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, May 23, 2020
Downtown Asheville Arts District (DAAD) FEST 2020
May 23 all-day
online

With over 30 members, Downtown Asheville Arts District (DAAD) is comprised of cultural centers, festivals, galleries, museums, retail shops, theatres, and tours — all located within a mile radius of historic downtown Asheville. Our mission is to promote visual and performing arts in all its forms.

We welcome you to our first virtual festival! Please enjoy a holiday weekend full of music, art, and theatre, and get to know the various arts businesses and organizations who bring inspiration to every corner of Asheville.

For more information about DAAD and its members, please visit https://www.downtownavlarts.com/

Mountain BizWorks: $5 Million Emergency Grant Fund; Opens May 15 Ends May 31
May 23 all-day
online
Mountain BizWorks Set to Administer $5 Million Emergency Grant Fund; Application Period Opens May 15, with Awards Announced in Mid-June

The $5 million Buncombe County Tourism Jobs Recovery Fund was enabled Monday for local tourism-related small businesses and nonprofit organizations impacted by the COVID-19 public health crisis, thanks to legislation introduced by Sen. Chuck Edwards with support of the Buncombe County delegation, and signed into law on Monday by N.C. Governor Roy Cooper.

Senate Bill 704 allows the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority to establish the fund for emergency grants of up to $50,000, available for businesses that provide a direct visitor experience, including restaurants, retail establishments, studios and galleries, attractions, tours and activities, entertainment and event venues, and breweries, wineries, cideries and distilleries, among others.

Garden Jubilee 2020 Nurseries and Orchard Tour
May 23 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
varies

This year Garden Jubilee 2020 Nurseries & Orchard Tour be sending the public out to the local nurseries and orchards throughout Henderson County to prevent the gathering of the usual large crowds experienced on Main Street. The Garden Jubilee 2020 Nurseries & Orchard Tour will run from May 22 – 25, Friday through Monday of Memorial Day Weekend, from 9 am – 5 pm daily, to spread the public out over several days to avoid large crowds. The modifications to the Garden Jubilee 2020 Nurseries & Orchard Tour will follow federal and state mandated guidelines for cleaning, social distancing and limiting crowd size.

Local and nurseries will be selling annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs and hard-to-find plants. The orchards will be offering produce, jams, jellies, honey, cider and baked goods. As an added feature some of the nurseries and orchards will host a couple of craft or other garden related themed vendors at their location

A brochure will be created with a map and listing the participating Henderson County nurseries and orchards. The information will be featured on the HCTDA web site, including a downloadable version of the brochure, for easy navigation. Check the web site often for updates of businesses participating.

Go online for additional information about Garden Jubilee 2020 Nurseries & Orchard Tour, or call the Henderson County Tourism Development Authority at 828-693-9708 or 800-828-4244.

Sponsors – Henderson County Tourism Development Authority

Garden Jubilee Tour
May 23 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Henderson County

A New Twist on Garden Jubilee: a county-wide tour instead of Main St crowds.
We will NOT participate as a group, but you may participate with your level of conscientious caution. (smile).

The brochure/map, that is mentioned, is the following links:
https://www.visithendersonvillenc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020-Garden-Jubilee-NurseriesOrchard-Tour.pdf
https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1oJcvwJQXxO-5pnjpIAVQQLLKn5LJEhgp&ll=35.31185148226706%2C-82.49178584999999&z=12

The Garden Jubilee 2020 Nurseries & Orchard Tour will run from May 22 – 25, Friday through Monday of Memorial Day Weekend. This year’s Garden Jubilee Nurseries & Orchard Tour will be sending the public out to the local nurseries and orchards throughout Henderson County to prevent the gathering of the usual large crowds experienced on Main Street. Gardening is one of America’s favorite pastimes and the Blue Ridge Mountains provide a healthy environment for growing a vast variety of flowers and plants.
For detailed info; Goto:
https://www.visithendersonvillenc.org/garden-jubilee

Sunday, May 24, 2020
Downtown Asheville Arts District (DAAD) FEST 2020
May 24 all-day
online

With over 30 members, Downtown Asheville Arts District (DAAD) is comprised of cultural centers, festivals, galleries, museums, retail shops, theatres, and tours — all located within a mile radius of historic downtown Asheville. Our mission is to promote visual and performing arts in all its forms.

We welcome you to our first virtual festival! Please enjoy a holiday weekend full of music, art, and theatre, and get to know the various arts businesses and organizations who bring inspiration to every corner of Asheville.

For more information about DAAD and its members, please visit https://www.downtownavlarts.com/

Mountain BizWorks: $5 Million Emergency Grant Fund; Opens May 15 Ends May 31
May 24 all-day
online
Mountain BizWorks Set to Administer $5 Million Emergency Grant Fund; Application Period Opens May 15, with Awards Announced in Mid-June

The $5 million Buncombe County Tourism Jobs Recovery Fund was enabled Monday for local tourism-related small businesses and nonprofit organizations impacted by the COVID-19 public health crisis, thanks to legislation introduced by Sen. Chuck Edwards with support of the Buncombe County delegation, and signed into law on Monday by N.C. Governor Roy Cooper.

Senate Bill 704 allows the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority to establish the fund for emergency grants of up to $50,000, available for businesses that provide a direct visitor experience, including restaurants, retail establishments, studios and galleries, attractions, tours and activities, entertainment and event venues, and breweries, wineries, cideries and distilleries, among others.

Garden Jubilee 2020 Nurseries and Orchard Tour
May 24 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
varies

This year Garden Jubilee 2020 Nurseries & Orchard Tour be sending the public out to the local nurseries and orchards throughout Henderson County to prevent the gathering of the usual large crowds experienced on Main Street. The Garden Jubilee 2020 Nurseries & Orchard Tour will run from May 22 – 25, Friday through Monday of Memorial Day Weekend, from 9 am – 5 pm daily, to spread the public out over several days to avoid large crowds. The modifications to the Garden Jubilee 2020 Nurseries & Orchard Tour will follow federal and state mandated guidelines for cleaning, social distancing and limiting crowd size.

Local and nurseries will be selling annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs and hard-to-find plants. The orchards will be offering produce, jams, jellies, honey, cider and baked goods. As an added feature some of the nurseries and orchards will host a couple of craft or other garden related themed vendors at their location

A brochure will be created with a map and listing the participating Henderson County nurseries and orchards. The information will be featured on the HCTDA web site, including a downloadable version of the brochure, for easy navigation. Check the web site often for updates of businesses participating.

Go online for additional information about Garden Jubilee 2020 Nurseries & Orchard Tour, or call the Henderson County Tourism Development Authority at 828-693-9708 or 800-828-4244.

Sponsors – Henderson County Tourism Development Authority

Garden Jubilee Tour
May 24 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Henderson County

A New Twist on Garden Jubilee: a county-wide tour instead of Main St crowds.
We will NOT participate as a group, but you may participate with your level of conscientious caution. (smile).

The brochure/map, that is mentioned, is the following links:
https://www.visithendersonvillenc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020-Garden-Jubilee-NurseriesOrchard-Tour.pdf
https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1oJcvwJQXxO-5pnjpIAVQQLLKn5LJEhgp&ll=35.31185148226706%2C-82.49178584999999&z=12

The Garden Jubilee 2020 Nurseries & Orchard Tour will run from May 22 – 25, Friday through Monday of Memorial Day Weekend. This year’s Garden Jubilee Nurseries & Orchard Tour will be sending the public out to the local nurseries and orchards throughout Henderson County to prevent the gathering of the usual large crowds experienced on Main Street. Gardening is one of America’s favorite pastimes and the Blue Ridge Mountains provide a healthy environment for growing a vast variety of flowers and plants.
For detailed info; Goto:
https://www.visithendersonvillenc.org/garden-jubilee

Monday, May 25, 2020
Downtown Asheville Arts District (DAAD) FEST 2020
May 25 all-day
online

With over 30 members, Downtown Asheville Arts District (DAAD) is comprised of cultural centers, festivals, galleries, museums, retail shops, theatres, and tours — all located within a mile radius of historic downtown Asheville. Our mission is to promote visual and performing arts in all its forms.

We welcome you to our first virtual festival! Please enjoy a holiday weekend full of music, art, and theatre, and get to know the various arts businesses and organizations who bring inspiration to every corner of Asheville.

For more information about DAAD and its members, please visit https://www.downtownavlarts.com/

Mountain BizWorks: $5 Million Emergency Grant Fund; Opens May 15 Ends May 31
May 25 all-day
online
Mountain BizWorks Set to Administer $5 Million Emergency Grant Fund; Application Period Opens May 15, with Awards Announced in Mid-June

The $5 million Buncombe County Tourism Jobs Recovery Fund was enabled Monday for local tourism-related small businesses and nonprofit organizations impacted by the COVID-19 public health crisis, thanks to legislation introduced by Sen. Chuck Edwards with support of the Buncombe County delegation, and signed into law on Monday by N.C. Governor Roy Cooper.

Senate Bill 704 allows the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority to establish the fund for emergency grants of up to $50,000, available for businesses that provide a direct visitor experience, including restaurants, retail establishments, studios and galleries, attractions, tours and activities, entertainment and event venues, and breweries, wineries, cideries and distilleries, among others.

Garden Jubilee 2020 Nurseries and Orchard Tour
May 25 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
varies

This year Garden Jubilee 2020 Nurseries & Orchard Tour be sending the public out to the local nurseries and orchards throughout Henderson County to prevent the gathering of the usual large crowds experienced on Main Street. The Garden Jubilee 2020 Nurseries & Orchard Tour will run from May 22 – 25, Friday through Monday of Memorial Day Weekend, from 9 am – 5 pm daily, to spread the public out over several days to avoid large crowds. The modifications to the Garden Jubilee 2020 Nurseries & Orchard Tour will follow federal and state mandated guidelines for cleaning, social distancing and limiting crowd size.

Local and nurseries will be selling annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs and hard-to-find plants. The orchards will be offering produce, jams, jellies, honey, cider and baked goods. As an added feature some of the nurseries and orchards will host a couple of craft or other garden related themed vendors at their location

A brochure will be created with a map and listing the participating Henderson County nurseries and orchards. The information will be featured on the HCTDA web site, including a downloadable version of the brochure, for easy navigation. Check the web site often for updates of businesses participating.

Go online for additional information about Garden Jubilee 2020 Nurseries & Orchard Tour, or call the Henderson County Tourism Development Authority at 828-693-9708 or 800-828-4244.

Sponsors – Henderson County Tourism Development Authority

Garden Jubilee Tour
May 25 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Henderson County

A New Twist on Garden Jubilee: a county-wide tour instead of Main St crowds.
We will NOT participate as a group, but you may participate with your level of conscientious caution. (smile).

The brochure/map, that is mentioned, is the following links:
https://www.visithendersonvillenc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020-Garden-Jubilee-NurseriesOrchard-Tour.pdf
https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1oJcvwJQXxO-5pnjpIAVQQLLKn5LJEhgp&ll=35.31185148226706%2C-82.49178584999999&z=12

The Garden Jubilee 2020 Nurseries & Orchard Tour will run from May 22 – 25, Friday through Monday of Memorial Day Weekend. This year’s Garden Jubilee Nurseries & Orchard Tour will be sending the public out to the local nurseries and orchards throughout Henderson County to prevent the gathering of the usual large crowds experienced on Main Street. Gardening is one of America’s favorite pastimes and the Blue Ridge Mountains provide a healthy environment for growing a vast variety of flowers and plants.
For detailed info; Goto:
https://www.visithendersonvillenc.org/garden-jubilee

Sandburg Home: 34th Annual Folk Music Festival Memorial Day
May 25 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Carl Sandburg Home

 

Jamie Laval performs at Sandburg Folk Fest
Jamie Laval Performs at Sandburg Folk Fest 2013

NPS Photo

On Memorial Day folk musicians from across the region will share a day of toe-tapping fun and music. Just as Carl Sandburg’s family enjoyed sitting on the porch while he played a guitar and sang for them, you can experience the joy of music at Connemara. All performances take place in the amphitheater, unless otherwise specified, and signs will direct festival goers.

2020 Performers include:

  • Pretty Little Goat Band
  • Jon Shain
  • Kat Williams
  • Amanda Anne Platt and the Honeycutters
This event is free and open to the public. Snacks will be available for sale in the bookstore and tours of the Sandburg home will be available throughout the day for a small fee.

Parking
Keep in mind that our parking lots fill up quickly. We will run a courtesy shuttle from satellite parking lots at the Flat Rock Playhouse (located across the street) and from the Flat Rock Village Offices (110 Village Center Drive) to the park entrance, throughout the day. It is a short walk from the park entrance to the amphitheater. There will be also be a shuttle operating inside the park to take visitors from the entrance to the amphitheater, Sandburg Home and barn area.

The event will be held at the new amphitheater located near the park entrance. Bench seating is available and visitors are also welcome to bring lawn chairs and blankets as seating is expected to fill quickly. Come prepared for warm weather, with sun protection, water and snacks. Dogs are not permitted in the seating areas for the festival.

Tuesday, May 26, 2020
Mountain BizWorks: $5 Million Emergency Grant Fund; Opens May 15 Ends May 31
May 26 all-day
online
Mountain BizWorks Set to Administer $5 Million Emergency Grant Fund; Application Period Opens May 15, with Awards Announced in Mid-June

The $5 million Buncombe County Tourism Jobs Recovery Fund was enabled Monday for local tourism-related small businesses and nonprofit organizations impacted by the COVID-19 public health crisis, thanks to legislation introduced by Sen. Chuck Edwards with support of the Buncombe County delegation, and signed into law on Monday by N.C. Governor Roy Cooper.

Senate Bill 704 allows the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority to establish the fund for emergency grants of up to $50,000, available for businesses that provide a direct visitor experience, including restaurants, retail establishments, studios and galleries, attractions, tours and activities, entertainment and event venues, and breweries, wineries, cideries and distilleries, among others.

Virtual WomanUP Workshop: Living into Leadership
May 26 @ 9:00 am – 10:30 am
online

When:
Join us to hear four unique women who live and work right in our community share their stories of juggling business and personal life, being challenged to lead, and learning to say “no” without feeling guilty.

Register here

Wednesday, May 27, 2020
Mountain BizWorks: $5 Million Emergency Grant Fund; Opens May 15 Ends May 31
May 27 all-day
online
Mountain BizWorks Set to Administer $5 Million Emergency Grant Fund; Application Period Opens May 15, with Awards Announced in Mid-June

The $5 million Buncombe County Tourism Jobs Recovery Fund was enabled Monday for local tourism-related small businesses and nonprofit organizations impacted by the COVID-19 public health crisis, thanks to legislation introduced by Sen. Chuck Edwards with support of the Buncombe County delegation, and signed into law on Monday by N.C. Governor Roy Cooper.

Senate Bill 704 allows the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority to establish the fund for emergency grants of up to $50,000, available for businesses that provide a direct visitor experience, including restaurants, retail establishments, studios and galleries, attractions, tours and activities, entertainment and event venues, and breweries, wineries, cideries and distilleries, among others.

Thursday, May 28, 2020
Mountain BizWorks: $5 Million Emergency Grant Fund; Opens May 15 Ends May 31
May 28 all-day
online
Mountain BizWorks Set to Administer $5 Million Emergency Grant Fund; Application Period Opens May 15, with Awards Announced in Mid-June

The $5 million Buncombe County Tourism Jobs Recovery Fund was enabled Monday for local tourism-related small businesses and nonprofit organizations impacted by the COVID-19 public health crisis, thanks to legislation introduced by Sen. Chuck Edwards with support of the Buncombe County delegation, and signed into law on Monday by N.C. Governor Roy Cooper.

Senate Bill 704 allows the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority to establish the fund for emergency grants of up to $50,000, available for businesses that provide a direct visitor experience, including restaurants, retail establishments, studios and galleries, attractions, tours and activities, entertainment and event venues, and breweries, wineries, cideries and distilleries, among others.

Friday, May 29, 2020
Cold Mountain Music Festival Rescheduled August 14-15
May 29 all-day
Cold Mountain Music Festival at Lake Logan 25 Wormy Chestnut Lane

A message from the founders of Cold Mountain Music Festival:

To our Cold Mountain Music Festival, Lake Logan, and Camp Henry families,

In recent weeks, we have stood alongside our nationwide cohort of festival organizers to witness the unfolding of the COVID-19 pandemic and assess how it would impact our 2020 event schedule. While we originally hoped the situation would be subdued in time for our June gathering, we have also kept a watchful eye on the trajectory of this outbreak and have learned that the likelihood of this occurrence is slim.

In the interest of public safety, the 4th Annual Cold Mountain Music Festival will be postponed until August 14-15, 2020. While we can not yet reveal the exact lineup details, rest assured that we have been able to preserve the majority of originally scheduled artists. The talent team is working diligently to put the finishing touches on the new bill and will be ready to announce next week.

All previously-reserved tickets will be valid for the new festival date. In the event that you are unable to attend this August, you may contact ([email protected]) to secure a refund on your ticket purchase. All refund requests must be made before May 15.

Cold Mountain Music Festival is proud to announce the lineup for its 4th annual event happening June 5-6, 2020 at the picturesque Lake Logan Conference Center in Canton, NC. GRAMMY-winning newgrass pioneer Sam Bush Band will headline the weekend-long retreat, with additional appearances by fast-rising alt-country sensation Charley Crockett, West Coast folk-rock outfit Blitzen Trapper, critically acclaimed troubadour Amythyst Kiah, plus regional powerhouses Futurebirds, Sierra Ferrell, and more.

With less than half a decade of programming under its belt, Cold Mountain Music Festival has already been recognized as one of the Southeast’s best goldmines for live music, outdoor recreation, and family-oriented activities. Located just outside of Asheville in one of Western North Carolina’s most pristine stretches of land, Cold Mountain utilizes the vibrant Pisgah National Forest as its playground, and encourages exploration throughout the two-day immersive experience. At the heart of the festival site is the glistening Lake Logan, which boasts plenty of swimming, paddle-boarding, and fishing. Paired with performances by some of live music’s leading forces on the scene and plenty of kid-friendly offerings, the upcoming Cold Mountain Music Festival will offer the trifecta of rustic summer experiences.

Weekend passes are on sale now on the Cold Mountain Music website. General admission passes are available for $75, and youth passes for those aged 12-17 can be purchased for $40 apiece. Overnight camping spots and catered breakfast meal tickets are also available for $75 (per site) and $12-$15 (per person), respectively. Group discounts may be applied for parties of 15 or more. Enter the code DioWNC at checkout to purchase each pass (minimum 15) for $60 each. Cold Mountain Music Festival is presented by Ingles Markets, with partners iHeartMedia and Haywood County Tourism Development Authority. For more information, visit www.coldmountainmusic.org. A complete lineup can be found below.

Mountain BizWorks: $5 Million Emergency Grant Fund; Opens May 15 Ends May 31
May 29 all-day
online
Mountain BizWorks Set to Administer $5 Million Emergency Grant Fund; Application Period Opens May 15, with Awards Announced in Mid-June

The $5 million Buncombe County Tourism Jobs Recovery Fund was enabled Monday for local tourism-related small businesses and nonprofit organizations impacted by the COVID-19 public health crisis, thanks to legislation introduced by Sen. Chuck Edwards with support of the Buncombe County delegation, and signed into law on Monday by N.C. Governor Roy Cooper.

Senate Bill 704 allows the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority to establish the fund for emergency grants of up to $50,000, available for businesses that provide a direct visitor experience, including restaurants, retail establishments, studios and galleries, attractions, tours and activities, entertainment and event venues, and breweries, wineries, cideries and distilleries, among others.

Webinars with Mountain BizWorks!- Legal Live Q&A for Makers and Creative Entrepreneurs
May 29 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
AAAC is partnering with Mountian BizWorks, Center for Craft, and UNC Asheville on a Craft Your Commerce COVID-19 Webinar Series series. More information with be posted soon, but now mark your calendars! 

  • June 5 (2-4 pm)  – Mindset Reset for Creatives.
Saturday, May 30, 2020
Cold Mountain Music Festival Rescheduled August 14-15
May 30 all-day
Cold Mountain Music Festival at Lake Logan 25 Wormy Chestnut Lane

A message from the founders of Cold Mountain Music Festival:

To our Cold Mountain Music Festival, Lake Logan, and Camp Henry families,

In recent weeks, we have stood alongside our nationwide cohort of festival organizers to witness the unfolding of the COVID-19 pandemic and assess how it would impact our 2020 event schedule. While we originally hoped the situation would be subdued in time for our June gathering, we have also kept a watchful eye on the trajectory of this outbreak and have learned that the likelihood of this occurrence is slim.

In the interest of public safety, the 4th Annual Cold Mountain Music Festival will be postponed until August 14-15, 2020. While we can not yet reveal the exact lineup details, rest assured that we have been able to preserve the majority of originally scheduled artists. The talent team is working diligently to put the finishing touches on the new bill and will be ready to announce next week.

All previously-reserved tickets will be valid for the new festival date. In the event that you are unable to attend this August, you may contact ([email protected]) to secure a refund on your ticket purchase. All refund requests must be made before May 15.

Cold Mountain Music Festival is proud to announce the lineup for its 4th annual event happening June 5-6, 2020 at the picturesque Lake Logan Conference Center in Canton, NC. GRAMMY-winning newgrass pioneer Sam Bush Band will headline the weekend-long retreat, with additional appearances by fast-rising alt-country sensation Charley Crockett, West Coast folk-rock outfit Blitzen Trapper, critically acclaimed troubadour Amythyst Kiah, plus regional powerhouses Futurebirds, Sierra Ferrell, and more.

With less than half a decade of programming under its belt, Cold Mountain Music Festival has already been recognized as one of the Southeast’s best goldmines for live music, outdoor recreation, and family-oriented activities. Located just outside of Asheville in one of Western North Carolina’s most pristine stretches of land, Cold Mountain utilizes the vibrant Pisgah National Forest as its playground, and encourages exploration throughout the two-day immersive experience. At the heart of the festival site is the glistening Lake Logan, which boasts plenty of swimming, paddle-boarding, and fishing. Paired with performances by some of live music’s leading forces on the scene and plenty of kid-friendly offerings, the upcoming Cold Mountain Music Festival will offer the trifecta of rustic summer experiences.

Weekend passes are on sale now on the Cold Mountain Music website. General admission passes are available for $75, and youth passes for those aged 12-17 can be purchased for $40 apiece. Overnight camping spots and catered breakfast meal tickets are also available for $75 (per site) and $12-$15 (per person), respectively. Group discounts may be applied for parties of 15 or more. Enter the code DioWNC at checkout to purchase each pass (minimum 15) for $60 each. Cold Mountain Music Festival is presented by Ingles Markets, with partners iHeartMedia and Haywood County Tourism Development Authority. For more information, visit www.coldmountainmusic.org. A complete lineup can be found below.

Mountain BizWorks: $5 Million Emergency Grant Fund; Opens May 15 Ends May 31
May 30 all-day
online
Mountain BizWorks Set to Administer $5 Million Emergency Grant Fund; Application Period Opens May 15, with Awards Announced in Mid-June

The $5 million Buncombe County Tourism Jobs Recovery Fund was enabled Monday for local tourism-related small businesses and nonprofit organizations impacted by the COVID-19 public health crisis, thanks to legislation introduced by Sen. Chuck Edwards with support of the Buncombe County delegation, and signed into law on Monday by N.C. Governor Roy Cooper.

Senate Bill 704 allows the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority to establish the fund for emergency grants of up to $50,000, available for businesses that provide a direct visitor experience, including restaurants, retail establishments, studios and galleries, attractions, tours and activities, entertainment and event venues, and breweries, wineries, cideries and distilleries, among others.

17th Annual Montford Music and Arts Festival RESCHEDULED
May 30 @ 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Historic Montford District

Great food, artist displays and fun activities while mingling with their neighbors.”

 

Perhaps the most family friendly street festival in western North Carolina, the Montford Music & Arts Festival features a special children’s area for face painting, interactive displays, sidewalk chalk art contest and other fun activities.

 

Located on Montford Ave. between Chestnut and Waneta Streets just down the street from downtown Asheville, the Asheville Visitors Center and Chamber of the Commerce, the all-day event will also feature a music stage with another attractive lineup in 2020.   Comprised solely of local musicians, the performing schedule will be announced shortly.

 

Attendees will also be treated to a wide variety of specialty cuisine, courtesy of food booths and food trucks.  In addition, more than 100 booth vendors will be on hand, with various artists, crafts people and nursery plant purveyors selling their merchandise.

 

Featuring turn-of-the-century “Victorian” homes and several bed-and-breakfast inns, a portion of Montford is proclaimed a National Register Historic District.  Many of today’s Montford historic homes were designed by the same architect hired by the Vanderbilt Family to create the Biltmore Estate.

 

World famous authors Thomas Wolfe and O. Henry are buried in Montford at the nearby Riverside Cemetery, while the community’s rich history also dates back to the once thriving African-American community of Stumptown, which ended in the 1960’s.

 

The very first Montford festival was presented as strictly an arts event in 2004, held inside of Pyper’s Place, which is now Nine Mile Restaurant, and Sweet Heaven Ice Cream Shop, now a real estate office.

 

Sunday, May 31, 2020
Mountain BizWorks: $5 Million Emergency Grant Fund; Opens May 15 Ends May 31
May 31 all-day
online
Mountain BizWorks Set to Administer $5 Million Emergency Grant Fund; Application Period Opens May 15, with Awards Announced in Mid-June

The $5 million Buncombe County Tourism Jobs Recovery Fund was enabled Monday for local tourism-related small businesses and nonprofit organizations impacted by the COVID-19 public health crisis, thanks to legislation introduced by Sen. Chuck Edwards with support of the Buncombe County delegation, and signed into law on Monday by N.C. Governor Roy Cooper.

Senate Bill 704 allows the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority to establish the fund for emergency grants of up to $50,000, available for businesses that provide a direct visitor experience, including restaurants, retail establishments, studios and galleries, attractions, tours and activities, entertainment and event venues, and breweries, wineries, cideries and distilleries, among others.

Saturday, June 13, 2020
Carl Sandburg Home Free Tour Days CANCELLED
Jun 13 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Carl Sandburg Home
  • Sandburg Home Free Tour Days and National Park Fee Free Days (when noted)
    Visitors can enjoy free tours of the Sandburg Home on 10 days in 2020. Five days are also fee free days at all national parks.
  • April 11, 2020 (first Saturday of local school spring break)
  • April 18, 2020 – First Day of National Park Week (national fee free day)
  • June 13, 2020 (Sandburgs’ wedding anniversary)
  • August 25, 2020 – National Park Service Birthday (national fee free day)
  • September 26, 2020 – National Public Lands Day (national fee free day)
  • October 17, 2020 (Park Anniversary)
  • November 11, 2020 – Veterans Day
  • December 26, 2020 (Saturday after Christmas)
Hendersonville Art and Architecture Walking Tours
Jun 13 @ 9:00 am – 10:30 am
Center for Art & Inspiration

The popular FREE Art and Architecture Walking Tours offered by the Arts Council of Henderson County return for 2020. The 90-minute tour of Downtown Hendersonville gathers at 9:00 am in front of the Center for Art & Inspiration at 125 South Main Street. Tours are led by Doug Gelbert who has created over 400 architectural tours in towns across the United States and Canada. All tours are free of charge and no pre-registration is required. Just show up ready to walk. As always, dogs are welcome to accompany their well-behaved owners on the Art and Architectural Walking Tours. Named “One of the 10 Best Things You Can Do in North Carolina at 9:00 on a Saturday morning”

Monday, June 15, 2020
2020 Pique Postponed Until 2021; Will Hold Free Virtual Events Leading Up to It
Jun 15 @ 2:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Huguenot Mill & Loft
Due to concerns about the spread of COVID-19, Ten at the Top (TATT) will not hold Pique, its signature young professional event, in 2020, but will plan to hold the event in 2021. In the months leading up to the in-person event, a series of free virtual events will be held for young professionals.
It was originally scheduled for March 23rd and most recently was planned for September 14th as an in-person event to be held at the Huguenot Mill and Loft in downtown Greenville, with ScanSource as the presenting sponsor, and local author Sallie Holder as the keynote speaker. A new date has not been set, but both the original venue and the keynote speaker have confirmed.
Ticket sales were suspended late Monday afternoon after the decision was made to postpone, but now that a new date has been confirmed, tickets are once again available for sale. Attendees who have already purchased tickets will be issued a refund if they are unable to attend at the later date; those who have tickets and do still wish to attend do not need to take any further action. Due to concerns about the spread of COVID-19, Ten at the Top (TATT) has made the decision to postpone their signature young professional event, Pique, until June 15th. It was originally scheduled for March 23rd
Pique Young Professionals Event Rescheduled for September 14th
Amid uncertainty about when large gatherings will be permitted or advisable, Ten at the Top has made the decision to postpone their signature young professional event, Pique, until September 14th. It was originally scheduled for March 23rd and had been rescheduled for June 15th. The event will still be held at the Huguenot Mill and Loft in downtown Greenville, with ScanSource as the presenting sponsor, and local author Sallie Holder as the keynote speaker.
Attendees who have already purchased tickets will be issued a refund if they are unable to attend at the later date; those who have tickets and do still wish to attend do not need to take any further action.
The event focuses on connecting young professionals across the Upstate, giving them opportunities to network as well as to hear from experts on topics that are relevant to their working lives.
The 5th Annual Pique Young Leaders Summit, presented by ScanSource, will be hosted by Ten at the Top on March 23rd at the Huguenot Mill & Loft in Greenville. Sallie Holder, author of the book Rock Middle: The Roadmap from Empty Success to True Fulfillment, will serve as the keynote speaker.
This annual event provides a great opportunity for networking among young professionals from the more than 20 young professional groups in the Upstate as well as with veteran executives from the public, private and non-profit sectors.
A graduate of Vanderbilt University and the University of South Carolina Law School, Sallie Holder previously served as an attorney at Ogletree Deakins Law Firm and lives in Greenville. She coined the phrase “Hitting Rock Middle™” and the revolutionary BE BOLDER strategy to help people create their biggest, boldest, most successful careers. In addition to her recently released book, Sallie is a dynamic speaker who leaves audiences with the tools they need to make the changes they desire. She’s an expert on leadership, teams, change management, mindset, and motivation.
In addition to the keynote address, attendees will have the opportunity to choose from three breakout sessions and the popular executive networking roundtables. Below are the three breakout sessions. You can read the list of current panelists on the Pique web page and the full list of panelists will be announced in the coming weeks.
  • Negotiating Your Best Career
  • Community Engagement: Building Your Career Outside of Your Office
  • Conflict Management: Effective Communication for a Peaceful Workplace
One of the annual highlights of the event is the Executive Roundtable sessions with veteran executives from across the Upstate. The Executive Roundtables provide an opportunity for small group discussions with executives currently leading businesses, local governments and community organizations in the Upstate.
Wednesday, June 17, 2020
Hendersonville Art and Architecture Walking Tours
Jun 17 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Henderson County Library

The popular FREE Art and Architecture Walking Tours offered by the Arts Council of Henderson County return for 2020. The 90-minute tour of the Historic West Side gathers at 6:00 pm in back of the Henderson County Library at 301 Washington Street. Tours are led by Doug Gelbert who has created over 400 architectural tours in towns across the United States and Canada. All tours are free of charge and no pre-registration is required. Just show up ready to walk. As always, dogs are welcome to accompany their well-behaved owners on the Art and Architectural Walking Tours.

Friday, June 19, 2020
The Magnetic Theatre presents The Virtual One-Act Play Festival
Jun 19 @ 7:30 pm
live stream

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In light of the current challenges to this highly collaborative and collective art, The Magnetic Theatre is proud to present their first annual One Act Play Festival as an online theatrical experience.  Bringing together (virtually) seven teams of artists to present seven original short plays, the One Act Play Festival offerings range from comedy to drama, satire to thinkpieces, providing a little something for everyone.

Determined to keep creating while preserving the health and safety of all involved, the playwrights, directors, actors, and technicians have adapted these scripts from their original stage-bound forms into a wide variety of different styles.  The One Act Play Festival has evolved into such diverse formats as audio drama, animation, and short live-action film, as well as more traditional live theatrical performance streamed over digital media.

Audiences can join with other viewers for a live-streamed watch party on Friday, June 19th at 7:30pm, or may choose to watch later through a link sent out to ticket holders.  Tickets are Pay-What-You-Can, but registration is required to receive the link.  Find more information, and sign up to see the show at www.themagnetictheatre.org.

Synopsis:  In the age of social distancing, The Magnetic Theatre One Act Play Festival presents a variety of original short plays adapted to an online platform, as audio drama, animation, short film, and live-streamed performances.  Audiences can join the others for a live-streamed watch party or receive a link to view the finished collection at their leisure.

Featuring:

“Hamlet’s Dead” written by Dennis Bohr & directed by Rodney Smith

“Mackerel Sky” written by Andrew Gallant & directed by Julia Christgau

“Pick Up” written by Jonathan Wickremasinghe-Kuhn & directed by Carin Metzger

“Person Meditating upon Madness” written by David Brendan Hopes & directed by Tippin

“Rosa & Leo” written by Adam Szudrich & directed by John Baldwin

“The Opposite of Entropy” written by Terran Wanderer & directed by Jessica Johnson

“Windowless White Vans” written by Bret Murphy & directed by Daniel Moore

Saturday, June 20, 2020
One Buncombe: funding for entrepreneurs of color 
Jun 20 all-day
Online
Based on need and recent events, One Buncombe has opened up a second round of funding for entrepreneurs of color in Western North Carolina. Loans up to $10,000 are available, depending on a business’s current revenue. Loans will not given based on credit score, and applicants are not required to provide a Social Security Number.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Business must be located in Buncombe County.
  • Self-employed individuals are encouraged to apply
  • Must have been in business before January 1, 2020.

Learn more about the application process on the One Buncombe website.

Applications are open through June 30th. This loan is only available for entrepreneurs of color.