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, January 28, 2023
Volunteer Opportunity: Hard 2 Recycle – West
Jan 28 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Hominy Valley Elementary School

Volunteer to divert waste from our landfills by collecting and sorting items from the community to be recycled. Volunteers register to support a specific station, but will help to unload any and all items from vehicles as they come through the event.

Need to know

Please join our virtual info session on Thursday, January 26th at 5:30pm via Zoom. This is required for first-time H2R volunteers and will be recorded for those who cannot attend live (link below).

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83897927525?pwd=U1gzSDFSbWFLRnp6M1FTdW9OZ0NCQT09

Meeting ID: 838 9792 7525 Passcode: 168316 One tap mobile +13052241968,,83897927525#,,,,*168316# US +13092053325,,83897927525#,,,,*168316# US

Links & Attachments

More info on accepted items

Sunday, January 29, 2023
Appalachian Wildlife Refuge volunteer opportunities: SAVING WILD LIVES
Jan 29 all-day
Appalachian Wildlife Refuge
Picture

Appalachian Wild is a volunteer driven nonprofit with a passionate and dedicated team working hard to save wild lives.
Volunteer opportunities:
Transport
Wildlife Hotline
Record Keeping
Facility Maintenance & Upkeep

“My time at Appalachian Wild has been so valuable and I will continue to treasure it…I have learned the responsibility it takes to care for wildlife that cannot speak for themselves. I truly am appreciative for everything Appalachian Wild has given me in terms of experience and opportunity. I have gained vital skills that I will continue to build on in the future.” ~AWR Volunteer 2021
Monday, January 30, 2023
Appalachian Wildlife Refuge volunteer opportunities: SAVING WILD LIVES
Jan 30 all-day
Appalachian Wildlife Refuge
Picture

Appalachian Wild is a volunteer driven nonprofit with a passionate and dedicated team working hard to save wild lives.
Volunteer opportunities:
Transport
Wildlife Hotline
Record Keeping
Facility Maintenance & Upkeep

“My time at Appalachian Wild has been so valuable and I will continue to treasure it…I have learned the responsibility it takes to care for wildlife that cannot speak for themselves. I truly am appreciative for everything Appalachian Wild has given me in terms of experience and opportunity. I have gained vital skills that I will continue to build on in the future.” ~AWR Volunteer 2021
Tuesday, January 31, 2023
Appalachian Wildlife Refuge volunteer opportunities: SAVING WILD LIVES
Jan 31 all-day
Appalachian Wildlife Refuge
Picture

Appalachian Wild is a volunteer driven nonprofit with a passionate and dedicated team working hard to save wild lives.
Volunteer opportunities:
Transport
Wildlife Hotline
Record Keeping
Facility Maintenance & Upkeep

“My time at Appalachian Wild has been so valuable and I will continue to treasure it…I have learned the responsibility it takes to care for wildlife that cannot speak for themselves. I truly am appreciative for everything Appalachian Wild has given me in terms of experience and opportunity. I have gained vital skills that I will continue to build on in the future.” ~AWR Volunteer 2021
Elementary After-School Volunteer Creative Peacemakers
Jan 31 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Deaverview Apartment Community

We are seeking volunteers to assist us in our small after school program for children in West Asheville in low-income housing.  We provide a safe and nourishing environment, healthy snacks, and creative activities.  Our program currently meets during the school year on most Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 3:00-5:00pm. You may volunteer for one or two days a week. 

Volunteer Responsibilities:

  • Assist with serving snacks
  • Interact with children during activity time
  • Supervise games and outdoor free time
  • For people with background in education, there is also an opportunity to assist with curriculum development and program planning and administration

Requirements:

  • Background check
  • Orientation booklets will be provided
  • Masks are required if unvaccinated
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
Appalachian Wildlife Refuge volunteer opportunities: SAVING WILD LIVES
Feb 1 all-day
Appalachian Wildlife Refuge
Picture

Appalachian Wild is a volunteer driven nonprofit with a passionate and dedicated team working hard to save wild lives.
Volunteer opportunities:
Transport
Wildlife Hotline
Record Keeping
Facility Maintenance & Upkeep

“My time at Appalachian Wild has been so valuable and I will continue to treasure it…I have learned the responsibility it takes to care for wildlife that cannot speak for themselves. I truly am appreciative for everything Appalachian Wild has given me in terms of experience and opportunity. I have gained vital skills that I will continue to build on in the future.” ~AWR Volunteer 2021
Thursday, February 2, 2023
Appalachian Wildlife Refuge volunteer opportunities: SAVING WILD LIVES
Feb 2 all-day
Appalachian Wildlife Refuge
Picture

Appalachian Wild is a volunteer driven nonprofit with a passionate and dedicated team working hard to save wild lives.
Volunteer opportunities:
Transport
Wildlife Hotline
Record Keeping
Facility Maintenance & Upkeep

“My time at Appalachian Wild has been so valuable and I will continue to treasure it…I have learned the responsibility it takes to care for wildlife that cannot speak for themselves. I truly am appreciative for everything Appalachian Wild has given me in terms of experience and opportunity. I have gained vital skills that I will continue to build on in the future.” ~AWR Volunteer 2021
Elementary After-School Volunteer Creative Peacemakers
Feb 2 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Deaverview Apartment Community

We are seeking volunteers to assist us in our small after school program for children in West Asheville in low-income housing.  We provide a safe and nourishing environment, healthy snacks, and creative activities.  Our program currently meets during the school year on most Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 3:00-5:00pm. You may volunteer for one or two days a week. 

Volunteer Responsibilities:

  • Assist with serving snacks
  • Interact with children during activity time
  • Supervise games and outdoor free time
  • For people with background in education, there is also an opportunity to assist with curriculum development and program planning and administration

Requirements:

  • Background check
  • Orientation booklets will be provided
  • Masks are required if unvaccinated
Poetry Open Mic
Feb 2 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Shakedown Kava Lounge, Hendersonville

Poetry Open Mic Hendo is the all-new sister event of Poetry Open Mic Asheville, the longest-running open mic in Western North Carolina, this weekly event welcomes all people and all forms of creative expression at Hendersonville’s only Kava lounge.

Friday, February 3, 2023
Appalachian Wildlife Refuge volunteer opportunities: SAVING WILD LIVES
Feb 3 all-day
Appalachian Wildlife Refuge
Picture

Appalachian Wild is a volunteer driven nonprofit with a passionate and dedicated team working hard to save wild lives.
Volunteer opportunities:
Transport
Wildlife Hotline
Record Keeping
Facility Maintenance & Upkeep

“My time at Appalachian Wild has been so valuable and I will continue to treasure it…I have learned the responsibility it takes to care for wildlife that cannot speak for themselves. I truly am appreciative for everything Appalachian Wild has given me in terms of experience and opportunity. I have gained vital skills that I will continue to build on in the future.” ~AWR Volunteer 2021
RAISING BLACK: Joy, Pain, Sunshine + Rain
Feb 3 @ 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Black Diamond Enterprise @ The Foundry

Black Diamond Enterprise presents Black Poetry Theatre* for Black History Month @ The Foundry (*along with other happenings), Feb. 3rd, 5pm. This is a FREE event. Come join us as we explore the Joy, Pain, Sunshine & Rain of life. Enjoy the encouragement and singing with us!

Check for other dates as well.

Saturday, February 4, 2023
Appalachian Wildlife Refuge volunteer opportunities: SAVING WILD LIVES
Feb 4 all-day
Appalachian Wildlife Refuge
Picture

Appalachian Wild is a volunteer driven nonprofit with a passionate and dedicated team working hard to save wild lives.
Volunteer opportunities:
Transport
Wildlife Hotline
Record Keeping
Facility Maintenance & Upkeep

“My time at Appalachian Wild has been so valuable and I will continue to treasure it…I have learned the responsibility it takes to care for wildlife that cannot speak for themselves. I truly am appreciative for everything Appalachian Wild has given me in terms of experience and opportunity. I have gained vital skills that I will continue to build on in the future.” ~AWR Volunteer 2021
Build Crew Work Days Hendersonville Theatre
Feb 4 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Hendersonville Theatre

We’re putting our build crew back together and we’d love to have you join us. Every 2 weeks, we’ll meet at 9 am for hands-on set construction! Whether your talents are building, painting, or you just want to learn, come out and join us every other Saturday for some creative fun. Tools and work gloves are helpful but not required

Sunday, February 5, 2023
Appalachian Wildlife Refuge volunteer opportunities: SAVING WILD LIVES
Feb 5 all-day
Appalachian Wildlife Refuge
Picture

Appalachian Wild is a volunteer driven nonprofit with a passionate and dedicated team working hard to save wild lives.
Volunteer opportunities:
Transport
Wildlife Hotline
Record Keeping
Facility Maintenance & Upkeep

“My time at Appalachian Wild has been so valuable and I will continue to treasure it…I have learned the responsibility it takes to care for wildlife that cannot speak for themselves. I truly am appreciative for everything Appalachian Wild has given me in terms of experience and opportunity. I have gained vital skills that I will continue to build on in the future.” ~AWR Volunteer 2021
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
Elementary After-School Volunteer Creative Peacemakers
Feb 7 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Deaverview Apartment Community

We are seeking volunteers to assist us in our small after school program for children in West Asheville in low-income housing.  We provide a safe and nourishing environment, healthy snacks, and creative activities.  Our program currently meets during the school year on most Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 3:00-5:00pm. You may volunteer for one or two days a week. 

Volunteer Responsibilities:

  • Assist with serving snacks
  • Interact with children during activity time
  • Supervise games and outdoor free time
  • For people with background in education, there is also an opportunity to assist with curriculum development and program planning and administration

Requirements:

  • Background check
  • Orientation booklets will be provided
  • Masks are required if unvaccinated
Thursday, February 9, 2023
Elementary After-School Volunteer Creative Peacemakers
Feb 9 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Deaverview Apartment Community

We are seeking volunteers to assist us in our small after school program for children in West Asheville in low-income housing.  We provide a safe and nourishing environment, healthy snacks, and creative activities.  Our program currently meets during the school year on most Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 3:00-5:00pm. You may volunteer for one or two days a week. 

Volunteer Responsibilities:

  • Assist with serving snacks
  • Interact with children during activity time
  • Supervise games and outdoor free time
  • For people with background in education, there is also an opportunity to assist with curriculum development and program planning and administration

Requirements:

  • Background check
  • Orientation booklets will be provided
  • Masks are required if unvaccinated
Poetry Open Mic
Feb 9 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Shakedown Kava Lounge, Hendersonville

Poetry Open Mic Hendo is the all-new sister event of Poetry Open Mic Asheville, the longest-running open mic in Western North Carolina, this weekly event welcomes all people and all forms of creative expression at Hendersonville’s only Kava lounge.

Friday, February 10, 2023
MUSES AND MOCKTAILS
Feb 10 @ 7:30 pm
White Horse Black Mountain

We invite you to drink in the nectar of our heart’s creative delight… A Love Potion by OMotion!

THE SHOW

A one of a kind unique multi-dimensional event !!!!

Muses & Mocktails is not only a show to indulge the senses; it is also a fundraiser for our next full length production, Cycles of Dance, coming up Autumn 2023!

Join us for an evening of potent performance art & herbal elixirs!

OMotion Collective & featured performers convene to share an infusion of musings woven together.

Highlighting:

  • Dance
  • Burlesque
  • Flow arts
  • Comedy
  • Poetry

– & –

  • Looping Musical Mastery

The mocktails being served are The MerTails curated by local purveyor: The NOHM. These herbaceous libations hold a sweet reminder to savor every drop of this creative healing elixir as we rejoice with a cheers.

———————————————–

THE AFTER-SHOW DANCE PARTY

The show will be followed by a dance party. Electronic sets by local talents Blacknote and Atum are sure to getcha’ moving once you’re bubbling with inspiration after the spectrum of expressive acts we have brewed up.

TIming conflicts or preference to just come after the main show & shake it on out? If you can’t make it to the main show, you can purchase a reduced price ticket which is only valid for the after-show Dance Party.

_________________________

Doors at 6:30pm

Show at 7:30pm

Dance Party 9:15pm

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GENERAL ADMISSION: $33 per person – Full Access Show + Drink + Dance Party

VIP:  $88 for 2 persons – Full Access Show + Drink + Dance Party ( with reserved table for 2 with a decadent spread of fruits, nuts & local chocolate)

DANCE PARTY ONLY: $22 per person – Admittance following the end of the main show

Saturday, February 11, 2023
2023 Volunteer Expo
Feb 11 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Crowne Plaza Hotels and Resorts Asheville, an IHG Hotel

The Junior League of Asheville, Inc. (JLA) will hold its fifth annual Volunteer Expo, on Saturday, February 11, 2023 from 12 to 3 PM at the Crowne Plaza Expo Center. Modeled after a job fair, this free event will feature local nonprofits looking to fill ongoing and future volunteer needs. Nonprofits in almost every area of community concern will be present at the event: health, poverty, legal aid, environmental stewardship, women’s issues, arts, civic leadership, technology, education and animal welfare.

Excitement for the Volunteer Expo continues to grow. The 2022 event featured over 70 non-profits and was attended by more than 600 community members coming to network and sign up to volunteer with nonprofit organizations.

We invite all area nonprofits to apply to participate in the 2023 Volunteer Expo that will bring hundreds of prospective volunteers, donors and board members to your booth! This is a great opportunity to network, gain exposure and share about your mission.

We also invite all local businesses to be a part of our 2023 Volunteer Expo! Without your generous support, we couldn’t offer area nonprofit organizations the opportunity to feature their incredible mission-driven work. To learn more about sponsoring Junior League of Asheville and our events, please send us an email at [email protected].

Volunteer Expo at Crowne Plaza Expo Center
Feb 11 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Crowne Plaza Expo Center

The Junior League of Asheville (JLA) invites community members of all ages to its fourth annual Volunteer Expo, on Saturday, February 11, at the Crowne Plaza Expo Center from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm.

Modeled after a job fair, this free event will feature more than fifty local nonprofits looking to fill ongoing and future volunteer needs. Nonprofits in almost every area of community concern will be present at the event: health, poverty, legal aid, environmental stewardship, women’s issues, arts, civic leadership, technology, education and animal welfare.

Community members of all ages and interests are invited to attend this free event. If you are a nonprofit interested in participating in the 2022 Volunteer Expo, please email [email protected].

Tuesday, February 14, 2023
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Tutor
Feb 14 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
online w/ Literacy Together
ESOL tutors serve immigrant adults who want to learn English and/or prepare for the US Naturalization Exam. These students come to Literacy Together with a variety of literacy and English language skill levels. Tutors in this program work with their students two hours each week for at least one year and are supported by the program director throughout their tutoring commitment.
Tutors complete an 8-hour training (which is currently conducted online) before being matched with students. They then receive follow-up support and the option to attend in-service workshops throughout their tutoring commitment. Tutors in this program can work with students for one (1) two-hour session each week or two (2) one-hour sessions each week. Tutoring sessions may take place online or in personThis program welcomes volunteers from over the world who are willing to tutor remotely. We now have tutors in Florida, New York, Massachusetts, New Mexico, Texas, the UK, and Germany!

ESOL tutors commit to working with their students for at least one year. Learn more about this programSign up to volunteer.

ESOL Tutor Training Dates:

Self-paced option: watch recordings of previous live training sessions on Zoom, complete classwork and homework independently, and meet with ESOL Director afterward for review/debrief.
January 17th,19th, 24th, and 26th  from 10 am to noon (Online)
February 14th, 17th, 21st, and 24th, from 10am t noon (Online)
Elementary After-School Volunteer Creative Peacemakers
Feb 14 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Deaverview Apartment Community

We are seeking volunteers to assist us in our small after school program for children in West Asheville in low-income housing.  We provide a safe and nourishing environment, healthy snacks, and creative activities.  Our program currently meets during the school year on most Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 3:00-5:00pm. You may volunteer for one or two days a week. 

Volunteer Responsibilities:

  • Assist with serving snacks
  • Interact with children during activity time
  • Supervise games and outdoor free time
  • For people with background in education, there is also an opportunity to assist with curriculum development and program planning and administration

Requirements:

  • Background check
  • Orientation booklets will be provided
  • Masks are required if unvaccinated
Good Vibes: Poetry and sex positive storytelling
Feb 14 @ 7:30 pm
Getaway River Bar

Join us for a night of poetry and storytelling all about the pros, cons, and weirdness of sharing your body with others. All donations will be given directly to Asheville Prison Books. “Asheville Prison Books is a volunteer-run collective which has distributed free literature to people incarcerated in the southeast since 1999. We currently distribute books to North and South Carolina.

 

Fundraiser for Asheville Prison Books, Sliding scale $5-$25 Donation.

 

Time: Doors 7:00, Show 7:30PM

This event will be taking place in the covered outdoor space, so we suggest people dress warmly.

Thursday, February 16, 2023
Elementary After-School Volunteer Creative Peacemakers
Feb 16 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Deaverview Apartment Community

We are seeking volunteers to assist us in our small after school program for children in West Asheville in low-income housing.  We provide a safe and nourishing environment, healthy snacks, and creative activities.  Our program currently meets during the school year on most Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 3:00-5:00pm. You may volunteer for one or two days a week. 

Volunteer Responsibilities:

  • Assist with serving snacks
  • Interact with children during activity time
  • Supervise games and outdoor free time
  • For people with background in education, there is also an opportunity to assist with curriculum development and program planning and administration

Requirements:

  • Background check
  • Orientation booklets will be provided
  • Masks are required if unvaccinated
Poetry Open Mic
Feb 16 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Shakedown Kava Lounge, Hendersonville

Poetry Open Mic Hendo is the all-new sister event of Poetry Open Mic Asheville, the longest-running open mic in Western North Carolina, this weekly event welcomes all people and all forms of creative expression at Hendersonville’s only Kava lounge.

Friday, February 17, 2023
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Tutor
Feb 17 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
online w/ Literacy Together
ESOL tutors serve immigrant adults who want to learn English and/or prepare for the US Naturalization Exam. These students come to Literacy Together with a variety of literacy and English language skill levels. Tutors in this program work with their students two hours each week for at least one year and are supported by the program director throughout their tutoring commitment.
Tutors complete an 8-hour training (which is currently conducted online) before being matched with students. They then receive follow-up support and the option to attend in-service workshops throughout their tutoring commitment. Tutors in this program can work with students for one (1) two-hour session each week or two (2) one-hour sessions each week. Tutoring sessions may take place online or in personThis program welcomes volunteers from over the world who are willing to tutor remotely. We now have tutors in Florida, New York, Massachusetts, New Mexico, Texas, the UK, and Germany!

ESOL tutors commit to working with their students for at least one year. Learn more about this programSign up to volunteer.

ESOL Tutor Training Dates:

Self-paced option: watch recordings of previous live training sessions on Zoom, complete classwork and homework independently, and meet with ESOL Director afterward for review/debrief.
January 17th,19th, 24th, and 26th  from 10 am to noon (Online)
February 14th, 17th, 21st, and 24th, from 10am t noon (Online)
Saturday, February 18, 2023
Build Crew Work Days Hendersonville Theatre
Feb 18 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Hendersonville Theatre

We’re putting our build crew back together and we’d love to have you join us. Every 2 weeks, we’ll meet at 9 am for hands-on set construction! Whether your talents are building, painting, or you just want to learn, come out and join us every other Saturday for some creative fun. Tools and work gloves are helpful but not required

Sunday, February 19, 2023
POETRY READING + DISCUSSION W/ GABRIELLE FOREMAN AND GLENIS REDMOND
Feb 19 @ 6:30 pm
Peace Center--Huguenot Loft

Poetry and A Talk with Dr. Gabrielle Foreman, MacArthur Fellow, and Glenis Redmond, Poet Laureate of Greenville about David Drake, the enslaved South Carolina potter and poet. 

 

Gabrielle Foreman and Glenis Redmond will discuss their collaboration on the book, Praise Songs for Dave the Potter, Art and Poetry for David Drake (University of Georgia Press, 2023).

 

David Drake is recognized as one of the United States’ most accomplished nineteenth-century potters. Yet, though his pots—many inscribed with original verse—sit in museums across the nation, he is too often passed over as one of the early progenitors of the African American poetic tradition. Born in South Carolina at the beginning of the nineteenth century, Drake produced hundreds of pieces while under the surveillance of the enslavers who claimed him and his work as their property. As Gabrielle Foreman notes, he is perhaps the only Black person in all of the free or slave states whose literary work was preserved in neither books nor pamphlets nor newspapers. His pots and jars served as pages as well as ceramic vessels.

Monday, February 20, 2023
Advocate for Children in Need: Become a Guardian ad Litem Volunteer Today!
Feb 20 all-day
Guardian ad Litem

Could you be a Voice for a Child?
A Guardian ad Litem (GAL) advocate is a trained community volunteer who is appointed, along with a Guardian ad Litem attorney, by a district court judge to investigate and determine the needs of abused and neglected children petitioned into the court system by the Department of Social Services. Their role is mandated by North Carolina General Statute 7B-601. Throughout North Carolina, the Guardian ad Litem Program seeks to serve the best interests of thousands of children who find themselves the subjects of court cases by assigning them Guardian ad Litem volunteers. Our program exists in every county throughout the state, and with the help of more than 5,300 volunteers, we serve more than 18,000 children a year.
The GAL volunteer’s primary responsibilities include:

Digging for details in the case
Collaborating with other participants in the case
Recommending what’s best for a child by writing court reports
Empowering the child’s voice
Staying vigilant by constantly monitoring the case
Keeping all information confidential
The main qualification for becoming a GAL is to have a sincere concern for the well-being of children. There are no education or experience requirements.
Submit your application today at: volunteerforgal.org.

THE MOTH Presents: Asheville StorySLAM – “Love HURTS”
Feb 20 @ 7:30 pm
The Grey Eagle

– PARTIALLY SEATED SHOW
– GA SEATING IN FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED. 

THE MOTH resumes their recurring monthly Asheville StorySLAM at The Grey Eagle at 7:30pm! This month’s theme is….

LOVE HURTS:  Prepare a five-minute tale about a love that made you go OUCH. The agony of deferred love! The misery of good love, gone bad! The anguish of one-way love! Bring stories of your heart, kicked to the curb by the people or places or things you love…or used to love. Love that “Hurts So Good” also welcome.