raffle Rules
PROCEEDS
This raffle is a fundraising event, and all net proceeds benefit the Brevard Music Center (BMC). Brevard Music Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN# 56-0729350
DRAWING
The drawing will take place on Monday, November 15, 2021 at 3:00pm EDT. All mail, phone, and internet orders must be received by 11:59pm EDT on Sunday, November 14, 2021.
TICKETS
The cost to purchase a single entry (“Ticket”) for the Raffle is $125 (U.S. Funds only) and is not tax deductible.
Official 2021 Raffle Rules
PROCEEDS
This raffle is a fundraising event, and all net proceeds benefit the Brevard Music Center (BMC). Brevard Music Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN# 56-0729350
DRAWING
The drawing will take place on Monday, November 15, 2021 at 3:00pm EDT. All mail, phone, and internet orders must be received by 11:59pm EDT on Sunday, November 14, 2021.
TICKETS
The cost to purchase a single entry (“Ticket”) for the Raffle is $125 (U.S. Funds only) and is not tax deductible.
The Summer in the City Raffle benefiting Carolina Resource Center for Eating Disorders (CRC for ED) is your chance to fit in one last summer fling and get into the Asheville groove! Whether you’re Asheville born and bred or new to the 828, you’re sure to enjoy this fun-filled, uniquely Asheville, August weekend!
The raffle winner will receive a quintessential Asheville summer getaway package, valued at $1,550, including:
-
2 nights in Banjoe Vacations’ Downtown Asheville Condo – This beautiful 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condo is located right in downtown Asheville, walking distance to all downtown activities, and just a 10-minute drive to the River Arts District or Biltmore Village. (Downtown condo dates are August 27 and August 28, 2021. Alternate dates may be selected based on condo availability and must be arranged directly thru Banjoe Vacations. Alternate condo dates must be booked no later than August 15, 2021. See Terms and Conditions for full details.)
-
2 tickets for the Eating Asheville “High Roller Tour” – Sit down at some of the most elegant, trendy, and acclaimed tables in our beloved foodie city, and sample an array of flavors, cuisines, and local produce. This tour features 6 restaurants, at least 3 drink pairings, and 2.5 hours of deliciousness.
-
2 tickets to Zen Tubing (including cooler carrier) – Cool off with one of Asheville’s favorite summer activities – a day of lazy tubing down the river from one of two great locations.
-
2 tickets for the LaZoom “Hey Asheville! City Comedy Tour” – Learn Asheville’s history, discover hidden gems, and laugh at LaZoom’s quirky sense of adventure on this 90-minute guided comedy tour of historical Asheville.
-
$25 Gift Card to Taco Billy – There’s no better way to round out a day of tubing on the river than with tacos featuring local ingredients from one of Asheville’s favorite taco restaurants.
-
$25 Gift Card to Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar – Located in the heart of downtown Asheville, this combination used book store and wine bar is a beloved and uniquely Asheville experience.
-
$25 Gift Card to French Broad Chocolate Lounge or French Broad Chocolate Factory & Cafe – From delicious desserts to creative confections, you can add some extra sweetness to this sweet weekend trip at Asheville’s favorite chocolatier.
A limited number of raffle tickets will be available for purchase from July 2, 2021 through July 30, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. EDT on our specially created event website at https://rafflecreator.com/pages/40142/crc-for-eds-summer-in-the-city-raffle. The winner will be selected at random, announced on all CRC for ED social media platforms on July 30th at approximately 7:00 p.m. EDT, and will be notified directly by telephone, mail, and/or email. Please see full Terms & Conditions here: https://crcfored.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/CRCforED-Summer-in-the-City-Raffle-Terms-Conditions.pdf.
Carolina Resource Center for Eating Disorders is the only nonprofit in NC providing education, resources, and support to individuals, families, and professionals concerned with disordered eating and recovery from eating disorders.
Your participation in the Summer in the City Raffle allows us to continue offering accessible eating disorder support services and education at a time when the need is greater than ever, while also giving you the chance to win a last minute getaway!
Official 2021 Raffle Rules
PROCEEDS
This raffle is a fundraising event, and all net proceeds benefit the Brevard Music Center (BMC). Brevard Music Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN# 56-0729350
DRAWING
The drawing will take place on Monday, November 15, 2021 at 3:00pm EDT. All mail, phone, and internet orders must be received by 11:59pm EDT on Sunday, November 14, 2021.
TICKETS
The cost to purchase a single entry (“Ticket”) for the Raffle is $125 (U.S. Funds only) and is not tax deductible.
The Summer in the City Raffle benefiting Carolina Resource Center for Eating Disorders (CRC for ED) is your chance to fit in one last summer fling and get into the Asheville groove! Whether you’re Asheville born and bred or new to the 828, you’re sure to enjoy this fun-filled, uniquely Asheville, August weekend!
The raffle winner will receive a quintessential Asheville summer getaway package, valued at $1,550, including:
-
2 nights in Banjoe Vacations’ Downtown Asheville Condo – This beautiful 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condo is located right in downtown Asheville, walking distance to all downtown activities, and just a 10-minute drive to the River Arts District or Biltmore Village. (Downtown condo dates are August 27 and August 28, 2021. Alternate dates may be selected based on condo availability and must be arranged directly thru Banjoe Vacations. Alternate condo dates must be booked no later than August 15, 2021. See Terms and Conditions for full details.)
-
2 tickets for the Eating Asheville “High Roller Tour” – Sit down at some of the most elegant, trendy, and acclaimed tables in our beloved foodie city, and sample an array of flavors, cuisines, and local produce. This tour features 6 restaurants, at least 3 drink pairings, and 2.5 hours of deliciousness.
-
2 tickets to Zen Tubing (including cooler carrier) – Cool off with one of Asheville’s favorite summer activities – a day of lazy tubing down the river from one of two great locations.
-
2 tickets for the LaZoom “Hey Asheville! City Comedy Tour” – Learn Asheville’s history, discover hidden gems, and laugh at LaZoom’s quirky sense of adventure on this 90-minute guided comedy tour of historical Asheville.
-
$25 Gift Card to Taco Billy – There’s no better way to round out a day of tubing on the river than with tacos featuring local ingredients from one of Asheville’s favorite taco restaurants.
-
$25 Gift Card to Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar – Located in the heart of downtown Asheville, this combination used book store and wine bar is a beloved and uniquely Asheville experience.
-
$25 Gift Card to French Broad Chocolate Lounge or French Broad Chocolate Factory & Cafe – From delicious desserts to creative confections, you can add some extra sweetness to this sweet weekend trip at Asheville’s favorite chocolatier.
A limited number of raffle tickets will be available for purchase from July 2, 2021 through July 30, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. EDT on our specially created event website at https://rafflecreator.com/pages/40142/crc-for-eds-summer-in-the-city-raffle. The winner will be selected at random, announced on all CRC for ED social media platforms on July 30th at approximately 7:00 p.m. EDT, and will be notified directly by telephone, mail, and/or email. Please see full Terms & Conditions here: https://crcfored.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/CRCforED-Summer-in-the-City-Raffle-Terms-Conditions.pdf.
Carolina Resource Center for Eating Disorders is the only nonprofit in NC providing education, resources, and support to individuals, families, and professionals concerned with disordered eating and recovery from eating disorders.
Your participation in the Summer in the City Raffle allows us to continue offering accessible eating disorder support services and education at a time when the need is greater than ever, while also giving you the chance to win a last minute getaway!
Summer has finally arrived, we all have been waiting to spend more time outside. The weather feels great to make this happen. Hops is hosting a super chill Bonfire at her Place July[masked]. You all are invited. Please bring snacks and drinks of choice to enjoy the night while making new friends. Please bring your own chairs. We look forward to seeing you all.
If you can’t make it please let us know there a waiting list!