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.

Saturday, September 9, 2023
Roan Mountain Fall Naturalists Rally
Sep 9 all-day
Roan Mountain State Park Conference Center

For 61 years enthusiasts have been gathering at
Roan Mountain during the first weekend after Labor
Day to celebrate the natural world during the Fall
Roan Mountain Naturalists Rally. This event and all
of the Friends of Roan Mountain events would not
be possible without our volunteer field trip leaders,
the support of Roan Mountain State Park and the
Friends of Roan membership.
Consider joining the Friends of Roan Mountain, if
you are not a member. Members get free admission
to all Naturalists Rally events and our newsletter
which is published twice a year.
Evening and lunch programs will take place in Roan
Mountain State Park’s Conference Center. Field
trips will leave from the field on the left beside the
entrance to the park cabins.
Gary Barrigar and Larry McDaniel- Co-Directors

FRIDAY EVENING PROGRAM: “Discovering the Wonders of Parks Through
Interpretation

Meg Guy has served Tennessee State Parks first as
Seasonal Interpretive Ranger, then Park Ranger then
Park Manager of Roan Mountain State Park. Now
she supports 19 parks across East Tennessee as the
Regional Interpretive Specialist. She holds a B.S. in
Plant & Soil Sciences from the University of
Tennessee and an M.A. in Appalachian
Studies from East Tennessee State University. Meg
also holds two professional certifications from the
National Association for Interpretation (NAI):
Certified Interpretive Guide and Certified
Interpretive Trainer.
Presentation Description:
The mission statement of Tennessee State Parks
reads:
“To preserve and protect, in perpetuity,
unique examples of natural, cultural, and scenic
areas and to provide a variety of safe, quality
outdoor experiences through a well
-planned and
professionally managed system of state parks.”
Visitors to parks are provided opportunities to
connect intellectually and emotionally with unique
resources through a communication process known
as interpretation. Guided hikes and tours, museum
exhibits, living history demonstrations, and
wayfinding signage are all examples of state park
resource interpretation efforts.
In this presentation, Tennessee State Parks’
Regional Interpretive Specialist Meg Guy will draw

upon her own experience working in parks to consider
the importance of interpretation to the
achievement of the agency mission… specifically, how
interpretation enhances a park visit and inspires park
visitors to become stewards of natural and cultural
resources.
SATURDAY AFTER LUNCH PROGRAM
:
“Insects & Traditional Medicine

ETSU undergraduate researcher Cade Campbell will
discuss his studies with the Whitaker Lab. He has been
working to document the interactions of native insects
and Appalachian medicinal plants compared to species
unused in the folk tradition.
SATURDAY EVENING PROGRAM
:
“Fall Migration: A Fascinating Annual Display of
Nature

Ron Hoff moved to Knoxville in October 1973. He
joined the Knoxville chapter of the Tennessee
Ornithological Society in January, 1978. He has
volunteered over the years in many positions for both
the local and state TOS organization, culminating as
TOS president in 2013
-2015. He continues as state TOS
bird count compiler, a position he has held for over 20
years.
Ron met his wife, Dollyann Myers, through the TOS
state bird meetings and eventually got married in 1995.
Ron’s first birding trip was to the Big Bend National
Park in Texas in June 1983. He and Dollyann found that
they shared a huge passion for international birding and
they both have now birded in just over 100 countries.
His life list now stands at 8698 species seen.
Ron has also been interested in photography for many
years and this carried over to birding. He has always
wanted to give programs about birds to audiences to
share the beauty and wonderment of birds, in the hopes
that it may, in some small way, help with bird
conservation. Preferring to use his own slides for his
presentations, he has slowly built up his library of bird
photos and has now photographed 5362 species of birds,
nearly half of all the birds in the world.
Presentation Description:
Fall migration is a vast and complicated annual event.
This program will present some grand statistics, minute
details, and current research that will help make sense of
this movement.

Carolina Mountains Literary Festival
Sep 9 @ 9:00 am
Burnsville Downtown

Our mission is to bring together, in small, intimate settings, authors, readers of all ages, novice writers, listeners, and learners. We are a festival of readers who appreciate discussing the ideas in literature.

We do not see ourselves as an academic festival, thou

Telling Our Own Story: Cherokee Self-Representation in Contemporary Media


Historically in film, literature, galleries, and textbooks, Native stories have been told by non-Native voices. In this panel, we’ll hear from citizens of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), North Carolina’s only federally recognized tribe, who are contributing to the international movement for Indigenous self-representation in media through writing, podcasting, visual art, and cultural perpetuation.


Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle (Eastern Band Cherokee)


Award-winning Author of Even as We Breathe


Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle (Eastern Band Cherokee) lives in Qualla, NC and is the author of Even As We Breathe. She sits on the Board of Directors for the Museum of the Cherokee Indian and is President of the North Carolina Writers Network. She is also an Appalachian Futures Series editor for the University Press of Kentucky.


Shana Bushyhead Condill (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians)


Museum of the Cherokee Indian Executive Director


Shana Bushyhead Condill (Eastern Band of Cherokee) has worked in the museum and cultural field for over twenty years. As Executive Director of the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, Condill furthers a career-spanning commitment to cultivating Native representation and self-representation in public spaces, advocating for the intentional combining of mainstream best practices with Native best practices in cultural preservation.


Nola Pina (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians)


Museum of the Cherokee Indian Lead Cultural Specialist


Nola Pina (Eastern Band Cherokee) grew up and still currently resides in the on the Qualla Boundary. As a Lead Cultural Specialist at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, Nola enjoys demonstrating and teaching finger-weaving (she is a first-generation finger weaver herself), as well as storytelling and leading tours through the permanent exhibit.


Rhiannon ‘Skye’ Tafoya (Eastern Band Cherokee and Santa Clara Pueblo)


Visual artist


Rhiannon ‘Skye’ Tafoya (Eastern Band Cherokee and Santa Clara Pueblo) employs printmaking, digital design, and basketry techniques in creating her artist’s books, prints, and paper weavings. Both of her Tribal heritages, cultures, and lineages are manifested in her two- and three-dimensional artworks that range in size from a few inches to a few feet.


Sheyahshe Littledave (Eastern Band Cherokee)


Writer/podcaster


Sheyahshe Littledave (Eastern Band Cherokee) is passionate about storytelling and writing to highlight the Indigenous experience. Her work includes publication in National Geographic, NPR, and writing children’s books. In 2021, she became the co-host of “We are Resilient: An MMIW True Crime Podcast,” dedicated to telling the untold stories of Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women.gh we seek to advance authors of literary quality.  Nor are we a book fair in which the primary objective is to sell books.

One of our goals is to raise awareness of works of literary significance from smaller presses.  We do focus on regional writers, though not exclusively.  But overall, our aspiration is to create a little literary community which is in dialog with readers, aspiring writers, and established authors about craft and ideas of sustaining merit.

Another goal is to make sure our authors are having good time.  In the best scenario, authors leave the festival feeling renewed and rededicated to their work.  So frequently when an author writes in isolation, it is hard to believe that his/her work is making an impact on people and society.  But situating authors and readers together in close quarters, as our festival does, it is possible for authors to hear stories of how their work has influenced people.  It’s not just signing a book, it’s making a human connection.

We hope the Carolina Mountains Literary Festival inspires people to read more, write more, and contribute positively to society through the literary arts.

Our Pecularities

 

No outside vendors have booths at our festival.  In fact, we don’t even sell any litfest paraphernalia. In an attempt to support our quaint downtown, attendees are encouraged to buy souvenirs at the many local shops that host readings. Authors are not tied down to a table all day, but are free to roam the town, attend other sessions, or gab with other authors in more sequestered areas.  Some authors spend a full two days attending others’ readings.  As festival planners, we thoroughly enjoy this contribution.  However, some chose to leave after their sessions, which is equally acceptable.
Our events are spread all over our small town— in galleries, small stores, the Town Center, library, nearby churches, and other various venues.  Only a few used primarily for workshops are not within walking distance.
Events are scheduled simultaneously.  As many as five different events may be occurring at any one time.  (We know that it can be difficult to choose, but we make every attempt to have each author present at least twice during the weekend.) We have a festival bookseller (Malaprop’s) who sells all festival author books – authors do not sell their books on their own.  (Therefore, if book sales are high on your list of priorities or you enjoy pitching your books, you may not find this event to your liking—and vice versa.)
Authors gather for morning and afternoon-session book-signings as a group.  No individual authors will have their own signings. Author presentations are limited to two consecutive years.  Exceptions may be made if an author has a new, significant work.  At the same time, we welcome past participants as attendees, or to assist us as session moderators or introducers if they wish.

FOR WORKSHOPS: 2023 Schedule – cmlitfest.org

Beginning Adult Tap
Sep 9 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Hendersonville Theatre

Class cost: $150

Min students: 6

Max students: 12

Class Dates: Saturdays, July 22 – September 9 (8 weeks)

Time: 1 pm to 2 pm

Must be 18+ to attend

The last day to receive a full refund is June 22, 2023. After June 22, 2023, no refund will be issued.

Class Description:
Does tap dancing seem a little daunting? Is it something you always wanted to try but didn’t have the time to commit to months of classes at a time? Whether you are preparing for a show that has tap involved or you are just interested in a new skill for fun, this class is for you. Allison Starling will break down the basics of tap into easy to catch on to moves that build the foundation of any tap number. This 8 week class is a comprehensive basics course that you don’t want to miss!

Sunday, September 10, 2023
Roan Mountain Fall Naturalists Rally
Sep 10 all-day
Roan Mountain State Park Conference Center

For 61 years enthusiasts have been gathering at
Roan Mountain during the first weekend after Labor
Day to celebrate the natural world during the Fall
Roan Mountain Naturalists Rally. This event and all
of the Friends of Roan Mountain events would not
be possible without our volunteer field trip leaders,
the support of Roan Mountain State Park and the
Friends of Roan membership.
Consider joining the Friends of Roan Mountain, if
you are not a member. Members get free admission
to all Naturalists Rally events and our newsletter
which is published twice a year.
Evening and lunch programs will take place in Roan
Mountain State Park’s Conference Center. Field
trips will leave from the field on the left beside the
entrance to the park cabins.
Gary Barrigar and Larry McDaniel- Co-Directors

FRIDAY EVENING PROGRAM: “Discovering the Wonders of Parks Through
Interpretation

Meg Guy has served Tennessee State Parks first as
Seasonal Interpretive Ranger, then Park Ranger then
Park Manager of Roan Mountain State Park. Now
she supports 19 parks across East Tennessee as the
Regional Interpretive Specialist. She holds a B.S. in
Plant & Soil Sciences from the University of
Tennessee and an M.A. in Appalachian
Studies from East Tennessee State University. Meg
also holds two professional certifications from the
National Association for Interpretation (NAI):
Certified Interpretive Guide and Certified
Interpretive Trainer.
Presentation Description:
The mission statement of Tennessee State Parks
reads:
“To preserve and protect, in perpetuity,
unique examples of natural, cultural, and scenic
areas and to provide a variety of safe, quality
outdoor experiences through a well
-planned and
professionally managed system of state parks.”
Visitors to parks are provided opportunities to
connect intellectually and emotionally with unique
resources through a communication process known
as interpretation. Guided hikes and tours, museum
exhibits, living history demonstrations, and
wayfinding signage are all examples of state park
resource interpretation efforts.
In this presentation, Tennessee State Parks’
Regional Interpretive Specialist Meg Guy will draw

upon her own experience working in parks to consider
the importance of interpretation to the
achievement of the agency mission… specifically, how
interpretation enhances a park visit and inspires park
visitors to become stewards of natural and cultural
resources.
SATURDAY AFTER LUNCH PROGRAM
:
“Insects & Traditional Medicine

ETSU undergraduate researcher Cade Campbell will
discuss his studies with the Whitaker Lab. He has been
working to document the interactions of native insects
and Appalachian medicinal plants compared to species
unused in the folk tradition.
SATURDAY EVENING PROGRAM
:
“Fall Migration: A Fascinating Annual Display of
Nature

Ron Hoff moved to Knoxville in October 1973. He
joined the Knoxville chapter of the Tennessee
Ornithological Society in January, 1978. He has
volunteered over the years in many positions for both
the local and state TOS organization, culminating as
TOS president in 2013
-2015. He continues as state TOS
bird count compiler, a position he has held for over 20
years.
Ron met his wife, Dollyann Myers, through the TOS
state bird meetings and eventually got married in 1995.
Ron’s first birding trip was to the Big Bend National
Park in Texas in June 1983. He and Dollyann found that
they shared a huge passion for international birding and
they both have now birded in just over 100 countries.
His life list now stands at 8698 species seen.
Ron has also been interested in photography for many
years and this carried over to birding. He has always
wanted to give programs about birds to audiences to
share the beauty and wonderment of birds, in the hopes
that it may, in some small way, help with bird
conservation. Preferring to use his own slides for his
presentations, he has slowly built up his library of bird
photos and has now photographed 5362 species of birds,
nearly half of all the birds in the world.
Presentation Description:
Fall migration is a vast and complicated annual event.
This program will present some grand statistics, minute
details, and current research that will help make sense of
this movement.

Paths to Creative Retirement at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
Sep 10 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

Let us help you create a meaningful retirement that matches your values and priorities at the Paths to Creative Retirement (Paths) workshop. This highly interactive three-day workshop helps you achieve your desired personal goals in retirement. With guidance and support from facilitators and other participants, you will discover your values, identity and long-deferred dreams. In the process, you will gain valuable insights and inspiration to create tangible next steps.

Dates

  • September 8-10, 2023

If you are unable to attend the upcoming offering of Paths but would like to be informed of future workshop dates and details, please complete the Future Paths Interest Form.

About the Paths Workshop

Paths focuses on the non-financial aspects of life’s second half; decision-making exercises and thought-provoking discussions reveal stimulating opportunities. Transform anxieties about your next chapter of life into a reassuring learning process—Paths is truly a unique retirement workshop.

We invite you to consider questions such as:

  • When should I retire?
  • How will I spend my time after I stop or reduce my work?
  • How will I find purpose and meaning after I retire?
  • How will my identity change in retirement?
  • How will retirement affect my relationships with family and friends?
  • How do I investigate work and volunteer opportunities?
Tuesday, September 12, 2023
Writing Workshop: Telling Poems with Eric Nelson
Sep 12 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
online

The oldest and most common advice poets hear is “show don’t tell.” But what does that mean, exactly? What is the difference between showing and telling? Why is “showing” better? Most of us write poems to tell readers something, to share our ideas. Many poets—from as far back as John Donne to as recent as Stephen Dunn–do a lot of telling in their poems. So why are we always advised not to tell? In this workshop we will discuss these questions. In the process, we will look at a few well-known poems to see how–or if—they show rather than tell, and we will do some writing exercises that may help us arrive at some conclusions about this persistent advice.

This workshop is open to writers of all skill levels and is a fun way to find inspiration from a new prompt or revise current work. It is hosted by the Friends of Carl Sandburg at Connemara and will use Microsoft Teams for the virtual connection. Sign up to attend the workshop at workshop link

Eric Nelson’s most recent poetry collection, Horse Not Zebra, won both a Da Vinci Eye Award for cover art and an Honorable Mention in Poetry from the 2023 Eric Hoffer Book Awarda. His poems have appeared in many journals, including Poetry, The Sun, The Oxford American, and The Missouri Review. Among his awards are the 2014 Gival Press Poetry Book Award for Some Wonder; the 2004 X.J. Kennedy Poetry Award for Terrestrials, chosen by Maxine Kumin; the Arkansas Poetry Award for The Interpretation of Waking Life (1991); the Split Oak Press Chapbook Award for The Twins (2009); the Georgia Author of the Year Award (2005), and fellowships to the Hambidge Center for the Arts and the Virginia Center for Creative Arts. He taught writing and literature courses at Georgia Southern University for twenty-six years before retiring in 2015 and moving to Asheville, where he lives with his wife, Stephanie Tames, and teaches in the Great Smokies Writing Program. www.ericnelsonpoet.com.

Saturday, September 16, 2023
Music In the Mountains Folk Festival
Sep 16 @ 2:30 pm
Homeplace Beer Company & Hog Hollow Pizza

Since 1985, the Music in the Mountains Folk Festival has showcased local and regional traditional music. With your support in the way of donations and the purchase of limited-edition t-shirts, we can continue to honor performers and promoters like Sheila K. Adams and past honorees Don Pedi, Wayne Ledford, Rhonda Gouge, Bob Lominac, Bobby McMillon, Bruce Greene, Bob “Happy Feet” Aldridge, and Bill and Judy Carson.

The 2023 Music In the Mountains Festival is coming right up!

Mark your calendars for September 16th, at Homeplace Beer Company & Hog Hollow Pizza for an afternoon of workshops, traditional craft vendors and an evening filled with Appalachian music.

The 2023 festival honorees are Joyce Johnson and Denise Cook in appreciation for their dedication to the Music In the Mountains Festival since its earliest days. We’re grateful to them for bringing local, traditional mountain music to the forefront of the event and helping to create a wonderful way to celebrate and promote this important part of our regional cultural heritage.

We’ll kick off this year’s event with afternoon workshops from 2:30-3:30. These intimate workshops, taught by Appalachian legends, will give the participants an introduction to Ballad Singing, Flatfooting or Mountain Dulcimer. The workshop fee is $30/person. Space is limited so be sure to register online to reserve your spot.

From 4-8 you are invited to shop with local artists in our traditional craft market.

On the stage from 5-8 you will be treated to some fantastic tunes. With our MC Phil Jamison behind the mic, the line-up includes emerging musicians Newfound Gap, Ballad Singer Donna Ray Norton, Old Time musicians Roger Howell & Jerry Sutton, and Carolina Bluegrass Style.

Suggested donation for attending is $15.

Tuesday, September 19, 2023
Securing Loans: An Open Conversation + Guide
Sep 19 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
online

 

Obtaining a loan for property, equipment or growth can be a complex process. In this session, we will break down the steps involved in securing a loan, including evaluating your financial readiness, preparing loan documentation, understanding loan options, and navigating the application process. You will gain practical tips and strategies to increase your chances of success when deciding to apply for a loan. We will also have an open conversation with creatives who have secured loans to grow their business, we will discuss the challenges, the growth they experienced and other thoughts about getting business loans from people who have done it!

Wednesday, September 20, 2023
Community Workshop: Save a life and eat a slice!
Sep 20 @ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Veterans Healing Farm

This life-saving, two-hour
workshop is open to everyone in
our WNC community, free of
charge. Wednesday, September
20, 11am – 1pm (over lunch).
We’ll provide the pizza to all
participants.
If you are an employer please talk to your employees
about attending. If you are and employee, please talk to
your supervisor about attending. Suicide, while
disproportionately affects our Veteran population, the
entire country is in crisis.

Just like CPR, QPR is an emergency response to someone in
crisis
TRAINING WILL COVER
• How to Question, Persuade, and Refer someone who
may be suicidal
• How to get help for yourself or learn more about
preventing suicide
• The common causes of suicidal behavior
• The warning signs of suicide
• How to get help for someone in crisis
QPR is the most widely taught Gatekeeper training in the
world.

Thursday, September 21, 2023
Get Organized: Bookkeeping, Profitability, and Financial Planning
Sep 21 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
online

 

In this workshop, you’ll learn the fundamentals of bookkeeping, creating profit and loss statements, and organizing your finances to make informed decisions for your business’s next steps.

Key Workshop Topics:

  1. Good Bookkeeping Practices: Learn the basics of bookkeeping, including proper record-keeping, categorizing expenses, and tracking income.
  2. Profitability Analysis: Discover how to create a profit and loss statement, analyze financial data, and make strategic decisions to enhance profitability.
  3. Financial Organization: Gain insights into organizing your finances efficiently, including creating a budget, managing cash flow, and implementing effective systems.
Friday, September 22, 2023
Qi Gong for Wellness + Longevity
Sep 22 all-day
Heavens Cloud Event Center

The practice of qigong comes from many traditions, ranging from Chinese martial arts and Chinese religions to Chinese medicine. Common to each of these orientations is the use of qigong for the promotion of healing and wellness, with the belief that regular practice will enhance longevity and vibrancy. While all traditions have specific emphases and demands, they all share the key elements inherent in the practice of qigong — breath, postures, and mental concentration. This workshop explores gentle-to-rigorous qigong exercises historically associated with Chang Sheng (longevity) and how these techniques can be applied to one’s wellness.

This class is taught by Master Jeffrey Yuen who is one of the most sought-after teachers of Classical Chinese medicine in the world.

Tuesday, September 26, 2023
Strategies for Sustainable Expansion + Succession Planning
Sep 26 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
online

Presenter(s): Chris Grasinger + Panelists
Virtual via Zoom

Transitioning out of your business or selling a part of your business can be a complex process. This session will provide guidance on preparing your business for sale, including valuation methods, legal considerations, and marketing strategies. We will also address succession planning, exploring options such as transferring ownership to family members, employee owned, or seeking external buyers. Gain insights into maximizing the value of your business and ensuring a smooth transition for all stakeholders.

Succession Planning and Business Continuity

  • Identifying potential successors and planning for leadership transitions
  • Establishing a comprehensive succession plan and exit strategy
  • Ensuring business continuity and preserving company values
Wednesday, September 27, 2023
Outdoor Eats TV Premiere @ WNC Outdoor Collective Courtyard
Sep 27 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
WNC Outdoor Collective Courtyard

Chef Corso will host a premiere of his new show, Outdoor Eats TV, at 7:30 p.m. on September 27th at WNC Outdoor Collective in Black Mountain, NC. The show takes viewers on adventures following a professionally trained chef as he whips up actually good meals for backpacking with items from your local market. Enjoy the episode and a backcountry cooking workshop following.

Sunday, October 1, 2023
Beauty Boost Breathwork + Sound Healing
Oct 1 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
The Restoration Asheville

Join us in The Solarium for a powerful workshop led by Rachele Scevola aka The Breath Nurse. Rachele will guide you through a transformational breathwork session to help tap into your inner beauty, allowing you to bloom into our most vibrant, abundant, and radiant version of yourself—from the inside out.

Thursday, October 5, 2023
Write Your Story: Introduction to Memoir
Oct 5 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Pack Memorial Library

This workshop will provide the tools to write about your life with ease, direction, and less frustration. This 90 minute workshop will incorporate instruction, discussion, and prompted writing.

Participants will walk away with:
·         Clarity on what Memoir is, and what it is not
·         Ideas about where to begin writing your own memoir
·         An understanding of the resources and tools you’ll need for success
·         The confidence to start playing on the page and telling your unique and beautiful personal stories

For more information about the instructor, visit: corneliadoliancoaching.com…

Sunday, October 15, 2023
How Much Does Business Coaching Cost?
Oct 15 @ 12:30 pm – 1:15 pm
online
Virtual! On Zoom!

Have you ever wondered about hiring a Business Coach but don’t know where to start?  Has the cost of coaching seemed like one of the great mysteries you’d like to see demystified?  Here’s your opportunity!!!  ActionCOACH Business Growth Partners is presenting a Learn Over Lunch virtual webinar to give you all the answers you want.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN DURING THE 40-MINUTE WEBINAR

  • The variety of programs we offer to meet the needs of businesses of every size
  • The cost of working with our Expert Team
  • Testimony from past and present coaching clients
Tuesday, October 17, 2023
Life Stories: A Memoir Writing Workshop
Oct 17 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
North Asheville Library

This workshop is for anyone who wants to bring their real-life stories to the page, whether for publication or simply to record stories for family and friends. Through focused prompts, we will revisit and write about important moments from our lives. Our session will include timed writing exercises, group discussions, and an opportunity to read one’s work aloud in a supportive setting. Please bring paper and a writing implement and come ready to write!

Space is limited, so registration is required.

Lori Horvitz’ first collection of memoir-essays, The Girls of Usually, won the 2016 Gold Medal IPPY Book Award in Autobiography/Memoir. Her creative nonfiction has appeared in a variety of journals including Hobart, South Dakota Review, The New York Times, The Guardian, and Hotel Amerika. Professor of English at UNC Asheville, Horvitz has been awarded fellowships from Yaddo, Cottages at Hedgebrook, VCCA, Ragdale, Blue Mountain Center, and Brush Creek. She holds a Ph.D. in English from SUNY Albany, and an MFA in Creative Writing from Brooklyn College.

Saturday, October 21, 2023
Invasive Plant Workshop
Oct 21 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Weaverville Main Street Nature Park

RiverLink, Land of Sky Regional Council, and the Town of Weaverville are hosting a hands-on workshop on invasive plant management techniques. Participants will remove invasive plants from Weaverville Main Street Nature Park.

Thursday, October 26, 2023
Talismanic Calligraphy: Imprinting Healing Intentions
Oct 26 all-day
Heavens Cloud Event Center

Early Daoism was essentially a reflective and contemplative practice that aligned the adept to the natural phenomena of the world. Intrinsic in such meditations was the individual’s connection to the forces of nature and their movements. As these vectors of energies became internalized, the Daoist adepts were able to “capture” or “summon” such forces and displace their dynamics into objects — eventually relegating their intentions onto mediums of writing (e.g., silk, bamboo, and paper) that became known as Fu-talismans. This workshop will introduce participants to energetic symbols and the cultivation of drawing upon those symbols into empowered paper.

Please note: Calligraphy supplies are not included in the course fee. Supplies can be purchased on Amazon or at many art supply stores. You will need:

– Calligraphy brush.
– Ink stick (we will not use liquid ink)
– Ink grinding stone
– Calligraphy paper (also called xuan paper or rice paper), approximately 11×17 or 10×18 inch size. You will want something larger than 8 1/2 x 11 paper.
– Newspaper to protect your work surface and cloth rag to clean up any messes

Femme And? Improv Comedy Workshop
Oct 26 @ 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Catawba Brewing Company South Slope

Ever wanted to try improv comedy? Have you been going to the open mics and looking for advice to get to the next level? Or maybe just looking for other femme and queer friends interested in comedy.

Come out to Catawba Brewing South Slope on Sunday 8/27 for a one day workshop let by Marlene Thompson (Second City, Asheville Improv)

Open to all femme and non-binary identifying people and all comedy levels

ages 18+

Friday, October 27, 2023
Significance of the Names of Chinese Herbs
Oct 27 all-day
Heavens Cloud Event Center

Just like the names of Chinese acupuncture points, there is much richness in the names of herbs used in Chinese medicine. Drawing upon folklore, philosophy, and history, much of the names of the herbs confer the experiential realizations of their “discoverer”, the mundane to the extraordinary revelations exemplified by the plants, and the reverence accorded to their existences in fostering healing and evolution of humanity. Studying herbs can be as entertaining and provocative as poetry. This two-day class explores how some formulas represent the intricate weaving together of each plant like an acupuncture trajectory that offers a pathway to understanding, healing, and liberation.

This class is taught by Master Jeffrey Yuen who is one of the most sought-after teachers of Classical Chinese medicine in the world.

Thursday, November 2, 2023
Reimagining Capitalism by Reimagining Business
Nov 2 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Kittredge Theatre

Join us for a lecture, made possible by an Arthur Vining Davis Grant, that will change the way you think about business by reimagining the world we all want to live and work in. Could it be that good business is good for business? At some point in your life you will either work for someone or work for yourself and potentially employ others. How can we use business as a force for good in the world?

Certified B Corps are for-profit companies that lead with their values of sustainability, diversity, and community. They meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. These values align with the WWC Business Department’s Green Entrepreneurship focus. Our interdisciplinary business program integrates sustainability and social responsibility throughout a traditional business curriculum, rooted in the liberal arts.

Nathan Stuck of Board Chair of B Local Georgia, CEO and Founder of Profitable Purpose Consulting and
Adrianne Gordon, WWC ‘99 Alumna, Board Chair of B Local Asheville, COO at Big Path Capital and Founder of Practical Insight will guide us through a thought provoking evening that will shape the way you do business in the world.

Wednesday, November 8, 2023
Table Wreath Workshop
Nov 8 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Atelier Maison & Co.

Join us for this fun filled “Make and take” seminar that will provide you with all the materials for a lasting and ever changing table design from Thanksgiving all through the holiday season! Unleash your creativity as we teach all the tricks to design your own unique table arrangement, using a variety of natural fresh and dried components that you will enjoy transforming throughout your holiday season. Wine and snacks provided.

Tuesday, November 14, 2023
NANOWRIMO Come Write-In!
Nov 14 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
North Asheville Library

National Novel Writing Month is here and North Asheville Library has you covered!
We’ve set aside a quiet space for all our aspiring novelists to come work towards their word count goals. So come spend an hour or two with us and get into the creative flow. Refreshments provided

 

NaNoWriMo November Novel Writing Write-In
Nov 14 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Swannanoa Library

National Novel Writing Month

National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is a fun, empowering approach to creative writing. The challenge: draft an entire novel in just one month. Why do it? For 30 wild, exciting, surprising days, you get to silence your inner critic, let your imagination take over, and just create!

We want to help. Come by our library and have a quiet space with other would-be authors to think, plan and perhaps, talk over ideas. We’ll have coffee and light refreshments available, along with comfortable seats, and a place to spread out a bit and think. Maybe one day we’ll have YOUR novel in our library collection!

Register here: eventactions.com…

This event is part of the full NaNoWriMo calendar of write-ins throughout the Buncombe County Library System.

Tuesday, November 28, 2023
The Art of Giving Workshop
Nov 28 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Happy Body

A two-hour experiential workshop on abundance, gratitude, and the transformative power of giving, thoughtfully hosted by Whit Zeh, Happy Body studio manager, and Doug Zeh, Happy Body affiliate. At this unique workshop, we’ll guide you through an exploration sure to enrich your life with a deeper sense of abundance, gratitude, and the art of giving back to the world. The evening will kick off with gentle movement and meditation to help you center your mind and open your heart, setting the stage for a profound learning experience. Whether you’re new to these concepts or a seasoned practitioner, this workshop provides a valuable opportunity to gain insights, share experiences, and connect with a community of individuals dedicated to self-discovery and personal growth.

Event Details:

Date: Giving Tuesday, November 28th

Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Location: Happy Body Biltmore Village, 25 Reed St. Suite 210

Workshop Highlights:

Abundance: Discover the abundance that surrounds you every day and learn how to harness it in your life.

Gratitude: Cultivate an attitude of gratitude, allowing you to find joy in the present moment and appreciate the beauty of life.

Giving: Explore the power of giving and how it can create a ripple effect of positivity in your life and the lives of others.

Reserve your spot today and be part of this empowering experience.

Wednesday, December 6, 2023
Spring Conference Registration Open
Dec 6 all-day
online

Save the date for our 31st Annual Spring Conference, March 8-10, 2024, at Mars Hill University. Registration opens Wednesday, December 6, 2023.

 

Friday pre-conferences in 2024 will include full-day workshops from JM Fortier (founder of Jardins de la Grelinette and the Market Gardener Institute), Jeannie Dunne (director of Red Moon Herbs), and Ember Phoenix (Soul Thrive Apothecary).

 

Our main conference program will feature over 60 classes on 13 learning tracks, including Cooking, Earth Stewardship, Farming Business, Farming Production, Forest Farming, Food Justice, Gardening, Herbs, Living on the Land, Mushrooms, Permaculture, Pollinators & Pests, and Soils. For a deeper dive into these fields, the conference will also include nine half-day classes including speakers like Jesse Frost of the No-Till Market Garden Podcast and workshops exploring fermentation on the farm and in the kitchen, lean farming, seed saving, building your farm brand, fruit tree propagation, and more.

Thursday, December 7, 2023
Spring Conference Registration Open
Dec 7 all-day
online

Save the date for our 31st Annual Spring Conference, March 8-10, 2024, at Mars Hill University. Registration opens Wednesday, December 6, 2023.

 

Friday pre-conferences in 2024 will include full-day workshops from JM Fortier (founder of Jardins de la Grelinette and the Market Gardener Institute), Jeannie Dunne (director of Red Moon Herbs), and Ember Phoenix (Soul Thrive Apothecary).

 

Our main conference program will feature over 60 classes on 13 learning tracks, including Cooking, Earth Stewardship, Farming Business, Farming Production, Forest Farming, Food Justice, Gardening, Herbs, Living on the Land, Mushrooms, Permaculture, Pollinators & Pests, and Soils. For a deeper dive into these fields, the conference will also include nine half-day classes including speakers like Jesse Frost of the No-Till Market Garden Podcast and workshops exploring fermentation on the farm and in the kitchen, lean farming, seed saving, building your farm brand, fruit tree propagation, and more.

Friday, December 8, 2023
Spring Conference Registration Open
Dec 8 all-day
online

Save the date for our 31st Annual Spring Conference, March 8-10, 2024, at Mars Hill University. Registration opens Wednesday, December 6, 2023.

 

Friday pre-conferences in 2024 will include full-day workshops from JM Fortier (founder of Jardins de la Grelinette and the Market Gardener Institute), Jeannie Dunne (director of Red Moon Herbs), and Ember Phoenix (Soul Thrive Apothecary).

 

Our main conference program will feature over 60 classes on 13 learning tracks, including Cooking, Earth Stewardship, Farming Business, Farming Production, Forest Farming, Food Justice, Gardening, Herbs, Living on the Land, Mushrooms, Permaculture, Pollinators & Pests, and Soils. For a deeper dive into these fields, the conference will also include nine half-day classes including speakers like Jesse Frost of the No-Till Market Garden Podcast and workshops exploring fermentation on the farm and in the kitchen, lean farming, seed saving, building your farm brand, fruit tree propagation, and more.

Saturday, December 9, 2023
Spring Conference Registration Open
Dec 9 all-day
online

Save the date for our 31st Annual Spring Conference, March 8-10, 2024, at Mars Hill University. Registration opens Wednesday, December 6, 2023.

 

Friday pre-conferences in 2024 will include full-day workshops from JM Fortier (founder of Jardins de la Grelinette and the Market Gardener Institute), Jeannie Dunne (director of Red Moon Herbs), and Ember Phoenix (Soul Thrive Apothecary).

 

Our main conference program will feature over 60 classes on 13 learning tracks, including Cooking, Earth Stewardship, Farming Business, Farming Production, Forest Farming, Food Justice, Gardening, Herbs, Living on the Land, Mushrooms, Permaculture, Pollinators & Pests, and Soils. For a deeper dive into these fields, the conference will also include nine half-day classes including speakers like Jesse Frost of the No-Till Market Garden Podcast and workshops exploring fermentation on the farm and in the kitchen, lean farming, seed saving, building your farm brand, fruit tree propagation, and more.