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 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!

Dark City Poet’s Society
Sep 19 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Black Mountain Library

Great news for poets and poetry lovers: Dark City Poet’s Society is returning to the Black Mountain Library. DCPS is a completely free poetry group that is open to poets of all ages and experience levels. Join us at the Black Mountain Library from 6-7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month for our (respectful) critique group. DCPS will meet at BAD Craft from 6-7 p.m. on the third Tuesday for our monthly open mic Poetry Night. Find out more on Instagram @darkcitypoetssociety or contact the Black Mountain Library.

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.

Saturday, September 23, 2023
Gatherings of Artists + Writers Coffee
Sep 23 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

TFAC invites all artists: painters, sculptors, writers, performers & more — to a casual weekly drop-in gathering on Saturday mornings at 9 AM to share your works in progress, alert others, and chat about art and what’s happening in your community.

The first weekly Coffee is Saturday, August 20 at 9 am.

No RSVP needed, just drop by!

Free parking available on Melrose Avenue, behind and alongside TFAC.

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
Dark City Poet’s Society
Sep 26 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Black Mountain Library

Great news for poets and poetry lovers: Dark City Poet’s Society is returning to the Black Mountain Library. DCPS is a completely free poetry group that is open to poets of all ages and experience levels. Join us at the Black Mountain Library from 6-7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month for our (respectful) critique group. DCPS will meet at BAD Craft from 6-7 p.m. on the third Tuesday for our monthly open mic Poetry Night. Find out more on Instagram @darkcitypoetssociety or contact the Black Mountain Library.

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.

Saturday, September 30, 2023
Gatherings of Artists + Writers Coffee
Sep 30 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

TFAC invites all artists: painters, sculptors, writers, performers & more — to a casual weekly drop-in gathering on Saturday mornings at 9 AM to share your works in progress, alert others, and chat about art and what’s happening in your community.

The first weekly Coffee is Saturday, August 20 at 9 am.

No RSVP needed, just drop by!

Free parking available on Melrose Avenue, behind and alongside TFAC.

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.

Tuesday, October 3, 2023
Dark City Poet’s Society
Oct 3 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Black Mountain Library

Great news for poets and poetry lovers: Dark City Poet’s Society is returning to the Black Mountain Library. DCPS is a completely free poetry group that is open to poets of all ages and experience levels. Join us at the Black Mountain Library from 6-7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month for our (respectful) critique group. DCPS will meet at BAD Craft from 6-7 p.m. on the third Tuesday for our monthly open mic Poetry Night. Find out more on Instagram @darkcitypoetssociety or contact the Black Mountain Library.

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…

Saturday, October 7, 2023
Gatherings of Artists + Writers Coffee
Oct 7 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

TFAC invites all artists: painters, sculptors, writers, performers & more — to a casual weekly drop-in gathering on Saturday mornings at 9 AM to share your works in progress, alert others, and chat about art and what’s happening in your community.

The first weekly Coffee is Saturday, August 20 at 9 am.

No RSVP needed, just drop by!

Free parking available on Melrose Avenue, behind and alongside TFAC.

Tuesday, October 10, 2023
Dark City Poet’s Society
Oct 10 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Black Mountain Library

Great news for poets and poetry lovers: Dark City Poet’s Society is returning to the Black Mountain Library. DCPS is a completely free poetry group that is open to poets of all ages and experience levels. Join us at the Black Mountain Library from 6-7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month for our (respectful) critique group. DCPS will meet at BAD Craft from 6-7 p.m. on the third Tuesday for our monthly open mic Poetry Night. Find out more on Instagram @darkcitypoetssociety or contact the Black Mountain Library.

Saturday, October 14, 2023
Gatherings of Artists + Writers Coffee
Oct 14 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

TFAC invites all artists: painters, sculptors, writers, performers & more — to a casual weekly drop-in gathering on Saturday mornings at 9 AM to share your works in progress, alert others, and chat about art and what’s happening in your community.

The first weekly Coffee is Saturday, August 20 at 9 am.

No RSVP needed, just drop by!

Free parking available on Melrose Avenue, behind and alongside TFAC.

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
Dark City Poet’s Society
Oct 17 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Black Mountain Library

Great news for poets and poetry lovers: Dark City Poet’s Society is returning to the Black Mountain Library. DCPS is a completely free poetry group that is open to poets of all ages and experience levels. Join us at the Black Mountain Library from 6-7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month for our (respectful) critique group. DCPS will meet at BAD Craft from 6-7 p.m. on the third Tuesday for our monthly open mic Poetry Night. Find out more on Instagram @darkcitypoetssociety or contact the Black Mountain Library.

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.

Wednesday, October 18, 2023
An Evening of Storytelling with Donald Davis
Oct 18 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Haywood Community College

Haywood County native Donald Davis was born into a world rich in stories and folklore. Although well versed in the more traditional Jack Tales, Davis was most interested in the stories of his own family and friends, as well as places of origin. He used these stories to enhance his sermons during a celebrated 25-year career as a Methodist Minister. Later he began telling stories at regional festivals, and upon retirement, became a notable author and performer.

The author of 18 books and 40 original recordings, Donald Davis is indeed a national treasure. He is the recipient of both The Circle of Excellence and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Storytelling Network.

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.

Gatherings of Artists + Writers Coffee
Oct 21 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

TFAC invites all artists: painters, sculptors, writers, performers & more — to a casual weekly drop-in gathering on Saturday mornings at 9 AM to share your works in progress, alert others, and chat about art and what’s happening in your community.

The first weekly Coffee is Saturday, August 20 at 9 am.

No RSVP needed, just drop by!

Free parking available on Melrose Avenue, behind and alongside TFAC.

Tuesday, October 24, 2023
Dark City Poet’s Society
Oct 24 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Black Mountain Library

Great news for poets and poetry lovers: Dark City Poet’s Society is returning to the Black Mountain Library. DCPS is a completely free poetry group that is open to poets of all ages and experience levels. Join us at the Black Mountain Library from 6-7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month for our (respectful) critique group. DCPS will meet at BAD Craft from 6-7 p.m. on the third Tuesday for our monthly open mic Poetry Night. Find out more on Instagram @darkcitypoetssociety or contact the Black Mountain Library.

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.

Saturday, October 28, 2023
Gatherings of Artists + Writers Coffee
Oct 28 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

TFAC invites all artists: painters, sculptors, writers, performers & more — to a casual weekly drop-in gathering on Saturday mornings at 9 AM to share your works in progress, alert others, and chat about art and what’s happening in your community.

The first weekly Coffee is Saturday, August 20 at 9 am.

No RSVP needed, just drop by!

Free parking available on Melrose Avenue, behind and alongside TFAC.

Sunday, October 29, 2023
Come Write In! for NaNoWriMo
Oct 29 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
West Asheville Library
  National Novel Writing Month is here and West 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.
Tuesday, October 31, 2023
Dark City Poet’s Society
Oct 31 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Black Mountain Library

Great news for poets and poetry lovers: Dark City Poet’s Society is returning to the Black Mountain Library. DCPS is a completely free poetry group that is open to poets of all ages and experience levels. Join us at the Black Mountain Library from 6-7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month for our (respectful) critique group. DCPS will meet at BAD Craft from 6-7 p.m. on the third Tuesday for our monthly open mic Poetry Night. Find out more on Instagram @darkcitypoetssociety or contact the Black Mountain Library.