Calendar of Events
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.
The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce and Pardee UNC Health Care, along with Morris Broadband and Judy Stroud – State Farm Insurance, are pleased to announce the 14th Annual ATHENA Award of Henderson County in memory of Vanessa, Y. Mintz. Nominations are now open for the 2021 ATHENA award, which will be presented at the Professional Women’s Luncheon, tentatively scheduled for May, to an exemplary leader who has achieved excellence in their business or profession, served the community in a meaningful way, and, most importantly, actively assisted women to achieve their full leadership potential.
ATHENA International is a women’s leadership organization that supports, develops, and honors women leaders through the programs it administers. Vanessa Y. Mintz brought the ATHENA award to Henderson County in 2008 and she embodied the values underlying ATHENA International’s philosophy of incorporating the talent and expertise of women into the leadership of our businesses, our communities, and our government. This program is facilitated locally by the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce as a licensed ATHENA host organization.
Nominations are sought throughout the community. Recipients are selected by a diverse group of out-of-town professional judges, based on ATHENA leadership criteria. Those interested in nominating should plan to tell their compelling story as if to a stranger. The deadline for nomination is Friday, April 2 at 5:00 pm. For more information, contact the Chamber at 828-692-1413
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The Small Business Center at Blue Ridge Community College is hosting the 2021 WNC Prospering Conference Virtually on Thursday, March 11 from 8 am until 7:30 pm. For small business owners across the country, the last 12 months have been full of challenges. A pandemic and restrictive regulation made it difficult, sometimes impossible, to keep the doors open and remain profitable. One year later and vaccine on the move, hope is in sight. This year’s Prospering Conference will provide you with the tools necessary to thrive in a recovering economy. What has changed in business that will never go back to what it was? What standard pre-COVID small business practices are set to make a resurgence in a move back to normalcy? Join us and prepare your business to thrive in 2021 and beyond.
Conference Agenda:Positioning and Marketing your Brand to thrive in the new post-pandemic economy8 – 9 AM | Speaker: Gary Heisey, Brand DoorInnovation and Resiliency: Reinvent your Path to Success in 20219:15 – 10:15 AM | Speaker: Sara Benoit, JB Media InstituteA Recipe for Social Media Success10:30 – 11:30 AM | Speaker: Aaron Wesley Means, ACTIVATEManagement Practices for the Small Business Owner during an Economic Recession12 – 1 PM | Speaker: Bob PapesUsing Analytics to Develop your Business Platform1:15 – 2:15 PM | Speaker: Boomer Sassmann, Big Boom DesignDriving Traffic to your Business’ Website using Pay-Per-Click2:30 – 3:30 PM | Speaker: Boomer Sassmann, Big Boom Design Ever wonderNew Success Tools to grow your B2C, B2B and B2G Customer Base4 – 5 PM | Speaker: Gary Heisey, Brand DoorFinancial Strategy and Management for
Looking to expand your professional network?
Uneasy about networking?
Mega Networking is for you!
Whether you are a seasoned networker or are overwhelmed by traditional networking minglers, you’ll find a place at Mega Networking. In a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, meet face-to-face with business prospects from a variety of industries and gain exposure for your company. Mega Networking takes a structured, “round robin” approach, allowing you to make valuable connections in the course of three hours.
Our friends at Holiday Inn Biltmore West have helped us plan a safe environment for us to host this event. We will provide social distancing by using three rooms for the event, limiting attendees to 4 people per table, and limiting the number of tables in each room. Morning refreshments and coffee will be provided.
Masks will be required and social distancing monitored. Entrance through one door only (look for Chamber signs) and be prepared for a temp check.
Helpful tips:
- Practice your “elevator speech” ahead of time so you can share your most important information in one minute.
- Bring a little something to help others remember you and your business (something visual yet simple, AND your business card).
- Stay “portable” — you’ll be moving from table to table throughout the morning.
- If you’re a newcomer to this event, arrive a little early so you can settle in comfortably at your first table and learn the flow of the event without being rushed.
- Schedule time now on your calendar to follow up soon with those you meet.
Space is limited to 52 attendees.
Cost is $30 per Chamber member, $50 for other attendees.
Limited to 1 attendee per organization and five attendees per business category.
Table Host Sponsorship – $100. Showcase your business with a creative centerpiece and facilitate each round of networking at your table throughout the morning.

The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce and Pardee UNC Health Care, along with Morris Broadband and Judy Stroud – State Farm Insurance, are pleased to announce the 14th Annual ATHENA Award of Henderson County in memory of Vanessa, Y. Mintz. Nominations are now open for the 2021 ATHENA award, which will be presented at the Professional Women’s Luncheon, tentatively scheduled for May, to an exemplary leader who has achieved excellence in their business or profession, served the community in a meaningful way, and, most importantly, actively assisted women to achieve their full leadership potential.
ATHENA International is a women’s leadership organization that supports, develops, and honors women leaders through the programs it administers. Vanessa Y. Mintz brought the ATHENA award to Henderson County in 2008 and she embodied the values underlying ATHENA International’s philosophy of incorporating the talent and expertise of women into the leadership of our businesses, our communities, and our government. This program is facilitated locally by the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce as a licensed ATHENA host organization.
Nominations are sought throughout the community. Recipients are selected by a diverse group of out-of-town professional judges, based on ATHENA leadership criteria. Those interested in nominating should plan to tell their compelling story as if to a stranger. The deadline for nomination is Friday, April 2 at 5:00 pm. For more information, contact the Chamber at 828-692-1413
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Webinar to help you expand your customer base and tap into regional demand for local food.
Whether you are the next generation on the farm obtaining your GAP Certification or an established producer with GAP Certification looking to expand your customer base, this webinar will offer an overview of direct market opportunities and moving toward selling wholesale. Strategies for tapping into regional demand for local food will be discussed.

What is the relationship between public health and collective memory? How can the critical and creative practices of craft and public art be imagined to better serve and support the wellbeing of BIPOC communities? Artists engaged in craft and public art both probe these connections and questions, exploring models for how to collectively shape and confront legacies of racist, sexist, homophobic, and colonial systems of knowledge and the implications of these systems on public health and wellbeing.

Get Ready! Cabin Fever presents The Drive-in Laser Light Show! Coming March 11th, 12th, 13th, and 14th 2021 to the WNC AG CENTER in Asheville, NC!
The most spectacular laser show you have ever seen and it’s a Drive-in!
Avoid the crowds! Pile up into the safety of your own vehicle and come out for the fantastic Drive-in Cabin Fever Laser Show! 2 action packed mind blowing shows per night and one on Sunday! Choose from either the 7pm or 9pm shows!
The family friendly Laser Shows include some of your favorite Musical Hits from 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, Current Pop to Classic Rock! All choreographed with cutting-edge effects, high-powered lasers, and DUAL large screen video projection!
We have a dedicated “Tail-Gate” seating area for every vehicle! Bring your own chairs, blankets and refreshments!
Imagine a night out with the family for way less than a movie… Folks it’s only $29 per car -no matter how many people you pile in it!
Make it a romantic date night, night out with friends or fun for the whole family! Don’t miss this rare opportunity to catch our fantastic traveling Cabin Fever Laser Light Show!
Check out our special performances of the LASER FLOYD SPECTACULAR Friday and Saturday the 12th & 13th at 10:30PM!
We are here for just 1 weekend so get your tickets NOW- before we sell out!
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The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce and Pardee UNC Health Care, along with Morris Broadband and Judy Stroud – State Farm Insurance, are pleased to announce the 14th Annual ATHENA Award of Henderson County in memory of Vanessa, Y. Mintz. Nominations are now open for the 2021 ATHENA award, which will be presented at the Professional Women’s Luncheon, tentatively scheduled for May, to an exemplary leader who has achieved excellence in their business or profession, served the community in a meaningful way, and, most importantly, actively assisted women to achieve their full leadership potential.
ATHENA International is a women’s leadership organization that supports, develops, and honors women leaders through the programs it administers. Vanessa Y. Mintz brought the ATHENA award to Henderson County in 2008 and she embodied the values underlying ATHENA International’s philosophy of incorporating the talent and expertise of women into the leadership of our businesses, our communities, and our government. This program is facilitated locally by the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce as a licensed ATHENA host organization.
Nominations are sought throughout the community. Recipients are selected by a diverse group of out-of-town professional judges, based on ATHENA leadership criteria. Those interested in nominating should plan to tell their compelling story as if to a stranger. The deadline for nomination is Friday, April 2 at 5:00 pm. For more information, contact the Chamber at 828-692-1413
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Our Financial Series is made up of two distinct classes that, when taken in order, comprehensively cover the basic financial skills and tools that every entrepreneur needs to start and run a successful business.
Tickets for each class can be purchased individually, but if you know you want to attend both classes, we recommend purchasing a discounted Financial Series Pass.
Classes included in the Financial Series:
Financial Tools, March 12 + 19 – Financial Tools will introduce you to the tools to understand the basics of business finance so you can make informed decisions on how to organize and manage your business finances. Topics discussed are record keeping; bookkeeping; accounting; creating, understanding and using financial statements and reports. Individual Price: $50
QuickBooks Online, March 26 + April 2 – this class provides an overview of QuickBooks and the different subscription levels, and will teach you how to navigate the dashboard and explore the reporting feature to generate reports that can be customized to your needs. When you complete this class, you’ll know the best ways to get around, enter day-to-day transactions, get the information you need out of QuickBooks, and powerful report tools that’ll help your business make good decisions. Indvidual Price: $25
Financial Series Pass: $60
Makers Mixer
Special Guest: Emma Churchman
Join us on Friday March 12, for an informal virtual gathering of artists and creatives from the Western North Carolina region and beyond. This is a relaxed networking event that will begin with a brief introduction and presentation to provide a glimpse of the upcoming 2021 Spring Craft Your Commerce Workshop Series, then we will hear from guest presenter, Emma Churchman on Soul Selling. After the presentation, Emma will hot seat a few volunteers around your thoughts and challenges on selling. We then will use the breakout rooms capacity in Zoom to create networking and connecting opportunities.
Come join us! This event is free and open to any craft or creative based business.

Get Ready! Cabin Fever presents The Drive-in Laser Light Show! Coming March 11th, 12th, 13th, and 14th 2021 to the WNC AG CENTER in Asheville, NC!
The most spectacular laser show you have ever seen and it’s a Drive-in!
Avoid the crowds! Pile up into the safety of your own vehicle and come out for the fantastic Drive-in Cabin Fever Laser Show! 2 action packed mind blowing shows per night and one on Sunday! Choose from either the 7pm or 9pm shows!
The family friendly Laser Shows include some of your favorite Musical Hits from 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, Current Pop to Classic Rock! All choreographed with cutting-edge effects, high-powered lasers, and DUAL large screen video projection!
We have a dedicated “Tail-Gate” seating area for every vehicle! Bring your own chairs, blankets and refreshments!
Imagine a night out with the family for way less than a movie… Folks it’s only $29 per car -no matter how many people you pile in it!
Make it a romantic date night, night out with friends or fun for the whole family! Don’t miss this rare opportunity to catch our fantastic traveling Cabin Fever Laser Light Show!
Check out our special performances of the LASER FLOYD SPECTACULAR Friday and Saturday the 12th & 13th at 10:30PM!
We are here for just 1 weekend so get your tickets NOW- before we sell out!
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This annual conference brings together student EcoReps, sustainability interns, and faculty and staff advisers from around the region for a weekend of peer leadership training and collaboration. This conference is a great opportunity to learn from your peers, share your successes (and get constructive feedback), and get inspiration you can bring back to your own campus.
Key topics in 2021 will include:
• Justice, Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion in our work
• Effective Student Leadership/ Peer 2 Peer education
• Zero Waste initiatives
• Educational initiatives & events
• Adapting to COVID-19
• Translating student visions into institutional action
This conference will be held VIRTUALLY due to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic.
Register
There is no fee to attend, however, you must register to participate in the virtual sessions. The registration deadline is Friday, March 19 at midnight.

Get Ready! Cabin Fever presents The Drive-in Laser Light Show! Coming March 11th, 12th, 13th, and 14th 2021 to the WNC AG CENTER in Asheville, NC!
The most spectacular laser show you have ever seen and it’s a Drive-in!
Avoid the crowds! Pile up into the safety of your own vehicle and come out for the fantastic Drive-in Cabin Fever Laser Show! 2 action packed mind blowing shows per night and one on Sunday! Choose from either the 7pm or 9pm shows!
The family friendly Laser Shows include some of your favorite Musical Hits from 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, Current Pop to Classic Rock! All choreographed with cutting-edge effects, high-powered lasers, and DUAL large screen video projection!
We have a dedicated “Tail-Gate” seating area for every vehicle! Bring your own chairs, blankets and refreshments!
Imagine a night out with the family for way less than a movie… Folks it’s only $29 per car -no matter how many people you pile in it!
Make it a romantic date night, night out with friends or fun for the whole family! Don’t miss this rare opportunity to catch our fantastic traveling Cabin Fever Laser Light Show!
Check out our special performances of the LASER FLOYD SPECTACULAR Friday and Saturday the 12th & 13th at 10:30PM!
We are here for just 1 weekend so get your tickets NOW- before we sell out!

This annual conference brings together student EcoReps, sustainability interns, and faculty and staff advisers from around the region for a weekend of peer leadership training and collaboration. This conference is a great opportunity to learn from your peers, share your successes (and get constructive feedback), and get inspiration you can bring back to your own campus.
Key topics in 2021 will include:
• Justice, Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion in our work
• Effective Student Leadership/ Peer 2 Peer education
• Zero Waste initiatives
• Educational initiatives & events
• Adapting to COVID-19
• Translating student visions into institutional action
This conference will be held VIRTUALLY due to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic.
Register
There is no fee to attend, however, you must register to participate in the virtual sessions. The registration deadline is Friday, March 19 at midnight.

In conjunction with Sunday Sessions Live (and virtual) music: Food Truck Sundays will bring a new or rotating “staff favorite” cuisine each week to the Beechams Curve offerings.
Gan Shan West, our main culinary provider 6 days a week, is closed on Sundays. Enjoy the convenience, delicious variety and the music – all in one Sunday Funday stop!

This annual conference brings together student EcoReps, sustainability interns, and faculty and staff advisers from around the region for a weekend of peer leadership training and collaboration. This conference is a great opportunity to learn from your peers, share your successes (and get constructive feedback), and get inspiration you can bring back to your own campus.
Key topics in 2021 will include:
• Justice, Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion in our work
• Effective Student Leadership/ Peer 2 Peer education
• Zero Waste initiatives
• Educational initiatives & events
• Adapting to COVID-19
• Translating student visions into institutional action
This conference will be held VIRTUALLY due to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic.
Register
There is no fee to attend, however, you must register to participate in the virtual sessions. The registration deadline is Friday, March 19 at midnight.

The Western Arts Agencies of North Carolina (WNC Arts) was established in 1980s as a peer support group for arts councils and agencies in WNC. This group is now working to expand their advocacy support for the arts in WNC.
The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce and Pardee UNC Health Care, along with Morris Broadband and Judy Stroud – State Farm Insurance, are pleased to announce the 14th Annual ATHENA Award of Henderson County in memory of Vanessa, Y. Mintz. Nominations are now open for the 2021 ATHENA award, which will be presented at the Professional Women’s Luncheon, tentatively scheduled for May, to an exemplary leader who has achieved excellence in their business or profession, served the community in a meaningful way, and, most importantly, actively assisted women to achieve their full leadership potential.
ATHENA International is a women’s leadership organization that supports, develops, and honors women leaders through the programs it administers. Vanessa Y. Mintz brought the ATHENA award to Henderson County in 2008 and she embodied the values underlying ATHENA International’s philosophy of incorporating the talent and expertise of women into the leadership of our businesses, our communities, and our government. This program is facilitated locally by the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce as a licensed ATHENA host organization.
Nominations are sought throughout the community. Recipients are selected by a diverse group of out-of-town professional judges, based on ATHENA leadership criteria. Those interested in nominating should plan to tell their compelling story as if to a stranger. The deadline for nomination is Friday, April 2 at 5:00 pm. For more information, contact the Chamber at 828-692-1413
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Facilitated by Gwynne Rukenbrod Smith, Craft Your Commerce Project Manager. This 5-week cohort experience will aid existing makers and creative entrepreneurs in integrating learnings and skills from the workshops series into their business practices. Join a group of your cohorts and analyze all aspects of your business, identify where you could improve your business, and implement the ideas shared in each workshop.
These Live Labs are held throughout the workshop series. They are intended to answer any questions that you have after the workshops, help you implement any skills and ideas you learned, and get feedback from both the facilitator and your cohorts. Finally in this class you will develop 3 goals you want to achieve in your business and create an implementation plan to achieve those goals.
The Crafting Commerce Cohort (C3) Labs is part of the Craft Your Commerce Workshop Series the Craft of Selling.
204 Kanuga Road, Hendersonville, NC 28739 • [email protected] (828) 692-1413
We know how difficult the Covid-19 pandemic has been on downtown businesses. This is a gesture of support we can offer to help businesses as they rebuild and recover.
Complimentary memberships will be available from March 1 – 31 and will be for one year.
Membership benefits include a business profile and the ability to add events and news on ashevilledowntown.org, advertising space in the ADA’s bi-weekly newsletter to 2,000+ subscribers, and cross promotion of members through ADA social media channels. A full list of membership benefits can be found here.
This offer is restricted to businesses in the downtown area, as defined by the Central Business District. Other restrictions may apply. Interested businesses can email [email protected] to determine eligibility.
We also extended memberships for our current members. To check to see if you’re a member, visit our online directory.
The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce and Pardee UNC Health Care, along with Morris Broadband and Judy Stroud – State Farm Insurance, are pleased to announce the 14th Annual ATHENA Award of Henderson County in memory of Vanessa, Y. Mintz. Nominations are now open for the 2021 ATHENA award, which will be presented at the Professional Women’s Luncheon, tentatively scheduled for May, to an exemplary leader who has achieved excellence in their business or profession, served the community in a meaningful way, and, most importantly, actively assisted women to achieve their full leadership potential.
ATHENA International is a women’s leadership organization that supports, develops, and honors women leaders through the programs it administers. Vanessa Y. Mintz brought the ATHENA award to Henderson County in 2008 and she embodied the values underlying ATHENA International’s philosophy of incorporating the talent and expertise of women into the leadership of our businesses, our communities, and our government. This program is facilitated locally by the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce as a licensed ATHENA host organization.
Nominations are sought throughout the community. Recipients are selected by a diverse group of out-of-town professional judges, based on ATHENA leadership criteria. Those interested in nominating should plan to tell their compelling story as if to a stranger. The deadline for nomination is Friday, April 2 at 5:00 pm. For more information, contact the Chamber at 828-692-1413
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204 Kanuga Road, Hendersonville, NC 28739 • [email protected] (828) 692-1413

This annual conference brings together student EcoReps, sustainability interns, and faculty and staff advisers from around the region for a weekend of peer leadership training and collaboration. This conference is a great opportunity to learn from your peers, share your successes (and get constructive feedback), and get inspiration you can bring back to your own campus.
Key topics in 2021 will include:
• Justice, Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion in our work
• Effective Student Leadership/ Peer 2 Peer education
• Zero Waste initiatives
• Educational initiatives & events
• Adapting to COVID-19
• Translating student visions into institutional action
This conference will be held VIRTUALLY due to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic.
Register
There is no fee to attend, however, you must register to participate in the virtual sessions. The registration deadline is Friday, March 19 at midnight.




