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.

Friday, October 6, 2023
AVL Unpaved Public Survey
Oct 6 all-day
online

Asheville Unpaved

A POLICY & PLAN FRAMEWORK FOR NATURAL SURFACE TRAILS IN THE CITY OF ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA

UPDATE: Your input is needed for our AVL Unpaved Public Survey

The first phase of the AVL Unpaved trails are moving forward, and we are seeking community  input to design trail kiosks and signs that will best support trail users. Take the AVL Unpaved Public Survey at this link to contribute. The survey will be open from September 11th – November 11th.

What are the AVL Unpaved Trails? 

AVL Unpaved

AVL Unpaved Alliance, in partnership with the City of Asheville, hired Elevated Trail Designs to design a series of natural surface trails in the undeveloped forested pockets of Asheville. In 2022, thanks to generous community support and grant funding through Explore Asheville, three initial projects were identified: Bacoate Branch, French Broad River West, and Azalea Park.

College / Patton at City Council
Oct 6 all-day
online

The future of the College / Patton Complete Street Project will be determined at the October 10th City Council meeting. It’s critical that supporters of safer downtown streets show to support the project as Council remains divided on continued investment in downtown complete streets. If you’re interested in attending or supporting the advocacy efforts on this project, please complete the College / Patton Advocacy Form and an AoB representative will follow up with details

College Street Parking Deck Applications
Oct 6 all-day
online

Do you work in downtown Asheville? If so, Buncombe County’s expanded affordable parking program could save you hundreds of your hard-earned dollars. The program already includes 150 spots at the Coxe Avenue parking deck (located at 11 Sears Alley) for a discounted price of $40 per month. After research and public input, the County is excited to offer an additional 50 spots at the College Street parking deck (located at 164 College Street, across from the judicial complex) for $40 per month. This initiative, focused on service industry and retail workers, is now taking applications.

The expansion of the Affordable Parking Program comes after nearly 800 survey respondents shared their support and echoed the need for the program. To help meet that demand, the County is now offering a total of 200 discounted spots for downtown workers. “We’ve heard a lot of positive feedback, and it’s helping a lot of people. Behind housing, transportation is next highest expense for many people… so providing people in the workforce with an affordable way to get close to where they work is really very valuable,” said Commission Chair Brownie Newman.

To be eligible, you need to work in Downtown Asheville and make 80% area median income (AMI), which is less than $22.88 per hour or $3,967 per month. Applications are now open for the program, and it offers 75 spots at Coxe Avenue and 50 at College Street. If you think you’re eligible, then please go ahead and apply.

Food Drive for MANNA FoodBank
Oct 6 all-day
Buncombe County Public Libraries

 

Did you know MANNA FoodBank provides more than 58,000 meals a day in Western North Carolina? MANNA works in partnership with the Buncombe County Community Connectors to provide much-needed food to 12 locations in under-resourced areas throughout our community. Donations will be collected for two weeks at area libraries and select public-facing County buildings beginning September 25 and ending on October 7.

MANNA served over 155,000 people in June 2023, which was another alarming high in a months-long trend of tens of thousands of people across the mountains needing food support each week. March 2023 marked the end of the pandemic-era SNAP benefit expansion, resulting in a new peak that has since continued to climb.

Buncombe County is asking the community to pitch in to help meet this need by dropping food items by one of our 12 Buncombe County Public Libraries or public-facing buildings.

You can drop off donations at the following locations around Buncombe County (look for the collection bins and signs):

  • Public libraries
    • Black Mountain
    • East Asheville
    • Enka Candler
    • Fairview
    • Leicester
    • North Asheville
    • Oakley/South Asheville
    • Pack Memorial
    • Skyland/South Buncombe
    • Swannanoa
    • Weaverville
    • West Asheville
  • Register of Deeds at 205 College St.
  • Tax at 94 Cox Ave.
  • HHS building at 40 Coxe Ave.
  • Elections at 59 Woodfin
  • Family Justice Center at 35 Woodfin
  • Permits and Inspections at 30 Valley St.
  • County administration building at 200 College St.

MANNA’s most-needed items include: 

  • Canned meats (beef, chicken, tuna)
  • Peanut butter (plastic jars only)
  • Dried/canned beans (pork and beans, pinto, kidney, black)
  • Hearty soups (pop-top cans preferred)
  • Meals in a box or can (beef stew, chili, mac & cheese)
  • Canned fruit (fruit cocktail, raisins, apple sauce)
  • Canned vegetables (green beans, carrots, greens)
  • Cereals and grains (rice, pasta, cereal in a box or bag)
  • Fruit and vegetable juices
  • Dry milk (instant non-fat)

Thank you to everyone for helping us with this initiative to support children and families throughout our community.

Have a Gardening Question? Contact the Helpline! 2023 Schedule
Oct 6 all-day
Extension Office

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. The kits are located in a box outside the front door.

Three ways to contact the Garden Helpline
Call 828-255-5522
Email questions and photos to [email protected]
Visit the Extension Office at 49 Mt. Carmel Road during Helpline hours, listed below.

Garden Helpline Hours

March – (starts March 6)
Monday 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon
Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

April through September:
Monday 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon
Wednesday 12:00 Noon – 2:00 p.m.
Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

October – (ends October 26th) 
Monday 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon
Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

We are here to help and support you! Please contact us. We look forward to answering your gardening questions.

Keep Asheville BOO-tiful! — Fundraiser
Oct 6 all-day
Ware
WARE logo

Make a donation of $100 or more to GreenWorks by October 31st and receive a $10 gift card and a treat from Ware. In order to receive your gift, you must show your receipt to a Ware employee in-store. No purchase from Ware necessary. Gift must be collected by November 15th, 2023. Valid for donations of $100 or more made between September 27 – October 31, 2023.

Pisgah Legal community support Medicaid Expansion
Oct 6 all-day
Pisgah Legal various locations

More than half a million low-income, uninsured North Carolinians will gain access to comprehensive health coverage when Medicaid expansion launches on December 1, 2023.

Pisgah Legal is here to help people in Western North Carolina enroll in Medicaid and understand their options for coverage. Pisgah Legal has spent a decade advocating for this change and is proud to help make it a reality for people in this region.

“Medicaid expansion is going to save lives,” said Chief Operations Officer Jaclyn Kiger. “This is a momentous occasion and Pisgah Legal is thrilled to be in a position to help guide people through this process.”

Kiger continued: “Each and every person has a right to health care. Pisgah Legal Services will continue to advocate and strive for a future where everyone can access the care they deserve.”

Pisgah Legal is poised to help people start the Medicaid enrollment process as soon as expansion launches. Pisgah Legal’s certified Navigators help local people find quality, affordable health insurance plans.

Pisgah Legal also helps people who have had their Medicaid terminated during the unwinding period that began in April 2023. If you or someone you know has lost coverage, Pisgah Legal can help you determine if you’re eligible for a plan on the Healthcare.gov Marketplace and can help you access legal resources. Pisgah Legal’s NC Medicaid Ombudsman Program can help current Medicaid beneficiaries who are experiencing problems with their plans.

To make an appointment for free help enrolling in Medicaid or exploring your options, visit http://www.pisgahlegal.org/health or call 828-210-3404.

Septic Repair Assistance Program
Oct 6 all-day
online

If you’ve been struggling to complete a septic system repair at your home, Buncombe County may be able to help homeowners with the cost of the project through a unique grant opportunity. The Septic Repair Assistance Program (SRP) provides financial assistance to repair failing septic systems for qualifying homeowners who do not meet the income limit of 80% of Buncombe County Area Median Income ($64,250 for a family of four). Applications are accepted continuously until further notice.

Previous program participants report that the application process is easy and agree that the program benefits are important as it can be expensive to repair septic systems. If you think you may qualify, please call our staff at (828) 250-5360 to learn more about this opportunity and to see if you qualify.

To apply for financial assistance, you must:

  • Be a resident of Buncombe County and own and occupy your home.
  • Obtain a septic system repair permit from Buncombe County Environmental Health. To request a repair permit, you must submit an application to Environmental Health. Once the application is received, an Environmental Health Specialist will make a site visit and evaluate the existing system, determine repair options, and issue a repair permit.
  • Obtain bids from at least three septic system contractors. Once the repair permit has been issued, you are responsible for obtaining bids from at least three contractors. A bid is an estimate of how much the repair will cost. We recommend that you request bids from more than three contractors to ensure that you receive at least three of the bids in a timely manner.
  • Complete a Grant Application form. This form requests specific information needed to determine grant eligibility, including verification of income.
  • Submit the Grant Application and copies of three contractor bids to Buncombe County Permits & Inspections, 30 Valley St., Asheville, NC 28801 or [email protected].

For more information, please see the attached document. Applications will be accepted until further notice.

Asheville Parks + Recreation Adult fall athletic programs + sports leagues
Oct 6 @ 7:00 am
Various Locations

With multiple parks featuring ballfields and volleyball, pickleball, tennis, and basketball courts, Asheville has plenty of opportunities to join pick-up games or play with organized sports leagues. Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) offers a broad line-up of youth athletics programs, adult sports leagues, and special events throughout the year with an emphasis on fair play and enjoyment for any level of experience, including the fall opportunities below.

Search Current Asheville Sports and Athletics

Limited spots available, so advance registration at AVLREC.com required. Some activities offer discounted registration for early sign ups. Most team sports also offer “looking for a team” options for free agents. Some activities charge a higher rate for participants who do not live in Asheville.

Leagues

6v6 Indoor Volleyball League, $200 per team

Registration opens November 27, games begin January 16 for winter season

Upper, middle, and lower divisions play at Tempie Avery Montford Community Center.

Over 40 Basketball League, $60 per player

Registration ends August 24, games begin September 12

Asheville’s newest team sports league provides an opportunity for community members over 40 who want to get back into the game or prefer to play with others around the same age. Sign up as an individual to be placed on a team based on height, position, and skill level for games played at Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center.

Flag Football League, $600 per team

Registration opens August 30, games begin October 17

Upper, middle, and lower divisions play at Asheville Middle School on 211 South French Broad Avenue.

Winter Basketball League, $600 per team

Registration opens October 10, games begin November 27

Upper and lower divisions play at Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center. Middle division plays at Stephens-Lee Community Center.

Clinics and Tournaments

Tennis Clinic, $20 per player

Registration ends September 6, clinics held each Tuesday and Thursday from September 12-21

Instructional clinics for beginners and intermediate players teach the basics and build on skills each class at Murphy-Oakley Park.

Doubles Grass Volleyball Tournament, $20 per team

Registration ends September 5, tournament on September 16

Six sets to 21 in pool play for advance and intermediate divisions in which all teams advance to the playoffs on a day of music, fun, and volleyball at Carrier Park.

Intro to Golf, $10 for series with players responsible for their own green fees

Registration ends September 28, games played each Wednesday from October 4-25

Travel to a different golf course each week for one-on-one coaching to learn the game. For more info, contact Colt Miller at [email protected] or (828) 707-2376.

Pumpkin Ball Softball Bash Tournament, $150 per team

Registration ends September 30, tournament on October 7

All players hit a 16-inch softball in games played on a 200-foot distance field with unlimited home runs with a three-game guarantee. Winning teams receive prizes and trophies. For more info, contact Zack Stewart at [email protected] or (828) 545-1644.

Late Night Wiffleball Tournament, $5 per team

Registration ends November 9, tournament on November 16

Five-player teams play in this two-game guarantee tournament at Tempie Avery Montford Community Center. For more info, contact Kiley Pritchard at [email protected] or (828) 507-3357.

 

Community Build, Jones Park – Candace Pickens Memorial Park
Oct 6 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
544 Kimberly Avenue

Jones Park Playground was a treasured community park used by families from across the city of Asheville. Unfortunately, it was removed without a replacement plan in September of 2021. Members of the community began working immediately to find a solution to get this playground rebuilt with donated funds and labor from the community. In this process the park was renamed Candace Pickens Memorial Park. Candace played in this park and brought her son to play. She was tragically killed here in 2016. October 4-8 hundreds of volunteers from neighborhoods across the city and county will be giving their time to help bring this playground back. Working side by side we are building more than just a playground, we are building community and connections that will last lifetimes.

Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Food Scraps Drop Off: Buncombe County Landfill
Oct 6 @ 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
Buncombe County Landfill – Convenience Center

Food Scraps Drop Off

The City of Asheville, in partnership with Buncombe County and the Natural Resources Defense Council, is offering a FREE Food Scrap Drop-Off program in two locations for all Buncombe County residents.  This organic matter will be collected and turned into good clean compost, keeping it OUT of our landfill and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

 

Register for Food Scraps Drop Off

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Need a handy kitchen countertop food scrap bin?  Let us know on the registration form! We’ll be having bin giveaways at city and county facilities and would love to give you one.

 

Locations Holidays call for hours

Buncombe County Landfill – Convenience Center

85 Panther Branch Road, Alexander

    • Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
    • Saturday, 8 a.m. – 12:30 pm

Murphy Oakley Community Center and Library – “Food Scrap Bin Shelters” on the east side of the parking lot

749 Fairview Road, Asheville

    • Dawn – Dusk

Stephens-Lee Recreation Center “Food Scrap Shed” next to the Community Garden on the North side of the parking lot

30 Washington Carver Avenue, Asheville

    • Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
    • Saturday, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
    • Sunday, 12 – 4 p.m.

West Asheville Library – “Food Scrap Bin Shelters” on the south side of the building

942 Haywood Road, Asheville

    • Library open hours
Recreate Asheville Community Workshop
Oct 6 @ 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center

What do you want to see? Help develop a community-powered comprehensive plan to guide Asheville Parks & Recreation’s decisions for the next 10-15 years to connect, fix, build, and preserve recreation programs and parkland. Collaborating on the Recreate Asheville plan to guide programs, sports and leisure spaces, and parks for future generations is an important opportunity for Ashevillians to create a long-term vision and help inform how projects are prioritized to meet the modern needs of our city – from major improvements to existing parks to strategies that use recreation programs to build stronger neighborhoods.

Recreate Asheville Drop-in Community Workshops
Asheville residents can share ideas at a number of stations during drop-in format events. Activities for school age children provided at workshops by APR recreation specialists. Complimentary transit vouchers are available to attend a workshop via ART buses (please contact [email protected] or 828-259-5800 to request one). Spanish language interpretation and translation services available on October 5, 6, and 12.

// October 5, 5-7 p.m., at WNC Nature Center on 75 Gashes Creek Road
// October 6, 8 a.m.-12 p.m., at Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center on 285 Livingston Street
// October 9, 2-6 p.m., at Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center on 121 Shiloh Road
// October 12, 5-7 p.m., at Carrier Park on 220 Amboy Road

Community members who cannot attend one of these workshops are welcome to share input through the citywide survey on RecreateAsheville.com, by email to [email protected], or at any APR community center or recreation program.

Fall Tree Adoption–registration
Oct 6 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Sand Hill Nursery at the Buncombe County Sports Park

You can begin restoring the urban canopy in Buncombe County from your own back yard by picking up a native tree from our county-wide Fall Tree Adoption on October 29.

The 2023 Fall Tree Adoption registration is now live online. Please review the FAQs, species information, and tree care and planting instructions prior to your registration.

 

Each tree we give away costs ~ $300 to grow to the point in which you adopt it. Your contribution goes directly towards supporting our urban forestry efforts in Asheville & Buncombe County. We request a minimum donation of $10; if you are able to contribute more, you will support the planting of trees in lower-wealth neighborhoods where disproportionate tree removal exacerbates the effects of extreme heat and other impacts of climate change.

 

A $10 contribution covers your tree adoption.

A $50 contribution gives FIVE people the opportunity to receive a tree.

A $100 contribution gives TEN people the opportunity to receive a tree.

A $300 contribution covers the full cost of raising your tree to the point when you get to take it home to enjoy!

 

No one will be turned away for lack of funds.

 

REMINDER: One tree per Buncombe County residence

Food Scraps Drop Off: West Asheville Library
Oct 6 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
West Asheville Library

Food Scraps Drop Off

The City of Asheville, in partnership with Buncombe County and the Natural Resources Defense Council, is offering a FREE Food Scrap Drop-Off program in

two locations for all Buncombe County residents.  This organic matter will be collected and turned into good clean compost, keeping it OUT of our landfill and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

 

Register for Food Scraps Drop Off

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Need a handy kitchen countertop food scrap bin?  Let us know on the registration form! We’ll be having bin giveaways at city and county facilities and would love to give you one.

 

Locations

West Asheville Library – “Food Scrap Bin Shelters” on the south side of the building

942 Haywood Road, Asheville

Library open hours

Stephens-Lee Recreation Center “Food Scrap Shed” next to the Community Garden on the North side of the parking lot

30 Washington Carver Avenue, Asheville

    • Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
    • Saturday, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
    • Sunday, 12 – 4 p.m.

Murphy Oakley Community Center and Library – “Food Scrap Bin Shelters” on the east side of the parking lot

749 Fairview Road, Asheville

    • Dawn – Dusk

 

Buncombe County Landfill – Convenience Center85 Panther Branch Road, Alexander

        • Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
        • Saturday, 8 a.m. – 12:30 pm
Community Engagement Market
Oct 6 @ 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Fairview Library

Coming to our neighborhood: monthly Community Engagement Markets! The first Friday of each month, beginning Oct 6, Manna Food Bank and other service providers will be at Fairview Public Library, 1 Taylor Rd.
Rising grocery prices, along with rising housing, gas, and other costs are putting the pressure on Buncombe households. For many in our community, no-cost healthy meals and information about County and partner services and resources are a valuable lifeline. Buncombe County’s Community Engagement Markets offer free food, medical services, and information about mortgage, rental, and weatherization assistance, as well other resources directly to those most in need by meeting them in their neighborhoods.
Mark your calendar and bring your questions!

Pawpaw Seedling Sales
Oct 6 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
The Hop

Support Asheville GreenWorks’ Urban Forestry program by planting a native Paw Paw grown in our nursery to celebrate the release of The Hop’s Paw Paw ice cream.

You’ll need a mate to pollinate! – If you don’t have a Paw Paw already planted at your home, you may want to consider purchasing 2 from us. We will choose two different genetic strains, which is needed for cross-pollination to produce fruit. Paw Paws are self-infertile, so for good fruit set, each variety must be fertilized with pollen from a different variety of Paw Paw tree.

Paw Paws are also the host plant for Zebra Swallowtail butterflies. Learn more about Paw Paws.

Paw Paw’s can be picked up on either:

  • (Paw Paw Ice Cream release day!) Friday October 6th, 3-6pm at The Hop Merrimon – 640 Merrimon Ave #103, Asheville, NC 28804

  • Tuesday October 10th, 10am-1pm at the Sand Hill Nursery at the Buncombe County Sports Park 24 Apac Circle, Asheville, NC 28804 (first parking lot on the left past the dog park)

Please note, seedlings vary in size and will be in either 1 or 3 gallon pots.

Volunteer and Member Appreciation Event
Oct 6 @ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
YWCA of Asheville

Come to our Volunteer and Member Appreciation Event on Friday, Oct. 6, from 4 to 6 pm! Join us in the lobby of the YW for a celebration of our amazing network of members and volunteers! Listen to music, indulge in yummy snacks and beverages, mix and mingle, and enter a raffle for free YWCA merch! No RSVP necessary; drop in anytime between 4 and 6.

Pumpkin Fest at Silvermont Park, Brevard, NC
Oct 6 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Silvermont Park

Pumpkin Fest is a fun, family friendly and fantastic artistic event or great date night with 18 beautiful artist-designed lighted carved pumpkin displays on a newly-paved short walking trail. The event includes talented local musicians, food trucks and coffee house, games, storytelling, face painting, white squirrel scavenger hunt, games, dress ups, and the Silvermont historic mansion and second floor museum open for tours. New exhibits from 2022 (“Syd’s Silvermont Adventure”) and 2021 (the spectacular “White Squirrel Circus”) are returning, as well as 16 other lighted pumpkin displays such as Butterfly Garden, Pirates Cove, Under the Sea, Witches Garden, Ghost Circle, Totem Garden, and more.
A new 2023 exhibit has been developed by Friends of Silvermont’s Pumpkin-teers: “Land of Waterfalls”, featuring the unique places and features that make Transylvania County so beautiful and special for locals and tourists alike. A new social media photo-op site with a Silvermont Pumpkin Fest background will also be set up between the dress up and face painting areas near the tennis courts. There will be lots of activities for young and old alike- with fun for all ages! Silvermont Park has a newly paved 1/3-mile trail that works much better for strollers, walkers and wheelchairs.
Pumpkin Fest is a Fundraiser for Friends of Silvermont to help maintain and improve the Silvermont Park and the 106-year-old historic mansion, which houses the county senior center and a history museum. Friends of Silvermont was in 1981 to help save the mansion and has continued to make significant financial contributions to both the mansion and park each year.
Location- Silvermont Park 364 E. Main St. Brevard, NC 28712.
Admission $7 per person (ages 13 and over), $5 ages 3-12, and under 3 is free. We accept cards, cash or check with ID. Volunteers receive free admission. Contact [email protected] if interested in volunteering for event nights or setup/teardown starting Sept. 23 thru Nov 3.
Onsite parking cost is $5 cash per car. Free parking is available offsite on nearby streets and at churches and the Comporium and church parking lots 1 block away. Handicap sticker- free parking onsite.
Music and Food Schedule:
Date Time Music Schedule Food Trucks plus Cup and Saucer
Oct. 6 Friday 6-9 pm Two Step Too Feta Flav, Jenny’s Mini Donuts
Oct. 7 Saturday 6-9 pm Big Eyed Rabbit Southern Hawg BarBQue, Jenny’s Mini Donuts
Oct. 13 Friday 6-9 pm Nikki Talley and Jason Sharpe Feta Flav, Jenny’s Mini Donuts
Oct. 14 Saturday 6-9 pm Andrew Thelston and Carrie Morrison Haus Heidelberg
Oct. 20 Friday 6-9 pm Nikki Talley and Jason Sharpe Toasted Cuban, Jenny’s Mini Donuts
Oct. 21 Saturday 6-9 pm Unpaid Bill and the Bad Czechs Feta Flav
Oct. 27 Friday 6-9 pm McIntosh and the Lionhearts BBQ Shed, Jenny’s Mini Donuts
Oct. 28 Saturday 6-9 pm McIntosh and the Lionhearts Toasted Cuban, Feta Flav
Website: Pumpkin Fest | Friends of Silvermont https://silvermont.org/pumpkinfest/ Facebook: SilvermontPark: https://www.facebook.com/silvermontpark/

Truth Rally in Pack Square Park
Oct 6 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Pack Square Park Ampitheater

On Friday Night, October 6th, a wide spectrum of concerned citizens are invited to peacefully exercise their 1st amendment rights to free assembly and speech in our public square (Pack Square Park) on a wide range of political, social, economic and spiritual topics.

This free and open public event will host over two dozen local speakers, musicians, filmmakers, singers, poets and performance artists sharing their views, inspirations, wisdom and commitment to truth and unity. All participants will have an opportunity to sign up to speak and share. Learn more at www.PurpleNationUSA.org

WOODS + WILDS: A LIVE STORYTELLING AND MUSIC EVENT
Oct 6 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
One World Brewing West

Get ready for an enchanting evening as we, Dogwood Alliance, present the highly anticipated Woods & Wilds Annual Storytelling Event in Asheville! This unique event brings together nature enthusiasts and the community to celebrate our deep connection with the forests and each other.

Thanks to our partner SlayTheMic, this extraordinary gathering will showcase seven captivating live storytellers who will transport you through tales of wonder and intrigue. You’ll be immersed in the magic of storytelling, reminding us that we are an integral part of nature, not separate from it.

But the excitement doesn’t end there! The event will be amplified by the mesmerizing sounds of The Alien Music Club, paying tribute to the legendary band, The Doors. Their music promises to lift spirits, touch hearts, and open minds to the infinite possibilities that arise when we unite to create magic together.

Join us as we weave together stories and music to celebrate our connection with the woods and the wilds. Be prepared for an unforgettable night of wonder and inspiration. Come, be part of this extraordinary experience and let nature’s magic envelop your senses. See you there!

Saturday, October 7, 2023
AVL Unpaved Public Survey
Oct 7 all-day
online

Asheville Unpaved

A POLICY & PLAN FRAMEWORK FOR NATURAL SURFACE TRAILS IN THE CITY OF ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA

UPDATE: Your input is needed for our AVL Unpaved Public Survey

The first phase of the AVL Unpaved trails are moving forward, and we are seeking community  input to design trail kiosks and signs that will best support trail users. Take the AVL Unpaved Public Survey at this link to contribute. The survey will be open from September 11th – November 11th.

What are the AVL Unpaved Trails? 

AVL Unpaved

AVL Unpaved Alliance, in partnership with the City of Asheville, hired Elevated Trail Designs to design a series of natural surface trails in the undeveloped forested pockets of Asheville. In 2022, thanks to generous community support and grant funding through Explore Asheville, three initial projects were identified: Bacoate Branch, French Broad River West, and Azalea Park.

College / Patton at City Council
Oct 7 all-day
online

The future of the College / Patton Complete Street Project will be determined at the October 10th City Council meeting. It’s critical that supporters of safer downtown streets show to support the project as Council remains divided on continued investment in downtown complete streets. If you’re interested in attending or supporting the advocacy efforts on this project, please complete the College / Patton Advocacy Form and an AoB representative will follow up with details

College Street Parking Deck Applications
Oct 7 all-day
online

Do you work in downtown Asheville? If so, Buncombe County’s expanded affordable parking program could save you hundreds of your hard-earned dollars. The program already includes 150 spots at the Coxe Avenue parking deck (located at 11 Sears Alley) for a discounted price of $40 per month. After research and public input, the County is excited to offer an additional 50 spots at the College Street parking deck (located at 164 College Street, across from the judicial complex) for $40 per month. This initiative, focused on service industry and retail workers, is now taking applications.

The expansion of the Affordable Parking Program comes after nearly 800 survey respondents shared their support and echoed the need for the program. To help meet that demand, the County is now offering a total of 200 discounted spots for downtown workers. “We’ve heard a lot of positive feedback, and it’s helping a lot of people. Behind housing, transportation is next highest expense for many people… so providing people in the workforce with an affordable way to get close to where they work is really very valuable,” said Commission Chair Brownie Newman.

To be eligible, you need to work in Downtown Asheville and make 80% area median income (AMI), which is less than $22.88 per hour or $3,967 per month. Applications are now open for the program, and it offers 75 spots at Coxe Avenue and 50 at College Street. If you think you’re eligible, then please go ahead and apply.

Farm City Day
Oct 7 all-day
Downtown Burnsville
Farm City Day

Events on the Town Square

Agriculture celebration. Family fun. Info.

Food Drive for MANNA FoodBank
Oct 7 all-day
Buncombe County Public Libraries

 

Did you know MANNA FoodBank provides more than 58,000 meals a day in Western North Carolina? MANNA works in partnership with the Buncombe County Community Connectors to provide much-needed food to 12 locations in under-resourced areas throughout our community. Donations will be collected for two weeks at area libraries and select public-facing County buildings beginning September 25 and ending on October 7.

MANNA served over 155,000 people in June 2023, which was another alarming high in a months-long trend of tens of thousands of people across the mountains needing food support each week. March 2023 marked the end of the pandemic-era SNAP benefit expansion, resulting in a new peak that has since continued to climb.

Buncombe County is asking the community to pitch in to help meet this need by dropping food items by one of our 12 Buncombe County Public Libraries or public-facing buildings.

You can drop off donations at the following locations around Buncombe County (look for the collection bins and signs):

  • Public libraries
    • Black Mountain
    • East Asheville
    • Enka Candler
    • Fairview
    • Leicester
    • North Asheville
    • Oakley/South Asheville
    • Pack Memorial
    • Skyland/South Buncombe
    • Swannanoa
    • Weaverville
    • West Asheville
  • Register of Deeds at 205 College St.
  • Tax at 94 Cox Ave.
  • HHS building at 40 Coxe Ave.
  • Elections at 59 Woodfin
  • Family Justice Center at 35 Woodfin
  • Permits and Inspections at 30 Valley St.
  • County administration building at 200 College St.

MANNA’s most-needed items include: 

  • Canned meats (beef, chicken, tuna)
  • Peanut butter (plastic jars only)
  • Dried/canned beans (pork and beans, pinto, kidney, black)
  • Hearty soups (pop-top cans preferred)
  • Meals in a box or can (beef stew, chili, mac & cheese)
  • Canned fruit (fruit cocktail, raisins, apple sauce)
  • Canned vegetables (green beans, carrots, greens)
  • Cereals and grains (rice, pasta, cereal in a box or bag)
  • Fruit and vegetable juices
  • Dry milk (instant non-fat)

Thank you to everyone for helping us with this initiative to support children and families throughout our community.

Green Drinks online
Oct 7 all-day
online

Green Drinks lives on every Saturday as The Free & Open University of Eco-Sustainability on Facebook

Have a Gardening Question? Contact the Helpline! 2023 Schedule
Oct 7 all-day
Extension Office

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. The kits are located in a box outside the front door.

Three ways to contact the Garden Helpline
Call 828-255-5522
Email questions and photos to [email protected]
Visit the Extension Office at 49 Mt. Carmel Road during Helpline hours, listed below.

Garden Helpline Hours

March – (starts March 6)
Monday 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon
Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

April through September:
Monday 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon
Wednesday 12:00 Noon – 2:00 p.m.
Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

October – (ends October 26th) 
Monday 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon
Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

We are here to help and support you! Please contact us. We look forward to answering your gardening questions.

Keep Asheville BOO-tiful! — Fundraiser
Oct 7 all-day
Ware
WARE logo

Make a donation of $100 or more to GreenWorks by October 31st and receive a $10 gift card and a treat from Ware. In order to receive your gift, you must show your receipt to a Ware employee in-store. No purchase from Ware necessary. Gift must be collected by November 15th, 2023. Valid for donations of $100 or more made between September 27 – October 31, 2023.

Pisgah Legal community support Medicaid Expansion
Oct 7 all-day
Pisgah Legal various locations

More than half a million low-income, uninsured North Carolinians will gain access to comprehensive health coverage when Medicaid expansion launches on December 1, 2023.

Pisgah Legal is here to help people in Western North Carolina enroll in Medicaid and understand their options for coverage. Pisgah Legal has spent a decade advocating for this change and is proud to help make it a reality for people in this region.

“Medicaid expansion is going to save lives,” said Chief Operations Officer Jaclyn Kiger. “This is a momentous occasion and Pisgah Legal is thrilled to be in a position to help guide people through this process.”

Kiger continued: “Each and every person has a right to health care. Pisgah Legal Services will continue to advocate and strive for a future where everyone can access the care they deserve.”

Pisgah Legal is poised to help people start the Medicaid enrollment process as soon as expansion launches. Pisgah Legal’s certified Navigators help local people find quality, affordable health insurance plans.

Pisgah Legal also helps people who have had their Medicaid terminated during the unwinding period that began in April 2023. If you or someone you know has lost coverage, Pisgah Legal can help you determine if you’re eligible for a plan on the Healthcare.gov Marketplace and can help you access legal resources. Pisgah Legal’s NC Medicaid Ombudsman Program can help current Medicaid beneficiaries who are experiencing problems with their plans.

To make an appointment for free help enrolling in Medicaid or exploring your options, visit http://www.pisgahlegal.org/health or call 828-210-3404.

Septic Repair Assistance Program
Oct 7 all-day
online

If you’ve been struggling to complete a septic system repair at your home, Buncombe County may be able to help homeowners with the cost of the project through a unique grant opportunity. The Septic Repair Assistance Program (SRP) provides financial assistance to repair failing septic systems for qualifying homeowners who do not meet the income limit of 80% of Buncombe County Area Median Income ($64,250 for a family of four). Applications are accepted continuously until further notice.

Previous program participants report that the application process is easy and agree that the program benefits are important as it can be expensive to repair septic systems. If you think you may qualify, please call our staff at (828) 250-5360 to learn more about this opportunity and to see if you qualify.

To apply for financial assistance, you must:

  • Be a resident of Buncombe County and own and occupy your home.
  • Obtain a septic system repair permit from Buncombe County Environmental Health. To request a repair permit, you must submit an application to Environmental Health. Once the application is received, an Environmental Health Specialist will make a site visit and evaluate the existing system, determine repair options, and issue a repair permit.
  • Obtain bids from at least three septic system contractors. Once the repair permit has been issued, you are responsible for obtaining bids from at least three contractors. A bid is an estimate of how much the repair will cost. We recommend that you request bids from more than three contractors to ensure that you receive at least three of the bids in a timely manner.
  • Complete a Grant Application form. This form requests specific information needed to determine grant eligibility, including verification of income.
  • Submit the Grant Application and copies of three contractor bids to Buncombe County Permits & Inspections, 30 Valley St., Asheville, NC 28801 or [email protected].

For more information, please see the attached document. Applications will be accepted until further notice.