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.
Each year at the OGS Spring Conference, we recognize a local leader for their dedication, steadfastness, civic commitment, and responsibility for organic education.
Last year, Tamarya Sims from Soulfull Simone Farm and Patryk Battle from Living Web Farms won the Organic Educator Award!
In the last few years, we’ve given the Organic Educator Award to folks who have been at it for decades, but this year, we wanted to recognize those folks who may be just getting started but are already making a profound impact.
This award honors the individuals in our midst who have made ongoing and important contributions to the sustainable agriculture community in Western NC and the Southern Appalachians.
Have someone in mind?
Each year at the OGS Spring Conference, we recognize a local leader for their dedication, steadfastness, civic commitment, and responsibility for organic education.
Last year, Tamarya Sims from Soulfull Simone Farm and Patryk Battle from Living Web Farms won the Organic Educator Award!
In the last few years, we’ve given the Organic Educator Award to folks who have been at it for decades, but this year, we wanted to recognize those folks who may be just getting started but are already making a profound impact.
This award honors the individuals in our midst who have made ongoing and important contributions to the sustainable agriculture community in Western NC and the Southern Appalachians.
Have someone in mind?
Kickoff 2022 with the Western Regional SBCN and EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems as we present a virtual series on enhancing your farming business. Convenient online classes for you to attend and hear from speakers with information, tips, and more. Registration is FREE!
Join us at 6 pm on Thursdays, January through March, to hear from EmPOWERING Mountain Food Systems. We encourage you to take this time to engage with fellow agribusinesses, entrepreneurs and resource providers while learning new skills and the power of collaboration along the way.
Kickoff 2022 with the Western Regional SBCN and EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems as we present a virtual series on enhancing your farming business. Convenient online classes for you to attend and hear from speakers with information, tips, and more. Registration is FREE!
Join us at 6 pm on Thursdays, January through March, to hear from EmPOWERING Mountain Food Systems. We encourage you to take this time to engage with fellow agribusinesses, entrepreneurs and resource providers while learning new skills and the power of collaboration along the way.
January 20- Online Farm Taxes Explained: Property, Equipment and Sales. Dive deeper into farm taxes as they pertain to the many different sides of your farming business. Ask a local farmer about their experience navigating taxes and learn some tips of your own.
January 27- Online Sales Platforms for Direct to Consumer Sales: There are many choices to consider! Hear what works for some regional farmers and determine which platform may be a good fit for your operation.
February 3- Agritourism in Southwestern NC Trends and Storytelling: NCSU researchers spent a year learning from regional providers. What are their findings and recommendations? February 10- Airbnb, HipCamp and Harvest Host: Exploring farm visit options for lodging on your farm. Hear farmer success stories
February 17- Using Social Media to Promote your Farm Business: Facebook, Insta, and Twitter how to get followers and keep them!
February 24- Liability for On Farm Visits: Protect your visitors, your farm and home.
March 10- Making Value Added Products at Home: Regulations for a Home Certified Kitchen & Marketing Options
March 17- Food Safety: Good practices and Regulations for the farm
and market
March 24- Farm Service Agency and Natural Resource Management: Services and Cost Share for your Farming Operations
Each year at the OGS Spring Conference, we recognize a local leader for their dedication, steadfastness, civic commitment, and responsibility for organic education.
Last year, Tamarya Sims from Soulfull Simone Farm and Patryk Battle from Living Web Farms won the Organic Educator Award!
In the last few years, we’ve given the Organic Educator Award to folks who have been at it for decades, but this year, we wanted to recognize those folks who may be just getting started but are already making a profound impact.
This award honors the individuals in our midst who have made ongoing and important contributions to the sustainable agriculture community in Western NC and the Southern Appalachians.
Have someone in mind?
Did you know one of the oldest community food forests is located in Asheville? With over 40 varieties of fruit and nut trees, a butterfly habitat, and annual vegetable garden, maintaining this space named for the famous inventor and agricultural scientist is a year-round job for volunteers.
Come work in the George Washington Carver Edible Park and help maintain Asheville’s first edible park. Bountiful Cities will be on hand to lead the work day and provide an educational session.
Fridays, January 28, February 25, March 25 and April 22
Each year at the OGS Spring Conference, we recognize a local leader for their dedication, steadfastness, civic commitment, and responsibility for organic education.
Last year, Tamarya Sims from Soulfull Simone Farm and Patryk Battle from Living Web Farms won the Organic Educator Award!
In the last few years, we’ve given the Organic Educator Award to folks who have been at it for decades, but this year, we wanted to recognize those folks who may be just getting started but are already making a profound impact.
This award honors the individuals in our midst who have made ongoing and important contributions to the sustainable agriculture community in Western NC and the Southern Appalachians.
Have someone in mind?
ASAP’s Annual Business of Farming Conference brings together professional farmers from across the Southeast region to network and share resources to grow their farm businesses. Farmers learn about marketing, business planning, and financial management from regional experts and innovative peers. The conference is designed for beginning and established farmers as well as those seriously considering farming as a profession.
Workshops for Beginning and Established Farmers
Choose from workshops on business planning, farm financials, marketing, branding, legal considerations, and much more, led by regional business and marketing professionals and innovative farmers.
Grower-Buyer Meeting
Meet with restaurant owners, chefs, distributors, and grocers to discuss sourcing and possible matches between what you produce and what each buyer needs. (It’s like speed dating for local sourcing!) Many farmers have made connections with participating buyers, and many more have improved their ability to serve wholesale accounts.
Farmers Market Summit
The summit brings together farmers market managers from across the Appalachian Grown region for peer-sharing, technical assistance support, and annual planning. The summit is free for market leadership, but does require pre-registration. Contact Mike McCreary to learn more.
Networking and 1:1 Consulting
Attendees have the opportunity to meet, connect, and form supportive relationships. Experts are available to provide your farm with individual support on a variety of business, legal, marketing, and management topics.
Exhibitors Hall
Connect with representatives from a variety of regional agricultural and business services in our exhibitor hall. Interested in being an exhibitor? Contact [email protected].
Volunteers from the Sand Hill area and surrounding neighborhoods harvested over 1,800 pounds of leafy greens, legumes, and other fruits and vegetables from Sand Hill Community Garden in 2021. Around 79% of that total – 1,441 pounds – was donated to ABCCM, Montmorenci UMC, and Snow Hill UMC for distribution to local people in need of food.
“Buncombe County Sports Park is one our most visited park locations each year and Sand Hill Community Garden sits at the entrance,” said Lynn Pegg, Buncombe County Recreation Services Program Manager. “The garden represents a commitment to community and sustainability – a positive message for all visitors. Whether you volunteer a few hours a week or a few hours a year, friendships are fostered and mountain spirit is affirmed by spending time out here.”
Want to Help Out?
In all, volunteers spent 1,001 hours sharing in garden space, knowledge, and labor using organic growing practices to promote community health and wellness. Anyone in Buncombe County is invited to help out at public workdays beginning in February. The first community garden workday for 2022 will be Saturday February 26th from 10:00am – 12:00pm (Weather Permitting) at the garden, Buncombe County Sports Park, 58 Apac Drive Asheville NC 28806. Follow Buncombe County Recreation on Facebook and Instagram for additional dates and times when workdays are scheduled.
Each year at the OGS Spring Conference, we recognize a local leader for their dedication, steadfastness, civic commitment, and responsibility for organic education.
Last year, Tamarya Sims from Soulfull Simone Farm and Patryk Battle from Living Web Farms won the Organic Educator Award!
In the last few years, we’ve given the Organic Educator Award to folks who have been at it for decades, but this year, we wanted to recognize those folks who may be just getting started but are already making a profound impact.
This award honors the individuals in our midst who have made ongoing and important contributions to the sustainable agriculture community in Western NC and the Southern Appalachians.
Have someone in mind?
Each year at the OGS Spring Conference, we recognize a local leader for their dedication, steadfastness, civic commitment, and responsibility for organic education.
Last year, Tamarya Sims from Soulfull Simone Farm and Patryk Battle from Living Web Farms won the Organic Educator Award!
In the last few years, we’ve given the Organic Educator Award to folks who have been at it for decades, but this year, we wanted to recognize those folks who may be just getting started but are already making a profound impact.
This award honors the individuals in our midst who have made ongoing and important contributions to the sustainable agriculture community in Western NC and the Southern Appalachians.
Have someone in mind?
Organic Growers School is excited to bring this training opportunity to Southern Appalachia in partnership with Certified Naturally Grown. Holistic Crop Management aka CNG’s Bootcamp South, is a six-part webinar series led by local farmers and agricultural resource specialists. Growers will gain the tools to manage soil health, weeds, pests and diseases for whole-farm success.
Tuesday, February 15, 2022
6:00pm – 8:00pm
Tools from the Holistic Management Framework: Learn how to view the farm as an ecosystem while managing the four ecosystem processes to establish balance and promote productivity on your farm.
Tuesday, February 22, 2022
6:00pm – 8:00pm
A Holistic Approach to Soil Health: Learn and apply whole farm management methods, basics of soil science and soil monitoring to increase your farm’s soil health and productivity.
Tuesday, March 1, 2022
6:00pm – 8:00pm
Managing Pests Holistically: Gain an ecological understanding of pest biology, and management strategies commonly used to prevent pest damage.
Tuesday, March 8, 2022
6:00pm – 8:00pm
Managing Disease Holistically: Discover ecologically-based preventive, and integrated practices to reduce the impact of disease on your farm.
Tuesday, March 15, 2022
6:00pm – 8:00pm
Managing Weeds Holistically: Understand common weed biology, ecology, and identification, as well as preventative practices to reduce weed pressure.
Tuesday, March 22, 2022
6:00pm – 8:00pm
Implementing Holistic Decision-Making Skills for your Farm: Learn how to use the holistic management monitoring cycle for decision making on your farm.
Each year at the OGS Spring Conference, we recognize a local leader for their dedication, steadfastness, civic commitment, and responsibility for organic education.
Last year, Tamarya Sims from Soulfull Simone Farm and Patryk Battle from Living Web Farms won the Organic Educator Award!
In the last few years, we’ve given the Organic Educator Award to folks who have been at it for decades, but this year, we wanted to recognize those folks who may be just getting started but are already making a profound impact.
This award honors the individuals in our midst who have made ongoing and important contributions to the sustainable agriculture community in Western NC and the Southern Appalachians.
Have someone in mind?
Last Spring Gardening Class until Summer Series!
Join general contractor Keenan Phillips for a hands-on workshop about tools and skills commonly used in the garden and homestead. The workshop will include basic information on tools and safety, and focus on some common needs around water carrying, electricity, and construction.
Each year at the OGS Spring Conference, we recognize a local leader for their dedication, steadfastness, civic commitment, and responsibility for organic education.
Last year, Tamarya Sims from Soulfull Simone Farm and Patryk Battle from Living Web Farms won the Organic Educator Award!
In the last few years, we’ve given the Organic Educator Award to folks who have been at it for decades, but this year, we wanted to recognize those folks who may be just getting started but are already making a profound impact.
This award honors the individuals in our midst who have made ongoing and important contributions to the sustainable agriculture community in Western NC and the Southern Appalachians.
Have someone in mind?
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Each year at the OGS Spring Conference, we recognize a local leader for their dedication, steadfastness, civic commitment, and responsibility for organic education.
Last year, Tamarya Sims from Soulfull Simone Farm and Patryk Battle from Living Web Farms won the Organic Educator Award!
In the last few years, we’ve given the Organic Educator Award to folks who have been at it for decades, but this year, we wanted to recognize those folks who may be just getting started but are already making a profound impact.
This award honors the individuals in our midst who have made ongoing and important contributions to the sustainable agriculture community in Western NC and the Southern Appalachians.
Have someone in mind?
Each year at the OGS Spring Conference, we recognize a local leader for their dedication, steadfastness, civic commitment, and responsibility for organic education.
Last year, Tamarya Sims from Soulfull Simone Farm and Patryk Battle from Living Web Farms won the Organic Educator Award!
In the last few years, we’ve given the Organic Educator Award to folks who have been at it for decades, but this year, we wanted to recognize those folks who may be just getting started but are already making a profound impact.
This award honors the individuals in our midst who have made ongoing and important contributions to the sustainable agriculture community in Western NC and the Southern Appalachians.
Have someone in mind?
Each year at the OGS Spring Conference, we recognize a local leader for their dedication, steadfastness, civic commitment, and responsibility for organic education.
Last year, Tamarya Sims from Soulfull Simone Farm and Patryk Battle from Living Web Farms won the Organic Educator Award!
In the last few years, we’ve given the Organic Educator Award to folks who have been at it for decades, but this year, we wanted to recognize those folks who may be just getting started but are already making a profound impact.
This award honors the individuals in our midst who have made ongoing and important contributions to the sustainable agriculture community in Western NC and the Southern Appalachians.
Have someone in mind?
Organic Growers School is excited to bring this training opportunity to Southern Appalachia in partnership with Certified Naturally Grown. Holistic Crop Management aka CNG’s Bootcamp South, is a six-part webinar series led by local farmers and agricultural resource specialists. Growers will gain the tools to manage soil health, weeds, pests and diseases for whole-farm success.
Tuesday, February 15, 2022
6:00pm – 8:00pm
Tools from the Holistic Management Framework: Learn how to view the farm as an ecosystem while managing the four ecosystem processes to establish balance and promote productivity on your farm.
Tuesday, February 22, 2022
6:00pm – 8:00pm
A Holistic Approach to Soil Health: Learn and apply whole farm management methods, basics of soil science and soil monitoring to increase your farm’s soil health and productivity.
Tuesday, March 1, 2022
6:00pm – 8:00pm
Managing Pests Holistically: Gain an ecological understanding of pest biology, and management strategies commonly used to prevent pest damage.
Tuesday, March 8, 2022
6:00pm – 8:00pm
Managing Disease Holistically: Discover ecologically-based preventive, and integrated practices to reduce the impact of disease on your farm.
Tuesday, March 15, 2022
6:00pm – 8:00pm
Managing Weeds Holistically: Understand common weed biology, ecology, and identification, as well as preventative practices to reduce weed pressure.
Tuesday, March 22, 2022
6:00pm – 8:00pm
Implementing Holistic Decision-Making Skills for your Farm: Learn how to use the holistic management monitoring cycle for decision making on your farm.
Many ornamental perennials perform better when they are periodically divided, and this practice provides more plants to share or plant back in the garden. Learn what perennials need to be divided and when and how.
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Herbs are commonly grown in gardens and containers for a variety of purposes. For use at home, herbs can be defined as any plant with leaves, stems, or flowers used for flavoring, food, drink, perfume, or medicine. This presentation will provide general information about growing herbs with a focus on more than thirty of those used primarily for culinary purposes. |
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You can also attend one of our weekly garden workday events:
Pearson Garden and Nursery Garden workdays Wednesdays from 3-5pm. Located at 408 Pearson Dr. in Montford. Please click this link to sign up. Contact [email protected] for more information.
Hall Fletcher Elementary School FEAST Garden Wednesdays 2:45-4:00pm, 60 Ridgelawn Rd. Please click this link to sign up. Contact [email protected] for more information.
Lucy Herring Elementary School Peace Garden (formerly Vance Elementary School) in West Asheville. Workdays Tuesdays 2:45-3:45. The garden will again be closed to the public from 8 AM- 2:30 pm so that classes can use the garden for outdoor learning. Please contact [email protected] for questions and to RSVP
**We give away free produce donated by Mother Earth Food every week at our Sharing Table Mondays after 3 pm
Tree-planting season is right around the corner. Let us save you some time.
You could do a ton of research on your own to figure out the best trees for your yard
….OR let Bee City USA Founder Phyllis Stiles give you her top picks for native trees to fill your landscaping needs.
You’ll also learn how native trees are vital to ensuring our native butterflies and bees don’t go hungry.
Kickoff 2022 with the Western Regional SBCN and EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems as we present a virtual series on enhancing your farming business. Convenient online classes for you to attend and hear from speakers with information, tips, and more. Registration is FREE!
Join us at 6 pm on Thursdays, January through March, to hear from EmPOWERING Mountain Food Systems. We encourage you to take this time to engage with fellow agribusinesses, entrepreneurs and resource providers while learning new skills and the power of collaboration along the way.
Kickoff 2022 with the Western Regional SBCN and EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems as we present a virtual series on enhancing your farming business. Convenient online classes for you to attend and hear from speakers with information, tips, and more. Registration is FREE!
Join us at 6 pm on Thursdays, January through March, to hear from EmPOWERING Mountain Food Systems. We encourage you to take this time to engage with fellow agribusinesses, entrepreneurs and resource providers while learning new skills and the power of collaboration along the way.
January 20- Online Farm Taxes Explained: Property, Equipment and Sales. Dive deeper into farm taxes as they pertain to the many different sides of your farming business. Ask a local farmer about their experience navigating taxes and learn some tips of your own.
January 27- Online Sales Platforms for Direct to Consumer Sales: There are many choices to consider! Hear what works for some regional farmers and determine which platform may be a good fit for your operation.
February 3- Agritourism in Southwestern NC Trends and Storytelling: NCSU researchers spent a year learning from regional providers. What are their findings and recommendations? February 10- Airbnb, HipCamp and Harvest Host: Exploring farm visit options for lodging on your farm. Hear farmer success stories
February 17- Using Social Media to Promote your Farm Business: Facebook, Insta, and Twitter how to get followers and keep them!
February 24- Liability for On Farm Visits: Protect your visitors, your farm and home.
March 10- Making Value Added Products at Home: Regulations for a Home Certified Kitchen & Marketing Options
March 17- Food Safety: Good practices and Regulations for the farm
and market
March 24- Farm Service Agency and Natural Resource Management: Services and Cost Share for your Farming Operations
On Friday, March 11, our partners at Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP) will be hosting a CSA Fair in the YW’s Multipurpose Room from 4-7 pm. The event is free, family-friendly, and open to the public. CSA Fairs are a chance to meet local farmers and learn about CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) in your area. By joining a CSA, you get a weekly box of fresh, locally grown produce, meats, flowers, or other local products—and provide a local farmer with valuable financial support before the season starts. Talk to farmers about what products they offer, pickup locations, growing practices, and payment options.
Come lend a hand as the Elder & Sage Community Gardens prepare for their 6th gardening season. Some tasks will include: Raking and bagging leaves, laying pavers for their wheelchair accessible area, repairing garden boxes, shoveling soil, mulching beds, assembling a portable greenhouse, cleaning and organizing tools. Refreshments will be provided. Reach out to [email protected] for more info.
Presenter: Judy Deutsch, Extension Master GardenerSM Volunteer
In Western North Carolina, roses are pruned in the early spring, traditionally when the forsythia blooms. It’s the time to remove unwanted or unhealthy canes, reduce size, and shape the rose for optimal growth and health.
This in-person program will cover proper tools for pruning and tips on how to prune. A pruning demonstration will be done in the Rose Garden, and you will have the opportunity to prune as well. Please bring garden gloves and pruners, and dress appropriately for the weather. You will also have a chance to sharpen your pruners.
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The Garden Helpline is open March 2 through October 27 in 2022.
Extension Master GardenerSM volunteers will be staffing the Helpline as indicated in the schedule below. You may send an email or leave a voicemail at any time and an Extension Master Gardener volunteer will respond during Garden Helpline hours. When emailing, please include a photo if it helps describe your garden question. Soil test kits can be picked up at the Extension office, 24/7, located in a box outside the front door.
Two ways to contact the Garden Helpline
Call 828-255-5522
Email questions and photos to [email protected]
Garden Helpline Hours
March: Monday 12:00 – 2:00; Wednesday 10:00 – 12:00
April – September: Monday and Wednesday 10:00- 2:00; Tuesday 10:00-12:00;
Thursday 12:00-2:00
October: Tuesday 10:00-12:00; Thursday 12:00-2:00
We are here to help and support you! Please contact us; we look forward to answering your gardening questions.