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, November 15, 2019
Of Threads, On Place: A Selection of Historical and Contemporary Textiles from Buncombe County
Nov 15 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Refinery Creator Space

Explore just how far back our fiber art roots go by viewing centuries old textiles alongside contemporary works. Partnering archives reveal the cultural impact cloth and making have played in our region, while local makers of today continue to investigate place, process, and storytelling through the manipulation of fibrous materials. Techniques include weaving, embroidery, appliqué, natural dyeing, pulled-work, bobbin lace, and quilting.

Justice Matters Tour Pisgah Legal
Nov 15 @ 11:00 am – 12:15 pm
Pisgah Legal Services
Join us to find out more about how you can join Pisgah Legal Services in standing for justice in Western North Carolina. This interactive tour delves into how we address issues of domestic violence, housing, immigration, access to healthcare, and community economic development.
Live Glassblowing Demos
Nov 15 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Grove Arcade - Suite 123

Since 2010 master scientific glass blower, Jason Probstein has been presenting live glassblowing demonstrations here at our art gallery.

And once again we are proud to announce that Jason will be blowing his unique Christmas ornaments and glass artworks here at Mountain Made gallery from now to December 23rd, 2019.

Jason will be demonstrating Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. He will also be blowing glass every Sunday from Noon to 2:00 PM.

We invite you come by Mountain Made for a fun, family-friendly event

Art Break: 50 Years of WNC Glass
Nov 15 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Asheville Art Museum

Harvey K. Littleton, Lyrical Movement (Lemon-Cranberry), 1989, glass. Gift from the James & Judith Moore Glass and Craft Collection, 2018.55.09.

Drop in to one of our lunchtime Art Breaks! Taking place on selected Fridays at 12pm, these informal gallery talks and presentations both inform and engage you in dialogue with our curatorial and education staff, docents, or special guests.

Haunted History and Murder Mystery Trolley Ghost Tour
Nov 15 @ 7:00 pm – 8:15 pm
Haunted History and Murder Mystery Trolley Ghost Tour

Haunted History and Murder Mystery Trolley Ghost Tour

Sit back if you dare as we illuminate Asheville’s darkest history with astonishing stories of spirits & spies, ghosts & goblins, hauntings & hoodlums and mountain-made murder & mayhem.

Hear stories of . . .

The legendary PINK LADY at the Grove Park Inn
The GHOST of Church Street
The 1936 UNSOLVED MURDER that shook Asheville
The CHILD SPIRITS at the haunted hospital
The architect walled into his own church!
The KILLING SPREE of 1906
NAZI AGENTS based in Asheville
ARSON at hospital that claimed Zelda Fitzgerald

Tour Duration: Approximately 75 minutes

Departure Point: Pack’s Tavern 20 South Spruce Street in Downtown Asheville

Parking: Free first-come-first served parking is available after 5PM at a City of Asheville parking lot located 1/2 block south of Pack’s Tavern on Marjorie Street.  Paid parking is available approximately 1 block north of Pack’s Tavern at  164 College Street.

RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED!  “Walk-ups” without reservations will be accommodated on a space available basis.

We Hope you’ll be possessed to join us!

Saturday, November 16, 2019
City of Asheville shares Code PURPLE network resources
Nov 16 all-day
City of Asheville

As temperatures begin to drop we want to make sure people know where to go when frigid weather strikes. If you or someone you know needs shelter, the following sites are available when the Asheville-Buncombe CODE PURPLE is in effect.

 

Code Purple is a voluntary effort among private sector shelter providers, coordinated by the Asheville Homeless Coalition. The City of Asheville does not fund, direct, coordinate, or manage any aspects of Code Purple, but information on when Code Purple is in effect may be found at this link on the City of Asheville website

 

In extremely cold conditions, the Code Purple shelter providers will provide shelter beyond their normal program capacity. Code Purple does not include natural disasters such as hurricanes, flooding, or tornadoes; in these events, all citizens will be able to access services at the community disaster shelters.

 

Code Purple network sites:

  • ABCCM Veteran’s Quarters, 828-259-5333: Overnight emergency shelter, men only.
  • Homeward Bound A-Hope, 828-252-8883: Day center.
  • Western Carolina Rescue Ministries, 828-254-0471: Indoor space during the day (all); overnight emergency shelter for women and children only; identification required; police escort required after 6 p.m.; background check necessary to assure individual is not registered sex offender.
  • Steadfast House, 828-259-5365: Limited space availability/overnight emergency shelter for women and children only.

 

   Code Purple network partners:

    • United Ways 2-1-1 information and referral line: Dial 211 or 828-252-HELP (4357)
    • ABCCM Steadfast House, transitional housing: 828-259-5365.
    • American Red Cross (crisis services)
    • BEACON members (crisis services)
    • Helpmate, overnight domestic violence shelter: Call 24-hour crisis line, 828-254-0516
    • Trinity Place (overnight shelter for ages 7-17 only: Amy Hobson,  828-777-5715

 

The City of Asheville is deeply grateful for the work of all homeless shelter providers. We know they do everything they can do to get people indoors during extreme weather events. We also recognize that despite everyone’s best efforts, there may always be people who choose to remain outdoors, even in the coldest months.

Craft Innovation Hub will open to the public
Nov 16 all-day
North End Downtown

In 2017, Center for Craft, recognizing the greater potential of the block, commissioned the Broadway Cultural Gateway planning project as part of its property development initiative at 67 Broadway, which includes the Center’s National Craft Innovation Hub. Currently under renovation, the Craft Innovation Hub will open to the public on November 16 and welcome visitors back into the Center’s historic 1912 building with 7,000 additional square feet of program space, two galleries, a co-working space for the creative sector, state-of-the-art lecture, workshop, and event spaces, and one-of-a-kind maker installations. The Center’s newly renovated building will anchor Asheville’s downtown cultural district on its northern end and provide new opportunities for visitors and locals alike to explore – and engage with – the past, present, and future of the city.

Foster Parent Training Classes Announced for 2020
Nov 16 all-day
with in Buncombe County

News
                            article image

You might have heard about the need to recruit more foster parents in Buncombe County. “We currently have 300 kids in foster care in Buncombe County,” says Heather Hill-Pavone, Buncombe County Licensing Social Worker. “Only some of those kids get to stay in Buncombe County as we only have 100 licensed foster homes with BCHHS.” We need your help to let people in our community know about the upcoming Foster Parent Training Classes happening in 2020!

These courses begin the licensure process for becoming a foster parent. They are offered quarterly, for anyone in Buncombe County, who is interested in becoming a foster parent. While the next round of Foster Parent Training Classes starts on September 11, the classes for 2020 are NOW on the calendar! You can sign up by clicking this link.

2020 Schedule: 

  • Winter Classes: Jan 16, 2020 through Feb 20, 2020 (Thursdays) at Buncombe County Health and Human Services in Downtown Asheville
  • Spring Classes: March 25, 2020 through April 29, 2020 (Wednesdays) at Biltmore Church in Arden, NC
  • Summer Classes: June 2, 2020 through July 7, 2020 (Tuesdays) at Biltmore Church in Arden
  • Fall Classes: September 14, 2020 through October 19, 2020 (Mondays) at Buncombe County Health and Human Services in Downtown Asheville
Nature Center Raffle Fundraiser
Nov 16 all-day
Buncombe County NC
United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County’s annual Holiday Book Drive
Nov 16 all-day
Barnes & Noble Booksellers at the Asheville Mall

United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County’s annual Holiday Book Drive begins on November 1st.
We’re excited to once again work alongside Capstone Health and Barnes & Noble (Tunnel Rd.) this holiday season to place as many books as possible into the hands of local students.
For more information on this year’s Holiday Book Drive and how you can help, click the button below.
And don’t forget, to end the drive on a high note, we’ll once again host a Book Wrapping Party for supporters wishing to spread some holiday cheer. We’ll gather at Highland Brewing on December 11th, from 5:30 P.M.-7:30 P.M. to organize and wrap all the books collected during the drive.

Shop at Barnes & Noble Asheville and Support Students in Buncombe County

Starting November 1st and running through December 31st, Barnes & Noble Booksellers at the Asheville Mall is hosting a book drive so customers can easily donate books to local middle school youth. It’s such a simple and needed way to support local students. You can simply purchase the books while doing your holiday shopping, leave them with your cashier at check-out, then we will collect the books at the end of the month and distribute them to commmunity partners and students throughout Asheville and Buncombe County.

You can also drop off new, unwrapped books at our office located on 50 South French Broad Avenue in Asheville. If you do, please drop them off by December 10 so we can wrap them up for distribution.

Adult Studio Drawing Journey Journals Asheville Art Museum
Nov 16 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Asheville Art Museum

Sign up by November 8! In Drawing Journey Journals, travel the Museum’s galleries, drawing as you go in handmade journals with watercolor pencils; then, transform your sketches into paint in the Studio. Engage in basic drawing exercises during each class, as well as learn tips and tricks to inform your drawing with the elements of composition, light, perspective, and color. Carry drawing and writing techniques used in class over into your personal travel journals, plein air painting, and self-expression.

Click the button below to learn more, or call 828.253.3227 x122 to register by phone.

“Dressing for the Occasion: Mid-Century Sandburg as Celebrity and Family Man”
Nov 16 @ 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
Carl Sandburg Home

Sandburg Clothing on Exhibit

“Dressing for the Occasion” offers visitors a window into the style, culture, and feel of mid-century America. The family’s clothing and accessories weave together the roles of Carl Sandburg as a prominent writer, celebrity, father, and husband. This temporary exhibit offers an exciting opportunity for the public to view objects that are normally in storage or in the possession of Sandburg family members. Tours of the Sandburg Home are offered daily from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Tickets are available first come, first served, each day from the visitor information area in the ground level of the Sandburg Home.

Nearly every room in the historically furnished house museum will be included in the exhibit. Visitors will see the characteristic scarves Carl Sandburg wore as he played his guitar and sang folk songs to entertain his family and guests, the dress Lilian Sandburg wore to meet President Lyndon B. Johnson, and many other mid-century pieces worn by the Sandburgs and their daughters. Historic photographs, paired with the clothing, will provide context.

Crafty Historian: a Crafty Hodge-Podge
Nov 16 @ 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Smith-McDowell House

Hodge-Podge is a mixture of different things!

It’s time to use up lots of leftover craft supplies. You can choose from a variety of beading, weaving, decoupage, and much more. Crafters are welcome to bring objects that you want decorated with beads, sequins or decoupage (like picture frames, glass bottles, etc).

 

Here is a link to some ideas of things to bring that you might like to decorate, but I’ll have lots of things to make that you won’t need extra items. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1oXICKNyAwSoj0pD0s3NRmLjevxazIG2ORoGsp8PQg24/edit?usp=sharing

 

Be prepared for a bit of confusion with lots of things going on, but it will be LOTS of fun!!

This might be the last Crafty Historian since our resident Crafty Historian will be resigning as of Nov 30 – so if you’ve been a fan of these events, this is not one you want to miss!

 

Fill out the reservation form here  https://forms.gle/AL1sAdv7PTZ11ZuZ6 , and I’ll email a confirmation to you. If you have questions before or after your reservation, be sure to email Lisa at [email protected]

 

Live Glassblowing Demos
Nov 16 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Grove Arcade - Suite 123

Since 2010 master scientific glass blower, Jason Probstein has been presenting live glassblowing demonstrations here at our art gallery.

And once again we are proud to announce that Jason will be blowing his unique Christmas ornaments and glass artworks here at Mountain Made gallery from now to December 23rd, 2019.

Jason will be demonstrating Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. He will also be blowing glass every Sunday from Noon to 2:00 PM.

We invite you come by Mountain Made for a fun, family-friendly event

Winding Creek Fall Festival
Nov 16 @ 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Winding Creek Stables

Join us for games, food, entertainment, pony rides and more at our inaugural Fall Festival! Free admission. Pay for activities.

Center for Craft Grand Reopening
Nov 16 @ 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Center for Craft

The Center for Craft will host a Public Reopening in their newly renovated space in downtown Asheville to welcome and connect the community.

About Organizer:
The Center for Craft advances the understanding of craft by encouraging and supporting research, critical dialogue, and professional development.

Nantahala Outdoor Center Co-founder Aurelia Kennedy Celebration of Life
Nov 16 @ 2:00 pm
Nantahala Outdoor Center

Join us in gathering at the grounds of Relia’s Garden on the campus of Nantahala Outdoor Center as we celebrate the life of Aurelia Kennedy.

Bring stories and remembrances of Aurelia and a Thanksgiving dish to share. Nantahala Outdoor Center will provide a main course featuring turkey and dressing.

Please RSVP here if you are attending so that NOC may plan the meal and space accordingly. If you would like to make a donation honoring Aurelia and further her life’s mission, donations may be made through the North Carolina Community Foundation for the Kennedy Endowment Fund. From this page you may search for and give to the Kennedy Endowment Fund.

Donation checks may be sent to:
The North Carolina Community Foundation
3737 Glenwood Avenue
Suite 460
Raleigh, NC 27612
*Please indicate that contributions are for the Kennedy Endowment Fund, #000386. All contributions are tax deductible.

Recipient organizations of the Kennedy Endowment Fund for 2019 in order of magnitude from $5,000 to $1,000 were:

  • Clinic Nepal
  • SOS Children’s Villages
  • Medic Force
  • Adventure Amputee Camp
  • Swain County New Century Scholars
  • American Red Cross
  • IPAS
Soul on Fire: A Celebration of Heritage through Art, Culture & Music!
Nov 16 @ 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Ab Tech Conference Center
Join Delta House Life Development + local artist, historian, art educator and leader, Mrs. Shirley Whitesides for an evening of art!

Soul on Fire: A Celebration of Heritage through Art, Culture & Music is an evening dedicated to offering a new narrative to the community about the power of one individual to make change, forge community connections, and support youth…all through the power of arts + culture. Join adé PROJECT and friends for an Opening Reception to “My Soul Looks Back”, an art exhibit featuring the collected works of Mrs. Shirley Whitesides from over nearly 50 years. And then, dance the night away with Free Flow Band, enter into a raffle or silent auction for great prizes, or sign up for the opportunity to get a one-of-a-kind tattoo from Miya Bailey, a former student of Mrs. Shirley Whitesides, and nationally known artist. Here is an idea of the event agenda:

– 5pm – Doors open for RECEPTION

– 5:30-6:30pm – “My Soul Looks Back”, an exhibit by Mrs. Shirley Whitesides, Opening Reception, sponsored by AB-Tech

– 6:30pm – Doors open for DANCE

– 7pm – The story of Delta House Jazz Band

– 7:05pm – Welcome Address – Lakesha McDay, Dogwood Trust

– 7:15pm – Free Flow Band

– 9pm – Intermission Address – Mrs. Shirley Whitesides, Delta House Life Development + Miya Bailey, City of Ink

– 9:15pm – Free Flow Band

– 11pm – Event concludes

In addition to all of the art and artistic experiences, there will be delicious food, beer + wine and the promise of community connections from past, present, and future!

The After-Hours Party Asheville Art Museum
Nov 16 @ 8:00 pm – 12:00 am
Asheville Art Museum

Have you ever wanted to explore a museum after dark? Maybe with some great food and dancing in the mix? The After-Hours Party is for you! The night will feature live entertainment from Crocodile Smile, a bar with local beverages, and amazing food from local chefs. Come dance the night away in the new, art-filled Windgate Foundation Atrium!

Sunday, November 17, 2019
City of Asheville shares Code PURPLE network resources
Nov 17 all-day
City of Asheville

As temperatures begin to drop we want to make sure people know where to go when frigid weather strikes. If you or someone you know needs shelter, the following sites are available when the Asheville-Buncombe CODE PURPLE is in effect.

 

Code Purple is a voluntary effort among private sector shelter providers, coordinated by the Asheville Homeless Coalition. The City of Asheville does not fund, direct, coordinate, or manage any aspects of Code Purple, but information on when Code Purple is in effect may be found at this link on the City of Asheville website

 

In extremely cold conditions, the Code Purple shelter providers will provide shelter beyond their normal program capacity. Code Purple does not include natural disasters such as hurricanes, flooding, or tornadoes; in these events, all citizens will be able to access services at the community disaster shelters.

 

Code Purple network sites:

  • ABCCM Veteran’s Quarters, 828-259-5333: Overnight emergency shelter, men only.
  • Homeward Bound A-Hope, 828-252-8883: Day center.
  • Western Carolina Rescue Ministries, 828-254-0471: Indoor space during the day (all); overnight emergency shelter for women and children only; identification required; police escort required after 6 p.m.; background check necessary to assure individual is not registered sex offender.
  • Steadfast House, 828-259-5365: Limited space availability/overnight emergency shelter for women and children only.

 

   Code Purple network partners:

    • United Ways 2-1-1 information and referral line: Dial 211 or 828-252-HELP (4357)
    • ABCCM Steadfast House, transitional housing: 828-259-5365.
    • American Red Cross (crisis services)
    • BEACON members (crisis services)
    • Helpmate, overnight domestic violence shelter: Call 24-hour crisis line, 828-254-0516
    • Trinity Place (overnight shelter for ages 7-17 only: Amy Hobson,  828-777-5715

 

The City of Asheville is deeply grateful for the work of all homeless shelter providers. We know they do everything they can do to get people indoors during extreme weather events. We also recognize that despite everyone’s best efforts, there may always be people who choose to remain outdoors, even in the coldest months.

Nature Center Raffle Fundraiser
Nov 17 all-day
Buncombe County NC
“Dressing for the Occasion: Mid-Century Sandburg as Celebrity and Family Man”
Nov 17 @ 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
Carl Sandburg Home

Sandburg Clothing on Exhibit

“Dressing for the Occasion” offers visitors a window into the style, culture, and feel of mid-century America. The family’s clothing and accessories weave together the roles of Carl Sandburg as a prominent writer, celebrity, father, and husband. This temporary exhibit offers an exciting opportunity for the public to view objects that are normally in storage or in the possession of Sandburg family members. Tours of the Sandburg Home are offered daily from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Tickets are available first come, first served, each day from the visitor information area in the ground level of the Sandburg Home.

Nearly every room in the historically furnished house museum will be included in the exhibit. Visitors will see the characteristic scarves Carl Sandburg wore as he played his guitar and sang folk songs to entertain his family and guests, the dress Lilian Sandburg wore to meet President Lyndon B. Johnson, and many other mid-century pieces worn by the Sandburgs and their daughters. Historic photographs, paired with the clothing, will provide context.

REI Subaru Upcyle Event
Nov 17 @ 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
REI
Monday, November 18, 2019
Nature Center Raffle Fundraiser
Nov 18 all-day
Buncombe County NC
“Dressing for the Occasion: Mid-Century Sandburg as Celebrity and Family Man”
Nov 18 @ 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
Carl Sandburg Home

Sandburg Clothing on Exhibit

“Dressing for the Occasion” offers visitors a window into the style, culture, and feel of mid-century America. The family’s clothing and accessories weave together the roles of Carl Sandburg as a prominent writer, celebrity, father, and husband. This temporary exhibit offers an exciting opportunity for the public to view objects that are normally in storage or in the possession of Sandburg family members. Tours of the Sandburg Home are offered daily from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Tickets are available first come, first served, each day from the visitor information area in the ground level of the Sandburg Home.

Nearly every room in the historically furnished house museum will be included in the exhibit. Visitors will see the characteristic scarves Carl Sandburg wore as he played his guitar and sang folk songs to entertain his family and guests, the dress Lilian Sandburg wore to meet President Lyndon B. Johnson, and many other mid-century pieces worn by the Sandburgs and their daughters. Historic photographs, paired with the clothing, will provide context.

Clemson/USC Compete in Rivalry Blood Bowl
Nov 18 @ 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Clemson Campus

Ahead of the big rivalry game next Saturday, Clemson will first go head-to-head with South Carolina in another competition. For the 35th time, the two schools will go compete in the Annual Blood Bowl to see which university can get the most people to donate blood (and save the most lives). Endorsed by All-American Running Back CJ Spiller, The Blood Connection will host several blood drives around Clemson’s campus to help CU bring home the win! TBC is the Clemson community’s blood provider. For TBC Blood Bowl locations and to make an appointment, go to www.thebloodconnection.org/bloodbowl 

WHAT: Alpha Phi Omega’s 35th Annual Blood Bowl
WHO: Clemson University APO vs. University of South Carolina APO
WHERE: Clemson Campus (1 inside and 7 mobile locations): Hendrix (inside), Riggs, Fernow, Brackett, ASC, Vickery, Watts, Bowman *members of the community can donate inside Hendrix
WHEN: November 18-22, 10a-7p every day
WHY: The Blood Connection is the Clemson community’s blood center. TBC is the exclusive blood supplier for every Upstate hospital, including AnMed Health. That means when donors give blood with TBC, it stays local, saving the lives of neighbors and fellow Clemson Tigers. TBC needs around 600 donations a day to maintain a steady supply for local hospitals. Be a team player and save lives with TBC during Blood Bowl week! Let’s beat USC!

Of Threads, On Place: A Selection of Historical and Contemporary Textiles from Buncombe County
Nov 18 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Refinery Creator Space

Explore just how far back our fiber art roots go by viewing centuries old textiles alongside contemporary works. Partnering archives reveal the cultural impact cloth and making have played in our region, while local makers of today continue to investigate place, process, and storytelling through the manipulation of fibrous materials. Techniques include weaving, embroidery, appliqué, natural dyeing, pulled-work, bobbin lace, and quilting.

Live Glassblowing Demos
Nov 18 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Grove Arcade - Suite 123

Since 2010 master scientific glass blower, Jason Probstein has been presenting live glassblowing demonstrations here at our art gallery.

And once again we are proud to announce that Jason will be blowing his unique Christmas ornaments and glass artworks here at Mountain Made gallery from now to December 23rd, 2019.

Jason will be demonstrating Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. He will also be blowing glass every Sunday from Noon to 2:00 PM.

We invite you come by Mountain Made for a fun, family-friendly event

Amid Rugged Mountains Asheville Art Museum
Nov 18 @ 6:15 pm – 7:00 pm
Asheville Art Museum

Join us for an evening program featuring Asheville School’s Handbell Ensemble and Chorale. The music program is complemented by an original choreographed work inspired by our current exhibition, Appalachia Now!, performed by Asheville School dance students.

Preceding the evening program, Asheville School students are popping up in the Exhibition Halls—sketching, spoken-word performances, and more! Pre-programs take place 4:30–5:30pm, and are free for Museum Members or included with admission. Space is limited.

Tuesday, November 19, 2019
Nature Center Raffle Fundraiser
Nov 19 all-day
Buncombe County NC