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.

Thursday, March 19, 2020
Asheville Downtown Eats and Drinks Tour
Mar 19 @ 3:00 pm
Taste Carolina Gourmet Food Tours

Downtown Asheville is known for its eclectic arts and culture and a vibrant food and drink scene that celebrates independent restaurants and locally-sourced ingredients. Learn about this gorgeous city on a Taste Carolina walking tour and discover why Asheville was hailed by National Geographic’s Traveler Magazine as one of the top 15 places in the world to “treat your taste buds”!

Asheville Downtown Eats & Drinks Tour – Asheville’s Downtown Eats & Drinks Tour is a spirited and delicious way to explore the city! You’ll enjoy substantial bites and sips on this guided walking tour, sampling savory and sweet favorites, most paired with small drink pairings. This tour visits Asheville’s hidden gems, including eclectic restaurants and bars, and specialty food stores. You’ll also learn about the history of the city, the architecture, and the incredible culinary scene from your tour guide. By the end of this tour, you will feel like a local!

Private and custom tours can be arranged for any day or night of the week for groups.

Notorious HBC (History Book Club)
Mar 19 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Malaprop's Bookstore

Join host and Malaprop’s bookseller Patricia Furnish to discuss a range of books across different periods of history. The club tackles challenging subjects, hence “NOTORIOUS.”  Click here to see a full schedule of what the club is reading. Club attendees get 10% off the book at Malaprop’s!

The club meets at Malaprop’s on the 3rd Thursday of every month at 7:00 pm.

Event date:
Thursday, January 16, 2020 – 7:00pm
Thursday, February 20, 2020 – 7:00pm
Thursday, March 19, 2020 – 7:00pm
Thursday, April 16, 2020 – 7:00pm
UNCA Visiting Writers Series – Natanya Ann Pulley
Mar 19 @ 7:00 pm
Karpen Hall Laurel Forum

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natanya Ann Pulley, author of “With Teeth,” a Many Voices Project winner in fiction, will read from and discuss her writing at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 19, in Karpen Hall, Laurel Forum. This event is free and open to everyone with no tickets needed.

 

Friday, March 20, 2020
11th Annual Rotarians Against Hunger Volunteers needed
Mar 20 @ 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Reuter Family YMCA
rotarians
                                                          against
                                                          hunger

Volunteers are needed to help set up, package meals, and clean up throughout the day.
 Rotary clubs across the region are on a mission to improve food access. The public can help by volunteering for the 11th Annual Rotarians Against Hunger meal packing event on March 21 at the Reuter Family YMCA.
“The goal is to package 350,000 nutritious meals, consisting of black beans, brown rice, and white rice,” said Cory Jackson, executive director of Community Health at the YMCA of WNC. “The meals will be distributed at no charge throughout the area by MANNA FoodBank and at our 30 regional mobile markets.”
Volunteers are needed to help set up, package meals, and clean up throughout the day. The event is a fun, family-friendly, and immensely rewarding experience for people of all ages.
Volunteer slots:
First shift: 8-10 a.m.
Second shift: 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Third shift: 1-3 p.m.
Take down and clean up: 3-6 p.m.
This year’s event is part of a week-long series of volunteering events in Western North Carolina hosted by PubCorps. For those unable to make the March 21 event, PubCorps will offer another meal packaging opportunity. Please visit www.pubcorps.com for more information.
Asheville Downtown Eats and Drinks Tour
Mar 20 @ 3:00 pm
Taste Carolina Gourmet Food Tours

Downtown Asheville is known for its eclectic arts and culture and a vibrant food and drink scene that celebrates independent restaurants and locally-sourced ingredients. Learn about this gorgeous city on a Taste Carolina walking tour and discover why Asheville was hailed by National Geographic’s Traveler Magazine as one of the top 15 places in the world to “treat your taste buds”!

Asheville Downtown Eats & Drinks Tour – Asheville’s Downtown Eats & Drinks Tour is a spirited and delicious way to explore the city! You’ll enjoy substantial bites and sips on this guided walking tour, sampling savory and sweet favorites, most paired with small drink pairings. This tour visits Asheville’s hidden gems, including eclectic restaurants and bars, and specialty food stores. You’ll also learn about the history of the city, the architecture, and the incredible culinary scene from your tour guide. By the end of this tour, you will feel like a local!

Private and custom tours can be arranged for any day or night of the week for groups.

Saturday, March 21, 2020
Coach Needed at Hominy Valley Elementary Girls on the Run!
Mar 21 all-day
Hominy Valley Elementary
Image

 

We are in URGENT need of two assistant coaches at Hominy Valley Elementary on one or both program days (greater need on Wednesdays). The team practices on Mondays and Wednesdays from 2:15 pm to 3:45 pm.

With your support, 15 girls will grow their confidence, learn to stand up for themselves and others, and realize their voices matter. You don’t even need to like running!

11th Annual Rotarians Against Hunger Volunteers needed
Mar 21 @ 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Reuter Family YMCA
rotarians
                                                          against
                                                          hunger

Volunteers are needed to help set up, package meals, and clean up throughout the day.
 Rotary clubs across the region are on a mission to improve food access. The public can help by volunteering for the 11th Annual Rotarians Against Hunger meal packing event on March 21 at the Reuter Family YMCA.
“The goal is to package 350,000 nutritious meals, consisting of black beans, brown rice, and white rice,” said Cory Jackson, executive director of Community Health at the YMCA of WNC. “The meals will be distributed at no charge throughout the area by MANNA FoodBank and at our 30 regional mobile markets.”
Volunteers are needed to help set up, package meals, and clean up throughout the day. The event is a fun, family-friendly, and immensely rewarding experience for people of all ages.
Volunteer slots:
First shift: 8-10 a.m.
Second shift: 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Third shift: 1-3 p.m.
Take down and clean up: 3-6 p.m.
This year’s event is part of a week-long series of volunteering events in Western North Carolina hosted by PubCorps. For those unable to make the March 21 event, PubCorps will offer another meal packaging opportunity. Please visit www.pubcorps.com for more information.
Asheville Downtown Eats and Drinks Tour
Mar 21 @ 3:30 pm
Taste Carolina Gourmet Food Tours

Downtown Asheville is known for its eclectic arts and culture and a vibrant food and drink scene that celebrates independent restaurants and locally-sourced ingredients. Learn about this gorgeous city on a Taste Carolina walking tour and discover why Asheville was hailed by National Geographic’s Traveler Magazine as one of the top 15 places in the world to “treat your taste buds”!

Asheville Downtown Eats & Drinks Tour – Asheville’s Downtown Eats & Drinks Tour is a spirited and delicious way to explore the city! You’ll enjoy substantial bites and sips on this guided walking tour, sampling savory and sweet favorites, most paired with small drink pairings. This tour visits Asheville’s hidden gems, including eclectic restaurants and bars, and specialty food stores. You’ll also learn about the history of the city, the architecture, and the incredible culinary scene from your tour guide. By the end of this tour, you will feel like a local!

Private and custom tours can be arranged for any day or night of the week for groups.

Sunday, March 22, 2020
Asheville Marathon & Half at Biltmore Estate
Mar 22 all-day
Biltmore Estate

The nationally recognized, 8th Annual Asheville Marathon and Half marathon, will return to Asheville’s Biltmore Estate on March 21 & 22, 2020. The Asheville Marathon and Half events are ’boutique style’ events with limited entries available of 1,525 runners per day.

In 2018, the Asheville Marathon was named by Outside Online as one of the Top 9 vacation-worthy marathons and The Top Ten Best Spring/Summer Marathons to Run by MapMyRun. We were also listed as one of the 70 American Road Races every runner should finish by Runner’s World Magazine.

In 2017, the Asheville Marathon was named Top 25 Must-Do American Marathons by Competitor Magazine. In addition, the Asheville Half Marathon at Biltmore was honored to also be selected in the “Best Of” category in the 100 Half Marathons Club.

Run in America’s largest backyard at Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina at the 8th Annual Asheville Half Marathon 3/21 & AVL Marathon & Half Marathon on 3/22/20 OR DO BOTH DAYS and complete one of our Challenges! Details can be found on our website at www.ashevillemarathon.com.

Blood Donations Where Lifesaving Starts
Mar 22 all-day
Blood Connection

It is very important for donors to continue donating in the weeks and months ahead in order to maintain an adequate local blood supply. If you are feeling healthy and well, please make an appointment before donating so we can maintain the proper social distancing. The safety of our donors and staff is our top priority!

Coach Needed at Hominy Valley Elementary Girls on the Run!
Mar 22 all-day
Hominy Valley Elementary
Image

 

We are in URGENT need of two assistant coaches at Hominy Valley Elementary on one or both program days (greater need on Wednesdays). The team practices on Mondays and Wednesdays from 2:15 pm to 3:45 pm.

With your support, 15 girls will grow their confidence, learn to stand up for themselves and others, and realize their voices matter. You don’t even need to like running!

Untied Way: Volunteer opportunities (both in-person and virtual)
Mar 22 all-day
Hands On Asheville-Buncombe

We really can’t remember a time when we’ve seen the entire community come together like it has over the past week. We are so incredibly honored and humbled to be working alongside each of you as we navigate these difficult times.

Hands On Asheville-Buncombe is playing a critical role in the COVID-19 community-wide response efforts; serving as the community hub for volunteering around this crisis. We are working daily with partners, government agencies, businesses and organizations, and individuals; identifying community needs and responding through the power of volunteerism.

We’ve set up our online portal to serve as an all-encompassing inventory of community-wide volunteer needs that address relief efforts. We have one simple ask of you today, sign up to receive COVID-19 specific volunteer opportunities (both in-person and virtual). This unprecedented situation calls for an unprecedented response, sign up today!

To stay up-to-date on the latest COVID-19 news, frequently visit United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County’s COVID-19 page.

Asheville Downtown Eats and Drinks Tour
Mar 22 @ 11:00 am
Taste Carolina Gourmet Food Tours

Downtown Asheville is known for its eclectic arts and culture and a vibrant food and drink scene that celebrates independent restaurants and locally-sourced ingredients. Learn about this gorgeous city on a Taste Carolina walking tour and discover why Asheville was hailed by National Geographic’s Traveler Magazine as one of the top 15 places in the world to “treat your taste buds”!

Asheville Downtown Eats & Drinks Tour – Asheville’s Downtown Eats & Drinks Tour is a spirited and delicious way to explore the city! You’ll enjoy substantial bites and sips on this guided walking tour, sampling savory and sweet favorites, most paired with small drink pairings. This tour visits Asheville’s hidden gems, including eclectic restaurants and bars, and specialty food stores. You’ll also learn about the history of the city, the architecture, and the incredible culinary scene from your tour guide. By the end of this tour, you will feel like a local!

Private and custom tours can be arranged for any day or night of the week for groups.

Monday, March 23, 2020
Blood Donations Where Lifesaving Starts
Mar 23 all-day
Blood Connection

It is very important for donors to continue donating in the weeks and months ahead in order to maintain an adequate local blood supply. If you are feeling healthy and well, please make an appointment before donating so we can maintain the proper social distancing. The safety of our donors and staff is our top priority!

Untied Way: Volunteer opportunities (both in-person and virtual)
Mar 23 all-day
Hands On Asheville-Buncombe

We really can’t remember a time when we’ve seen the entire community come together like it has over the past week. We are so incredibly honored and humbled to be working alongside each of you as we navigate these difficult times.

Hands On Asheville-Buncombe is playing a critical role in the COVID-19 community-wide response efforts; serving as the community hub for volunteering around this crisis. We are working daily with partners, government agencies, businesses and organizations, and individuals; identifying community needs and responding through the power of volunteerism.

We’ve set up our online portal to serve as an all-encompassing inventory of community-wide volunteer needs that address relief efforts. We have one simple ask of you today, sign up to receive COVID-19 specific volunteer opportunities (both in-person and virtual). This unprecedented situation calls for an unprecedented response, sign up today!

To stay up-to-date on the latest COVID-19 news, frequently visit United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County’s COVID-19 page.

Tuesday, March 24, 2020
Blood Donations Where Lifesaving Starts
Mar 24 all-day
Blood Connection

It is very important for donors to continue donating in the weeks and months ahead in order to maintain an adequate local blood supply. If you are feeling healthy and well, please make an appointment before donating so we can maintain the proper social distancing. The safety of our donors and staff is our top priority!

Untied Way: Volunteer opportunities (both in-person and virtual)
Mar 24 all-day
Hands On Asheville-Buncombe

We really can’t remember a time when we’ve seen the entire community come together like it has over the past week. We are so incredibly honored and humbled to be working alongside each of you as we navigate these difficult times.

Hands On Asheville-Buncombe is playing a critical role in the COVID-19 community-wide response efforts; serving as the community hub for volunteering around this crisis. We are working daily with partners, government agencies, businesses and organizations, and individuals; identifying community needs and responding through the power of volunteerism.

We’ve set up our online portal to serve as an all-encompassing inventory of community-wide volunteer needs that address relief efforts. We have one simple ask of you today, sign up to receive COVID-19 specific volunteer opportunities (both in-person and virtual). This unprecedented situation calls for an unprecedented response, sign up today!

To stay up-to-date on the latest COVID-19 news, frequently visit United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County’s COVID-19 page.

Wednesday, March 25, 2020
Blood Donations Where Lifesaving Starts
Mar 25 all-day
Blood Connection

It is very important for donors to continue donating in the weeks and months ahead in order to maintain an adequate local blood supply. If you are feeling healthy and well, please make an appointment before donating so we can maintain the proper social distancing. The safety of our donors and staff is our top priority!

Untied Way: Volunteer opportunities (both in-person and virtual)
Mar 25 all-day
Hands On Asheville-Buncombe

We really can’t remember a time when we’ve seen the entire community come together like it has over the past week. We are so incredibly honored and humbled to be working alongside each of you as we navigate these difficult times.

Hands On Asheville-Buncombe is playing a critical role in the COVID-19 community-wide response efforts; serving as the community hub for volunteering around this crisis. We are working daily with partners, government agencies, businesses and organizations, and individuals; identifying community needs and responding through the power of volunteerism.

We’ve set up our online portal to serve as an all-encompassing inventory of community-wide volunteer needs that address relief efforts. We have one simple ask of you today, sign up to receive COVID-19 specific volunteer opportunities (both in-person and virtual). This unprecedented situation calls for an unprecedented response, sign up today!

To stay up-to-date on the latest COVID-19 news, frequently visit United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County’s COVID-19 page.

Thursday, March 26, 2020
Blood Donations Where Lifesaving Starts
Mar 26 all-day
Blood Connection

It is very important for donors to continue donating in the weeks and months ahead in order to maintain an adequate local blood supply. If you are feeling healthy and well, please make an appointment before donating so we can maintain the proper social distancing. The safety of our donors and staff is our top priority!

Untied Way: Volunteer opportunities (both in-person and virtual)
Mar 26 all-day
Hands On Asheville-Buncombe

We really can’t remember a time when we’ve seen the entire community come together like it has over the past week. We are so incredibly honored and humbled to be working alongside each of you as we navigate these difficult times.

Hands On Asheville-Buncombe is playing a critical role in the COVID-19 community-wide response efforts; serving as the community hub for volunteering around this crisis. We are working daily with partners, government agencies, businesses and organizations, and individuals; identifying community needs and responding through the power of volunteerism.

We’ve set up our online portal to serve as an all-encompassing inventory of community-wide volunteer needs that address relief efforts. We have one simple ask of you today, sign up to receive COVID-19 specific volunteer opportunities (both in-person and virtual). This unprecedented situation calls for an unprecedented response, sign up today!

To stay up-to-date on the latest COVID-19 news, frequently visit United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County’s COVID-19 page.

Asheville Downtown Eats and Drinks Tour
Mar 26 @ 3:00 pm
Taste Carolina Gourmet Food Tours

Downtown Asheville is known for its eclectic arts and culture and a vibrant food and drink scene that celebrates independent restaurants and locally-sourced ingredients. Learn about this gorgeous city on a Taste Carolina walking tour and discover why Asheville was hailed by National Geographic’s Traveler Magazine as one of the top 15 places in the world to “treat your taste buds”!

Asheville Downtown Eats & Drinks Tour – Asheville’s Downtown Eats & Drinks Tour is a spirited and delicious way to explore the city! You’ll enjoy substantial bites and sips on this guided walking tour, sampling savory and sweet favorites, most paired with small drink pairings. This tour visits Asheville’s hidden gems, including eclectic restaurants and bars, and specialty food stores. You’ll also learn about the history of the city, the architecture, and the incredible culinary scene from your tour guide. By the end of this tour, you will feel like a local!

Private and custom tours can be arranged for any day or night of the week for groups.

An Evening with N. K. Jemisin, author of The City We Became
Mar 26 @ 6:30 pm
UNC Asheville Lipinsky Auditorium

Join us Thursday, March 26 at 6:30 pm when N.K Jemisin presents her new novel, THE CITY WE BECAME (on sale March 24, 2020).

We are pleased to partner with UNC Asheville’s Great Smokies Writing Program and English Department for this event, which will be held at in Lipinsky Auditorium on the UNCA campus.

There are two ticket options:

(1) Ticket includes admission for one person and a copy of THE CITY WE BECAME (hardcover)

(2) Ticket includes admission for two people, a copy of THE CITY WE BECAME (hardcover) and a copy of HOW LONG TIL BLACK FUTURE MONTH (paperback)

N. K. Jemisin will sign books following reading and audience Q&A. Books will be available to pick up at the event.

***Stay tuned for important details about the event and signing. When purchasing your ticket(s), please make sure you provide an email address where you can receive emails from the Brown Paper Tickets automated system.***

ABOUT THE CITY WE BECAME
Five New Yorkers must come together to defend their city from an ancient evil in this stunning new novel by Hugo Award-winner and NYT bestselling author N. K. Jemisin.

Every great city has a soul. Some are as ancient as myths, and others are as new and destructive as children. New York City? Shes got six.

But every city also has a dark side. A roiling, ancient evil stirs in the halls of power, threatening to destroy the city and her six newborn avatars unless they can come together and stop it once and for all.

In a starred review, Kirkus calls THE CITY WE BECAME “Fierce, poetic, uncompromising.”

N.K. Jemisin: The City We Became
Mar 26 @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Lipinsky Auditorium

 

N.K. Jemisin will present her new book, The City We Became, just two days after its public release. This ticketed event takes place at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 26, in Lipinsky Auditorium, presented in partnership by Malaprop’s Bookstore/Café, and UNC Asheville’s Great Smokies Writing Program and Department of English.

This is a ticketed event with different ticketing/book purchase options, with online ordering at: https://www.malaprops.com/event/ticketed-nk-jemisin-presents-city-we-became-unca

Free tickets (which do not include the book) are available for UNC Asheville students and employees – contact Lilly Augspurger, 828.251.6099 or [email protected].

Living and writing her speculative fiction in Brooklyn, Jemisin’s new novel features five New Yorkers who must come together to defend their city from ancient evil. She is the only author to win three Best Novel Hugo awards in a row, which she did for her Broken Earth trilogy. Jemisin also has won a Nebula Award and two Locus Awards among the many honors for her eight novels, a novella, and two short story collections. A former counseling psychologist and educator, she also covered science fiction for three years for the New York Times Book Review. For more information about Jemisin, her books and this event, visit the Malaprop’s website.

Visitor Parking on the UNC Asheville Campus – Visitors may park in faculty/staff and non-resident lots from 5:00 p.m. until 7:30 a.m., Monday through Friday, and on weekends, holidays, and campus breaks. Visitors are not permitted to park in resident student lots at any time. Campus map is here – use menu bars to find parking lot locations.

Building accessibility information is available here.

Accessibility Contact: Highsmith Student Union, [email protected] or 828.251.6990.

Works in Translation Book Club
Mar 26 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Malaprop's Bookstore

Join host and Malaprop’s Bookstore Manager Justin Souther to discuss writers — and their literature — in translation and the cultural, political and artistic influences that mold them. Click here to see a list of the monthly selections. Attendees receive 10% off the club’s current selection at Malaprop’s!

The club usually meets the last Thursday of every month at Malaprop’s Bookstore/Cafe.

Event date:
Thursday, January 30, 2020 – 7:00pm
Thursday, February 27, 2020 – 7:00pm
Thursday, March 26, 2020 – 7:00pm
Thursday, April 30, 2020 – 7:00pm
Friday, March 27, 2020
Blood Donations Where Lifesaving Starts
Mar 27 all-day
Blood Connection

It is very important for donors to continue donating in the weeks and months ahead in order to maintain an adequate local blood supply. If you are feeling healthy and well, please make an appointment before donating so we can maintain the proper social distancing. The safety of our donors and staff is our top priority!

Untied Way: Volunteer opportunities (both in-person and virtual)
Mar 27 all-day
Hands On Asheville-Buncombe

We really can’t remember a time when we’ve seen the entire community come together like it has over the past week. We are so incredibly honored and humbled to be working alongside each of you as we navigate these difficult times.

Hands On Asheville-Buncombe is playing a critical role in the COVID-19 community-wide response efforts; serving as the community hub for volunteering around this crisis. We are working daily with partners, government agencies, businesses and organizations, and individuals; identifying community needs and responding through the power of volunteerism.

We’ve set up our online portal to serve as an all-encompassing inventory of community-wide volunteer needs that address relief efforts. We have one simple ask of you today, sign up to receive COVID-19 specific volunteer opportunities (both in-person and virtual). This unprecedented situation calls for an unprecedented response, sign up today!

To stay up-to-date on the latest COVID-19 news, frequently visit United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County’s COVID-19 page.

Asheville Downtown Eats and Drinks Tour
Mar 27 @ 3:00 pm
Taste Carolina Gourmet Food Tours

Downtown Asheville is known for its eclectic arts and culture and a vibrant food and drink scene that celebrates independent restaurants and locally-sourced ingredients. Learn about this gorgeous city on a Taste Carolina walking tour and discover why Asheville was hailed by National Geographic’s Traveler Magazine as one of the top 15 places in the world to “treat your taste buds”!

Asheville Downtown Eats & Drinks Tour – Asheville’s Downtown Eats & Drinks Tour is a spirited and delicious way to explore the city! You’ll enjoy substantial bites and sips on this guided walking tour, sampling savory and sweet favorites, most paired with small drink pairings. This tour visits Asheville’s hidden gems, including eclectic restaurants and bars, and specialty food stores. You’ll also learn about the history of the city, the architecture, and the incredible culinary scene from your tour guide. By the end of this tour, you will feel like a local!

Private and custom tours can be arranged for any day or night of the week for groups.

Saturday, March 28, 2020
Blood Donations Where Lifesaving Starts
Mar 28 all-day
Blood Connection

It is very important for donors to continue donating in the weeks and months ahead in order to maintain an adequate local blood supply. If you are feeling healthy and well, please make an appointment before donating so we can maintain the proper social distancing. The safety of our donors and staff is our top priority!

Coach Needed at Hominy Valley Elementary Girls on the Run!
Mar 28 all-day
Hominy Valley Elementary
Image

 

We are in URGENT need of two assistant coaches at Hominy Valley Elementary on one or both program days (greater need on Wednesdays). The team practices on Mondays and Wednesdays from 2:15 pm to 3:45 pm.

With your support, 15 girls will grow their confidence, learn to stand up for themselves and others, and realize their voices matter. You don’t even need to like running!