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.

Wednesday, August 11, 2021
MANNA’s Hiring! Mobile Markets Driver
Aug 11 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Manna Food Bank
MANNA FoodBank is hiring for a critically important role in our Mobile Programs team and offering a $1,000 sign-on bonus!
We are looking for a CDL holder who is driven by a desire to help their own WNC community in a dynamic and exciting role as Mobile Markets Driver.
Come see the difference your commitment makes working alongside a dedicated group of volunteers and staff to literally put food in the hands of those that need it.
Details at : https://recruitingbypaycor.com/career/JobIntroduction.action
Biltmore Gardens Railway
Aug 11 @ 9:30 am – 6:00 pm
Biltmore

Included with admission

Our fun-for-all-ages botanical model train displays invite you to experience our grounds in an engaging new way. Located in the Conservatory in the Walled Garden, the displays feature replicas of structures connected with Biltmore and its founder George Vanderbilt. Each beautifully executed piece was handcrafted from such natural elements as leaves, bark, and twigs.

In compliance with state and local mandates related to COVID-19, all guests must enter the Conservatory via the ADA entrance in the back and follow a one-way route.

Young Professionals of Henderson County’s Pop-Up Social
Aug 11 @ 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Dry Falls Brewing Company
Join us for the Young Professionals of Henderson County’s Pop-Up Social!
The YPHC’s Pop-Ups offers a chance for young professionals to meet through a laid-back networking opportunity. Join us each month on the 2nd Wednesday of the month from 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM. Keep a lookout for locations.
*Participation is limited to those under 40*
Ladies and Gentlemen, join us for the Young Professionals of Henderson County’s August Social and relaunch at Dry Falls Brewing Co.!
The YPHC’s social offers a chance for young professionals to build professional and interpersonal skills with a bit of laid-back networking mixed in.
*Participation is limited to those under the age of 40 and over 21*
PLEASE REGISTER by emailing: [email protected] or calling 828-692-1413.
A big thank you to AdventHealth Hendersonville for presenting this program for the 2021 year!
Sand Hill Community Garden Workdays
Aug 11 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Buncombe County Sports Park

Volunteers at Sand Hill Community Garden

Looking to get involved, stay active, and meet some new friends? Sand Hill Community Garden workdays take place on Wednesdays (6-8 p.m.) and Saturdays (10 a.m.-noon) from Feb. 27-Oct. 30, 2021, at Buncombe County Sports Park. The garden is located on 16 Apac Dr. in West Asheville/Enka-Candler.

Join friends and neighbors as they come together on common ground to raise fresh, organic vegetables and fruits for the Enka community.

Expect to wear a mask and maintain social distance throughout. Tools and hand sanitizer are available, but any gloves, loppers, pruners, or gardening tools you can bring will decrease the amount of contact between volunteers. Please wear work clothes to get dirty and closed-toe shoes. Sunscreen, water, and a hat are also handy items to have on hand.

Sand Hill Community Garden has been growing fresh produce since 2011 and raised over 1,200 lbs. of organic produce last year.

NOTE: Community workdays are weather dependent. Please join the community garden email list (send your info to [email protected]) to stay up on workday tasks and other garden news.

To receive the I Heart Parks monthly newsletter, sign up online. Follow Buncombe County Recreation on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.

Thursday, August 12, 2021
Festivals + Cultural Events Grant Opportunity
Aug 12 all-day
Online

Background and Goals of the Festivals & Cultural Events Program

The Festivals & Cultural Events Support Fund Grant Program was launched in 2016 by the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) and is designed to provide financial support for events that both serve the residents of Buncombe County and the visitors who travel to the Asheville area for the sense of authenticity and welcoming spirit that the destination exudes.

The primary purposes of this fund are to:

  • Support and preserve cultural identity within Buncombe County;
  • Stimulate the creation of new, or expansion of existing, festivals and cultural events; and
  • Contribute to the financial viability and long-term sustainability of the area’s festivals and cultural events.

Explore Asheville CVB is offering grants for Festivals & Cultural Events ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, not to exceed 50% of the total event budget. Application deadline is Sept 29th at 5 pm.

Gardening Video: Selecting WNC Natives and Nativars
Aug 12 all-day
Online
Shelby Jackson, Presenter

Shelby Singleton Jackson, a NC Certified Plant Professional and Horticulturist at Carolina Native Nursery in Burnsville, is passionate about native plants. She will talk about natives, nativars, and hybrids; help you understand the differences and why it matters; and give some suggestions for native plant choices.

Check out the latest gardening video on the Buncombe County Master Gardener website.  Learn the difference between native plants, nativars, and hybrids.  Understand why it matters for gardens designed to support pollinators, biodiversity, and wildlife.

Breaking News from the SBA regarding PPP Loan Forgiveness
Aug 12 @ 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Online
The SBA is launching a streamlined application portal to allow borrowers with Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans under $150,000 through participating lenders to apply for forgiveness directly through the SBA.
“With the new simplified application portal, thousands of Southeastern businesses, and even sole proprietorships that borrowed PPP funds will have these funds forgiven said Janita R. Stewart, Acting Regional Administrator for the Southeastern Region. Most entrepreneurs waiting for forgiveness have loans under $150,000. It was time we made the process more efficient so businesses can get back to sustaining our communities.”
This new change will help rush relief to the Southeast’s smallest of small businesses, which has been the Administrator’s priority since day one. The new forgiveness platform will begin accepting applications from borrowers on August 4, 2021. Lenders are required to opt-in to this program through directforgiveness.sba.gov. In addition to the technology platform, the SBA is standing up a PPP customer service team to answer questions and directly assist borrowers with their forgiveness applications. Borrowers that need assistance or have questions should call (877) 552-2692, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. EDT.
The Learning Garden Opens to the Public
Aug 12 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Buncombe Extension Center
The Learning Garden at Buncombe Extension Center
Vegetable gardening at The Learning Garden

Visit The Learning Garden! The gardens are in full summer mode with ripening tomatoes, blooming roses, giant sunflowers, and many other perennials and plants of interest.

The Learning Garden is a dedicated, on-site teaching garden at the Buncombe Extension Center located at 49 Mt. Carmel Road, Asheville. It is managed and cared for by the Extension Master GardenerSM volunteers (EMGVs) of Buncombe County.

Everyone is welcome to visit the gardens Monday and Wednesday mornings from 9 to 12 when temperatures are cool and Master Gardeners are working in the gardens. Or come visit on your own Monday through Friday, 8 to 5.

The Learning Garden (TLG) surrounds the Extension building, includes 8 distinct gardens, and a composting demonstration site. Each garden offers plants that grow well in our region. You will gather new ideas and learn successful horticultural practices that lead to beautiful, healthy gardens.

Look for plant labels in the garden. Find more information and brochures at the kiosk near the building and in the garden mailboxes.

GARDENERS ARE IN THE GARDEN.

Wild Art Sculpture Showcase
Aug 12 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
NC Arboretum

The North Carolina Arboretum is going wild for art and nature in 2021 with Wild Art! On view April 1 through September 26, this outdoor sculpture exhibition features works by 17 local and national artists drawing inspiration from the natural environment. Situated throughout the Arboretum’s spacious, open-air gardens, the show offers guests a doorway into the wild world from the comfort and safety of cultivated landscapes transformed by art.

The 18 sculptures on display represent a variety of approaches to the theme of “wild art,” from the literal to the abstract, and are crafted from a diverse array of materials that will delight and inspire. Let your imagination take you on a wild journey into the world of plants and animals near and far with Wild Art at The North Carolina Arboretum.

The exhibit is available to all guests during normal Arboretum hours, and there is no admission cost to view the sculptures beyond our usual parking fee of $16 per personal vehicle.

Fairy Trail 2021
Aug 12 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Bullington Gardens

Fairy Trail 2021

Join us on the magical Fairy Trail where your imagination is the only limit.

Developed by Fairies and dedicated volunteers, Bullington Gardens’ Fairy Trail is a whimsical treat for the young and the young at heart. Featuring playful vignettes and villages, the fairy trail will charm you with its thoughtful design, eye catching displays and secret woodland trail.

Rules of the trail:

Do not move or rearrange fairy displays. The fairies are very fond of their own decorating.

Do not leave trash on the trail. Fairies do not like litter in their town.

Please ensure children and pets are supervised at all times. Dogs and loud noises can scare the fairies into hiding.

Do not disturb wildlife or vegetation. The fairies depend on the vegetation to build their homes.

The trail is one way only. Please stay on the trail at all times.

P.S. the Fairies would like us to remind you that we are a non-profit and donations are greatly appreciated. Help us keep the fairies living in the style with which they’ve become accustomed.

Bullington Gardens and the Fairy Trail are closed on Sundays.

MANNA’s Hiring! Mobile Markets Driver
Aug 12 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Manna Food Bank
MANNA FoodBank is hiring for a critically important role in our Mobile Programs team and offering a $1,000 sign-on bonus!
We are looking for a CDL holder who is driven by a desire to help their own WNC community in a dynamic and exciting role as Mobile Markets Driver.
Come see the difference your commitment makes working alongside a dedicated group of volunteers and staff to literally put food in the hands of those that need it.
Details at : https://recruitingbypaycor.com/career/JobIntroduction.action
Biltmore Gardens Railway
Aug 12 @ 9:30 am – 6:00 pm
Biltmore

Included with admission

Our fun-for-all-ages botanical model train displays invite you to experience our grounds in an engaging new way. Located in the Conservatory in the Walled Garden, the displays feature replicas of structures connected with Biltmore and its founder George Vanderbilt. Each beautifully executed piece was handcrafted from such natural elements as leaves, bark, and twigs.

In compliance with state and local mandates related to COVID-19, all guests must enter the Conservatory via the ADA entrance in the back and follow a one-way route.

Chow Chow Culinary Festival: OUT OF THE BOX: COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE CHALLENGE
Aug 12 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
WNC Farmers Market

Community Supported Agriculture is a model of food exchange that asks eaters to buy a
share in the risk of farming to support local food systems. The typical structure is a consumer
outlay of cash at the beginning of a farmer’s season in exchange for a weekly box of local
food throughout the year. The model has been lauded, widely adopted, and successful in the
farm to table movement, but it also faces wide criticisms related to access and feasibility as
a true catalyst for good food. To explore this topic with flavor, Chow Chow joins with chefs
and thought-leaders for a CSA challenge that showcases out-of-the-box thinking about
CSAs, using various examples from a typical seasonal weekly CSA share. Participants will
enjoy bites and beverages from the creations that each chef unboxes and transforms into
both fresh and fermented flavors. Meanwhile, different takes on the popular CSA model will
be shared. This event aims to be a true example of a community exchange-of good food,
thought-provoking discussion, and our ultimate common ground.

Friday, August 13, 2021
Festivals + Cultural Events Grant Opportunity
Aug 13 all-day
Online

Background and Goals of the Festivals & Cultural Events Program

The Festivals & Cultural Events Support Fund Grant Program was launched in 2016 by the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) and is designed to provide financial support for events that both serve the residents of Buncombe County and the visitors who travel to the Asheville area for the sense of authenticity and welcoming spirit that the destination exudes.

The primary purposes of this fund are to:

  • Support and preserve cultural identity within Buncombe County;
  • Stimulate the creation of new, or expansion of existing, festivals and cultural events; and
  • Contribute to the financial viability and long-term sustainability of the area’s festivals and cultural events.

Explore Asheville CVB is offering grants for Festivals & Cultural Events ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, not to exceed 50% of the total event budget. Application deadline is Sept 29th at 5 pm.

Gardening Video: Selecting WNC Natives and Nativars
Aug 13 all-day
Online
Shelby Jackson, Presenter

Shelby Singleton Jackson, a NC Certified Plant Professional and Horticulturist at Carolina Native Nursery in Burnsville, is passionate about native plants. She will talk about natives, nativars, and hybrids; help you understand the differences and why it matters; and give some suggestions for native plant choices.

Check out the latest gardening video on the Buncombe County Master Gardener website.  Learn the difference between native plants, nativars, and hybrids.  Understand why it matters for gardens designed to support pollinators, biodiversity, and wildlife.

Job Opening at RiverLink: Development Manager
Aug 13 all-day
Online

We are looking for a new Development Manager to join the RiverLink team. If you or someone you know is looking to make a significant impact on the river and the environments of Western North Carolina then check out the job description below. This position is focused on fundraising, writing grants, and working with donors to support the efforts of RiverLink. This is a full time position with full benefits and a salary starting at $48k.
Apply to be the Development Manager at RiverLink
Read the Job Description
We are an equal opportunity employer that supports workplace diversity. We carefully consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, or any other legally protected status. We value diversity and are committed to an inclusive workforce. To apply: Please send a cover letter and resume to [email protected] and include Development Manager as the subject.
Organic Growers School Journeyperson Program
Aug 13 all-day
Organic Growers School

A year-long program

Individualized to meet you where you are
in your farm business journey

Applications are due by September 18, 2021.

Starting a farm is a formidable challenge, but keeping a farm business going, growing and thriving is even harder! The Journeyperson Program is designed for farmers who have been independently farming for 3 or more years, and are serious about operating farm businesses in the Southern Appalachian region. This program will give you the space and time to work on your business while making connections that deepen your peer-to-peer support.

 

 This 12-month program starts in November 2021 and ends in October 2022.

What is unique about this program?

Participants can use this program as a tangible step toward achieving their farm goals, and make significant contributions to the agricultural community and economy. This program is designed to give tailored guidance and support for your farm business to answer questions of: scale, market access, land access, risk management, understanding cash flow, and enterprise innovation. You will leave this program with a responsive, adaptable business plan to help your farm achieve long-term farm viability and resilience.

AM Power Hour
Aug 13 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 am
Sam's Club - HVL

Join us for our August AM Power Hour at Sam’s Club! Enjoy a more productive day by meeting prospective customers at the start of your day. You may find a strong referral source, a new vendor, the perfect client, or simply get a foot in the door for connecting again later at another Chamber event. AM Power Hour is great if you are an early-bird or can’t make our after hours networking events.
Breaking News from the SBA regarding PPP Loan Forgiveness
Aug 13 @ 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Online
The SBA is launching a streamlined application portal to allow borrowers with Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans under $150,000 through participating lenders to apply for forgiveness directly through the SBA.
“With the new simplified application portal, thousands of Southeastern businesses, and even sole proprietorships that borrowed PPP funds will have these funds forgiven said Janita R. Stewart, Acting Regional Administrator for the Southeastern Region. Most entrepreneurs waiting for forgiveness have loans under $150,000. It was time we made the process more efficient so businesses can get back to sustaining our communities.”
This new change will help rush relief to the Southeast’s smallest of small businesses, which has been the Administrator’s priority since day one. The new forgiveness platform will begin accepting applications from borrowers on August 4, 2021. Lenders are required to opt-in to this program through directforgiveness.sba.gov. In addition to the technology platform, the SBA is standing up a PPP customer service team to answer questions and directly assist borrowers with their forgiveness applications. Borrowers that need assistance or have questions should call (877) 552-2692, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. EDT.
The Learning Garden Opens to the Public
Aug 13 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Buncombe Extension Center
The Learning Garden at Buncombe Extension Center
Vegetable gardening at The Learning Garden

Visit The Learning Garden! The gardens are in full summer mode with ripening tomatoes, blooming roses, giant sunflowers, and many other perennials and plants of interest.

The Learning Garden is a dedicated, on-site teaching garden at the Buncombe Extension Center located at 49 Mt. Carmel Road, Asheville. It is managed and cared for by the Extension Master GardenerSM volunteers (EMGVs) of Buncombe County.

Everyone is welcome to visit the gardens Monday and Wednesday mornings from 9 to 12 when temperatures are cool and Master Gardeners are working in the gardens. Or come visit on your own Monday through Friday, 8 to 5.

The Learning Garden (TLG) surrounds the Extension building, includes 8 distinct gardens, and a composting demonstration site. Each garden offers plants that grow well in our region. You will gather new ideas and learn successful horticultural practices that lead to beautiful, healthy gardens.

Look for plant labels in the garden. Find more information and brochures at the kiosk near the building and in the garden mailboxes.

GARDENERS ARE IN THE GARDEN.

Wild Art Sculpture Showcase
Aug 13 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
NC Arboretum

The North Carolina Arboretum is going wild for art and nature in 2021 with Wild Art! On view April 1 through September 26, this outdoor sculpture exhibition features works by 17 local and national artists drawing inspiration from the natural environment. Situated throughout the Arboretum’s spacious, open-air gardens, the show offers guests a doorway into the wild world from the comfort and safety of cultivated landscapes transformed by art.

The 18 sculptures on display represent a variety of approaches to the theme of “wild art,” from the literal to the abstract, and are crafted from a diverse array of materials that will delight and inspire. Let your imagination take you on a wild journey into the world of plants and animals near and far with Wild Art at The North Carolina Arboretum.

The exhibit is available to all guests during normal Arboretum hours, and there is no admission cost to view the sculptures beyond our usual parking fee of $16 per personal vehicle.

Fairy Trail 2021
Aug 13 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Bullington Gardens

Fairy Trail 2021

Join us on the magical Fairy Trail where your imagination is the only limit.

Developed by Fairies and dedicated volunteers, Bullington Gardens’ Fairy Trail is a whimsical treat for the young and the young at heart. Featuring playful vignettes and villages, the fairy trail will charm you with its thoughtful design, eye catching displays and secret woodland trail.

Rules of the trail:

Do not move or rearrange fairy displays. The fairies are very fond of their own decorating.

Do not leave trash on the trail. Fairies do not like litter in their town.

Please ensure children and pets are supervised at all times. Dogs and loud noises can scare the fairies into hiding.

Do not disturb wildlife or vegetation. The fairies depend on the vegetation to build their homes.

The trail is one way only. Please stay on the trail at all times.

P.S. the Fairies would like us to remind you that we are a non-profit and donations are greatly appreciated. Help us keep the fairies living in the style with which they’ve become accustomed.

Bullington Gardens and the Fairy Trail are closed on Sundays.

MANNA’s Hiring! Mobile Markets Driver
Aug 13 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Manna Food Bank
MANNA FoodBank is hiring for a critically important role in our Mobile Programs team and offering a $1,000 sign-on bonus!
We are looking for a CDL holder who is driven by a desire to help their own WNC community in a dynamic and exciting role as Mobile Markets Driver.
Come see the difference your commitment makes working alongside a dedicated group of volunteers and staff to literally put food in the hands of those that need it.
Details at : https://recruitingbypaycor.com/career/JobIntroduction.action
Biltmore Gardens Railway
Aug 13 @ 9:30 am – 6:00 pm
Biltmore

Included with admission

Our fun-for-all-ages botanical model train displays invite you to experience our grounds in an engaging new way. Located in the Conservatory in the Walled Garden, the displays feature replicas of structures connected with Biltmore and its founder George Vanderbilt. Each beautifully executed piece was handcrafted from such natural elements as leaves, bark, and twigs.

In compliance with state and local mandates related to COVID-19, all guests must enter the Conservatory via the ADA entrance in the back and follow a one-way route.

Saturday, August 14, 2021
Festivals + Cultural Events Grant Opportunity
Aug 14 all-day
Online

Background and Goals of the Festivals & Cultural Events Program

The Festivals & Cultural Events Support Fund Grant Program was launched in 2016 by the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) and is designed to provide financial support for events that both serve the residents of Buncombe County and the visitors who travel to the Asheville area for the sense of authenticity and welcoming spirit that the destination exudes.

The primary purposes of this fund are to:

  • Support and preserve cultural identity within Buncombe County;
  • Stimulate the creation of new, or expansion of existing, festivals and cultural events; and
  • Contribute to the financial viability and long-term sustainability of the area’s festivals and cultural events.

Explore Asheville CVB is offering grants for Festivals & Cultural Events ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, not to exceed 50% of the total event budget. Application deadline is Sept 29th at 5 pm.

Gardening Video: Selecting WNC Natives and Nativars
Aug 14 all-day
Online
Shelby Jackson, Presenter

Shelby Singleton Jackson, a NC Certified Plant Professional and Horticulturist at Carolina Native Nursery in Burnsville, is passionate about native plants. She will talk about natives, nativars, and hybrids; help you understand the differences and why it matters; and give some suggestions for native plant choices.

Check out the latest gardening video on the Buncombe County Master Gardener website.  Learn the difference between native plants, nativars, and hybrids.  Understand why it matters for gardens designed to support pollinators, biodiversity, and wildlife.

Job Opening at RiverLink: Development Manager
Aug 14 all-day
Online

We are looking for a new Development Manager to join the RiverLink team. If you or someone you know is looking to make a significant impact on the river and the environments of Western North Carolina then check out the job description below. This position is focused on fundraising, writing grants, and working with donors to support the efforts of RiverLink. This is a full time position with full benefits and a salary starting at $48k.
Apply to be the Development Manager at RiverLink
Read the Job Description
We are an equal opportunity employer that supports workplace diversity. We carefully consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, or any other legally protected status. We value diversity and are committed to an inclusive workforce. To apply: Please send a cover letter and resume to [email protected] and include Development Manager as the subject.
Organic Growers School Journeyperson Program
Aug 14 all-day
Organic Growers School

A year-long program

Individualized to meet you where you are
in your farm business journey

Applications are due by September 18, 2021.

Starting a farm is a formidable challenge, but keeping a farm business going, growing and thriving is even harder! The Journeyperson Program is designed for farmers who have been independently farming for 3 or more years, and are serious about operating farm businesses in the Southern Appalachian region. This program will give you the space and time to work on your business while making connections that deepen your peer-to-peer support.

 

 This 12-month program starts in November 2021 and ends in October 2022.

What is unique about this program?

Participants can use this program as a tangible step toward achieving their farm goals, and make significant contributions to the agricultural community and economy. This program is designed to give tailored guidance and support for your farm business to answer questions of: scale, market access, land access, risk management, understanding cash flow, and enterprise innovation. You will leave this program with a responsive, adaptable business plan to help your farm achieve long-term farm viability and resilience.

Organic Growers School Mentor Services
Aug 14 all-day
Organic Growers School

Mentor Services

Our Mentor Services help support beginning and intermediate farmers by pairing them with experienced, regional farmers who can provide them with one-on-one practical planning skills.
These skills include systems management, marketing and business development, farm design and production, and connecting to the regional farming community
The Learning Garden Opens to the Public
Aug 14 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Buncombe Extension Center
The Learning Garden at Buncombe Extension Center
Vegetable gardening at The Learning Garden

Visit The Learning Garden! The gardens are in full summer mode with ripening tomatoes, blooming roses, giant sunflowers, and many other perennials and plants of interest.

The Learning Garden is a dedicated, on-site teaching garden at the Buncombe Extension Center located at 49 Mt. Carmel Road, Asheville. It is managed and cared for by the Extension Master GardenerSM volunteers (EMGVs) of Buncombe County.

Everyone is welcome to visit the gardens Monday and Wednesday mornings from 9 to 12 when temperatures are cool and Master Gardeners are working in the gardens. Or come visit on your own Monday through Friday, 8 to 5.

The Learning Garden (TLG) surrounds the Extension building, includes 8 distinct gardens, and a composting demonstration site. Each garden offers plants that grow well in our region. You will gather new ideas and learn successful horticultural practices that lead to beautiful, healthy gardens.

Look for plant labels in the garden. Find more information and brochures at the kiosk near the building and in the garden mailboxes.

GARDENERS ARE IN THE GARDEN.