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, February 22, 2020
North Carolina in the Great War Exhibit
Feb 22 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Smith-McDowell House

The exhibit is on loan from the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources and has been supplemented with artifacts from the Smith-McDowell House collection. Entrance to the exhibit is included with Smith-McDowell House admission – and is always free for members – and runs through May 16, 2020.

The exhibit seeks to put the local men and women who served in context with the larger events happening in North Carolina, the United States, and the world. In the exhibit, visitors will find displays and interactive elements telling the stories of just a few of our hometown heroes.

Explore Science at the Nanoscale: STEM fun for All Ages
Feb 22 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Pack Library

Join volunteers from the Research Triangle Nanotechnology Network to make thin films, try on a clean room suit, design a photomask, and more! Visitors will get a crash course on nanotechnology using a portable scanning electron microscope (SEM) and light microscopes to examine bugs, flowers, and other materials up close. Hands-on activities for all ages, children through adult, will help visitors relate to nanoscale phenomena and get an idea of techniques used to make things on this size scale.

This free program will take place in the auditorium at Pack Library on Feb. 22 from noon-3 p.m., and there will be multiple activity tables for all learning levels from children to adults. Everyone of all ages is welcome to participate. No ticket required, walk in and come when you can

2020 Arts and Crafts Home Tour
Feb 22 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Nest Reality
Arts & Crafts Home Tour
SABC is proud to once again participate in the National Arts & Crafts Conference with our Arts & Crafts Home Tour.  This conference draws Arts & Crafts enthusiasts from all over the country for a weekend of seminars, group discussions, demonstrations, selling shows and our home tour.
This year the Home Tour will include historic homes in National Register listed Norwood Park which offers an eclectic mix of houses mostly built between 1912 and the 1930s.

Docents will be available in each home to answer questions. Participants should be able to walk several city blocks and negotiate stairs & public walkways. Tour will happen rain or shine, please bring a raincoat or umbrella as needed.  There are no paper tickets for this event.

National Arts & Crafts Conference Home Tour
Feb 22 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County

The Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County is pleased to offer five or more unique historic homes for the February 2020 National Arts & Crafts Conference Home Tour. All homes are located in National Register listed Norwood Park which offers an eclectic mix of houses mostly built between 1912 and the 1930s. Docents will be available in each home to answer questions. Participants should be able to walk several city blocks and negotiate stairs & public walkways. Tour will happen rain or shine, please bring a raincoat or umbrella as needed.  There are no paper tickets for this event.

Guests can purchase tickets by clicking here!

Or volunteer as a docent here!

Special thanks to Gray Line Trolley Tours of Asheville for their support of this event, Norwood Park residence and Delce Dyer for helping coordinate the homes and Bruce Johnson, founder and Director of the National Arts & Crafts Conference.  Due to their support and our wonderful guests, this event is a successful fundraiser for PSABC.

Sunday, February 23, 2020
25th Annual Bluegrass First Clsss
Feb 23 all-day
Crowne Plaza Resort

25th Annual Bluegrass First Class February 21st-23rd 2020.

Arts and Crafts Home Tour
Feb 23 all-day
Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County

Every year, PSABC is proud to offer a home tour as part of the National Arts & Crafts Conference at the Omni Grove Park Inn. This conference draws Arts & Crafts enthusiasts from all over the country for a weekend of seminars, group discussions, demonstrations, selling shows and our home tour.

The Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County is pleased to offer five or more unique historic homes for the February 2020 National Arts & Crafts Conference Home Tour. All homes are located in National Register listed Norwood Park which offers an eclectic mix of houses mostly built between 1912 and the 1930s. Docents will be available in each home to answer questions. Participants should be able to walk several city blocks and negotiate stairs & public walkways. Tour will happen rain or shine, please bring a raincoat or umbrella as needed. There are no paper tickets for this event.

Asheville Police Department: New Junior Police Academy
Feb 23 all-day
Municipal Building

The deadline for applications will be March 6. Applications can be downloaded by visiting this link.

The Asheville Police Department is excited to announce the first offering of a Junior Police Academy. This new program is designed for youth ages 14-19 who have a serious interest in pursuing a career in law enforcement.

 

Topics will include criminal law, investigations, narcotics, patrol/arrest techniques, and physical training. All classes are designed to incorporate both an academic and hands-on setting.

 

The Junior Police Academy will be offered at no cost to the participants. The Academy begins on March 30 and runs through April 11. Classes will be held at the Municipal Building, 100 Court Plaza, in downtown Asheville, from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings; and from noon to 3 p.m. two Saturdays. Successful completion of the Junior Police Academy is a requirement for participating in the Asheville Police Department’s Explorer program.

 

There is limited space available for participants. The first 15 approved applicants will be accepted. Applicants who live within the city limits of Asheville will have priority selection. Applicant requirements include:

  • GPA of 2.0 or higher
  • Must pass a criminal background check
  • Must provide at least three references and have parent/guardian approval
  • Must have a full physical completed by a physician

 

 

 

RiverLink’s Art & Poetry Contest Grades PreK-12
Feb 23 all-day
online
2020 Arts and Crafts Home Tour
Feb 23 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Nest Reality
Arts & Crafts Home Tour
SABC is proud to once again participate in the National Arts & Crafts Conference with our Arts & Crafts Home Tour.  This conference draws Arts & Crafts enthusiasts from all over the country for a weekend of seminars, group discussions, demonstrations, selling shows and our home tour.
This year the Home Tour will include historic homes in National Register listed Norwood Park which offers an eclectic mix of houses mostly built between 1912 and the 1930s.

Docents will be available in each home to answer questions. Participants should be able to walk several city blocks and negotiate stairs & public walkways. Tour will happen rain or shine, please bring a raincoat or umbrella as needed.  There are no paper tickets for this event.

National Arts & Crafts Conference Home Tour
Feb 23 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County

The Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County is pleased to offer five or more unique historic homes for the February 2020 National Arts & Crafts Conference Home Tour. All homes are located in National Register listed Norwood Park which offers an eclectic mix of houses mostly built between 1912 and the 1930s. Docents will be available in each home to answer questions. Participants should be able to walk several city blocks and negotiate stairs & public walkways. Tour will happen rain or shine, please bring a raincoat or umbrella as needed.  There are no paper tickets for this event.

Guests can purchase tickets by clicking here!

Or volunteer as a docent here!

Special thanks to Gray Line Trolley Tours of Asheville for their support of this event, Norwood Park residence and Delce Dyer for helping coordinate the homes and Bruce Johnson, founder and Director of the National Arts & Crafts Conference.  Due to their support and our wonderful guests, this event is a successful fundraiser for PSABC.

Monday, February 24, 2020
Embodied Wisdom: Finding Support from Within
Feb 24 all-day
Happy Body

Join Carolina Resource Center for Eating Disorders during #NEDAwarenessWeek 2020 for a workshop exploring exercises of awareness and gentle movement with Jessica Mark of Happy Body!

Discover the body’s innate wisdom to feel safe, at ease, and whole at any time, anywhere. In this workshop, we dive into understanding how stress, anxiety, and imbalance manifest in the body and learn an embodied approach that allows us to shift these sensations into strength and resilience. Accessible exercises of awareness and gentle movement will also be offered to transform discomfort into support in an instant without disconnection from your body.

Limited space; reservations required
RSVP to [email protected]

See crcfored.com/events for more detail and information about other events happening this week!

#NEDAwareness #CRCforED #edawareness #edrecovery #disorderedeatingawareness #community #collaboration #embodiment #ittakesavillage

Tuesday, February 25, 2020
Asheville Police Department: New Junior Police Academy
Feb 25 all-day
Municipal Building

The deadline for applications will be March 6. Applications can be downloaded by visiting this link.

The Asheville Police Department is excited to announce the first offering of a Junior Police Academy. This new program is designed for youth ages 14-19 who have a serious interest in pursuing a career in law enforcement.

 

Topics will include criminal law, investigations, narcotics, patrol/arrest techniques, and physical training. All classes are designed to incorporate both an academic and hands-on setting.

 

The Junior Police Academy will be offered at no cost to the participants. The Academy begins on March 30 and runs through April 11. Classes will be held at the Municipal Building, 100 Court Plaza, in downtown Asheville, from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings; and from noon to 3 p.m. two Saturdays. Successful completion of the Junior Police Academy is a requirement for participating in the Asheville Police Department’s Explorer program.

 

There is limited space available for participants. The first 15 approved applicants will be accepted. Applicants who live within the city limits of Asheville will have priority selection. Applicant requirements include:

  • GPA of 2.0 or higher
  • Must pass a criminal background check
  • Must provide at least three references and have parent/guardian approval
  • Must have a full physical completed by a physician

 

 

 

Wednesday, February 26, 2020
Early Bird tickets: 23rd annual French Broard River Festival
Feb 26 all-day
Hot Springs Campground & Spa

INTRO-IMAGE_1024px

Kick off spring in the mountains at the 23rd annual French Broad River Festival.  It’s part outdoor adventure, part music festival with whitewater rafting, biking, hiking, kid’s village, camping, great music, and much more.  Painter John, a popular FBRF musician, compares the atmosphere to “a big potluck at your best friend’s house”.  If you’ve been you know . . . what better way to enjoy spring in these mountains?

Weekend passes include camping

$120 online by 3/31/20
$125 online by 4/30/20
$140 at gate
$65 Saturday only
$45 whitewater rafting

Early Bird Tickets: Connect Beyond Festival
Feb 26 all-day

Connection. A word that by definition means to join together to establish a link, so as to provide access and communication. Connect Beyond Festival has established that link and is using music, film, and storytelling to create connections. More than just an event, Connect Beyond Festival is a movement to develop a network of people inspired by creative mediums and united in the pursuit of equality and social justice. Our goal is to inspire a sense of community and personal engagement.

Lauded as “Asheville’s version of SXSW” (Ashvegas) this event is perfect for those who are looking for a more dynamic festival experience – one that prioritizes exploration and participation just as much as entertainment. If you’re looking to broaden your horizons, to engage with others, and want to leave a festival with more than just a hangover, Connect Beyond Festival is just the place to be.

North Carolina in the Great War Exhibit
Feb 26 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Smith-McDowell House

The exhibit is on loan from the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources and has been supplemented with artifacts from the Smith-McDowell House collection. Entrance to the exhibit is included with Smith-McDowell House admission – and is always free for members – and runs through May 16, 2020.

The exhibit seeks to put the local men and women who served in context with the larger events happening in North Carolina, the United States, and the world. In the exhibit, visitors will find displays and interactive elements telling the stories of just a few of our hometown heroes.

Thursday, February 27, 2020
Asheville Police Department: New Junior Police Academy
Feb 27 all-day
Municipal Building

The deadline for applications will be March 6. Applications can be downloaded by visiting this link.

The Asheville Police Department is excited to announce the first offering of a Junior Police Academy. This new program is designed for youth ages 14-19 who have a serious interest in pursuing a career in law enforcement.

 

Topics will include criminal law, investigations, narcotics, patrol/arrest techniques, and physical training. All classes are designed to incorporate both an academic and hands-on setting.

 

The Junior Police Academy will be offered at no cost to the participants. The Academy begins on March 30 and runs through April 11. Classes will be held at the Municipal Building, 100 Court Plaza, in downtown Asheville, from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings; and from noon to 3 p.m. two Saturdays. Successful completion of the Junior Police Academy is a requirement for participating in the Asheville Police Department’s Explorer program.

 

There is limited space available for participants. The first 15 approved applicants will be accepted. Applicants who live within the city limits of Asheville will have priority selection. Applicant requirements include:

  • GPA of 2.0 or higher
  • Must pass a criminal background check
  • Must provide at least three references and have parent/guardian approval
  • Must have a full physical completed by a physician

 

 

 

North Carolina in the Great War Exhibit
Feb 27 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Smith-McDowell House

The exhibit is on loan from the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources and has been supplemented with artifacts from the Smith-McDowell House collection. Entrance to the exhibit is included with Smith-McDowell House admission – and is always free for members – and runs through May 16, 2020.

The exhibit seeks to put the local men and women who served in context with the larger events happening in North Carolina, the United States, and the world. In the exhibit, visitors will find displays and interactive elements telling the stories of just a few of our hometown heroes.

Body Talk: Using Storytelling & Metaphor to Understand & Treat Body Image Distress
Feb 27 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Ambrose West

Anita Johnston, Ph.D., CEDS-S author of “Eating in the Light of the Moon” will be here with us on Thursday, February 27, 2020 for a 4-hour, afternoon session. Her talk, “Body Talk: Using Storytelling & Metaphor to Understand and Treat Body Image Distress” is part of Carolina Resource Center for Eating Disorders 13th Annual HEAL Conference. You can register for this session separately at https://heal2020.bpt.me/

Visit crcfored.com for more information

Friday, February 28, 2020
LEAF 50th Festival Line Up and Tickets
Feb 28 all-day
Lake Eden Arts Festival
North Carolina in the Great War Exhibit
Feb 28 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Smith-McDowell House

The exhibit is on loan from the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources and has been supplemented with artifacts from the Smith-McDowell House collection. Entrance to the exhibit is included with Smith-McDowell House admission – and is always free for members – and runs through May 16, 2020.

The exhibit seeks to put the local men and women who served in context with the larger events happening in North Carolina, the United States, and the world. In the exhibit, visitors will find displays and interactive elements telling the stories of just a few of our hometown heroes.

Introduction to Medicare
Feb 28 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
OLLI/Reuter Center, UNCA

This class will explain how Medicare works, the enrollment process, how to avoid penalties, and ways to save money. People who are new to Medicare, caregivers, and others who help senior citizens with their Medicare insurance should consider attending this informative class. The information presented is unbiased and accurate. No products are sold, recommended , or endorsed.

Children’s Book Sale Benefit
Feb 28 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Grace Lutheran Church

Books for kids 0-18! Priced to sell! Most for $1 or less!
Proceeds provide books for young children through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

Saturday, February 29, 2020
Asheville Police Department: New Junior Police Academy
Feb 29 all-day
Municipal Building

The deadline for applications will be March 6. Applications can be downloaded by visiting this link.

The Asheville Police Department is excited to announce the first offering of a Junior Police Academy. This new program is designed for youth ages 14-19 who have a serious interest in pursuing a career in law enforcement.

 

Topics will include criminal law, investigations, narcotics, patrol/arrest techniques, and physical training. All classes are designed to incorporate both an academic and hands-on setting.

 

The Junior Police Academy will be offered at no cost to the participants. The Academy begins on March 30 and runs through April 11. Classes will be held at the Municipal Building, 100 Court Plaza, in downtown Asheville, from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings; and from noon to 3 p.m. two Saturdays. Successful completion of the Junior Police Academy is a requirement for participating in the Asheville Police Department’s Explorer program.

 

There is limited space available for participants. The first 15 approved applicants will be accepted. Applicants who live within the city limits of Asheville will have priority selection. Applicant requirements include:

  • GPA of 2.0 or higher
  • Must pass a criminal background check
  • Must provide at least three references and have parent/guardian approval
  • Must have a full physical completed by a physician

 

 

 

Early Bird tickets: 23rd annual French Broard River Festival
Feb 29 all-day
Hot Springs Campground & Spa

INTRO-IMAGE_1024px

Kick off spring in the mountains at the 23rd annual French Broad River Festival.  It’s part outdoor adventure, part music festival with whitewater rafting, biking, hiking, kid’s village, camping, great music, and much more.  Painter John, a popular FBRF musician, compares the atmosphere to “a big potluck at your best friend’s house”.  If you’ve been you know . . . what better way to enjoy spring in these mountains?

Weekend passes include camping

$120 online by 3/31/20
$125 online by 4/30/20
$140 at gate
$65 Saturday only
$45 whitewater rafting

Early Bird Tickets: Connect Beyond Festival
Feb 29 all-day

Connection. A word that by definition means to join together to establish a link, so as to provide access and communication. Connect Beyond Festival has established that link and is using music, film, and storytelling to create connections. More than just an event, Connect Beyond Festival is a movement to develop a network of people inspired by creative mediums and united in the pursuit of equality and social justice. Our goal is to inspire a sense of community and personal engagement.

Lauded as “Asheville’s version of SXSW” (Ashvegas) this event is perfect for those who are looking for a more dynamic festival experience – one that prioritizes exploration and participation just as much as entertainment. If you’re looking to broaden your horizons, to engage with others, and want to leave a festival with more than just a hangover, Connect Beyond Festival is just the place to be.

Environmental Education: RiverLink Summer Camps
Feb 29 all-day
Buncombe County NC

Environmental Education is crucial to what RiverLink does. We believe that in order for someone to protect their environment, they must first understand it. Our education programs focus on getting students out in the watershed for hands-on experiential learning. We help students foster a love and appreciation for their water resources by allowing them to see, hear and interact with their local waterways. As a result of engaging with our program we hope that students will be inspired to become the next generation of watershed stewards.

RiverRATS Education Program

Farmer Incubator Program – Apply Now!
Feb 29 all-day
SAHC

Farmer Incubator Program – Apply Now!

Farming = a long-term game. Traditionally, farming was a lifelong+ learning process, with families passing along experience, knowledge, and land accrued by multiple generations. Today, your experience in farming may be different. This program is part of a collaborative support system to help “incubate” farm businesses as they grow.

Farming is a business… What’s your business plan?

Do you have a farm business idea? Make it a reality! You are invited to join Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy’s Farmer Incubator Program, a “business incubator” for farm operations.

Forest Floor Wilderness Programs
Feb 29 all-day
Forest Floor

Forest Floor is offering sixteen different week-long camp options for ages ranging from K-10. Camps begin with the first week June 15-19 and end with the week of August 10-14. The program is structured to get kids out in the forest, exercising and playing, sharing stories and songs, solving challenges, and learning traditional crafts, wilderness skills, survival skills, and martial arts. Forest Floor programs are unique in the Asheville area because of the focus on Nature Connection Mentoring and helping children reach and exceed their potential.

Parents can drop their children off at Haw Creek Commons in Asheville between 8:30 – 9:00 AM daily, and then pick them up there between 3:00 – 3:30 PM. Camp staff will transport the children via passenger van to the forest location and back each day. An After Camp” option with games and nature activities is available for parents who choose to pickup as late as 5:30 PM. After Camp can be reserved for specific days or the entire camp week.

 

The standard pricing for the camps is $295 per week including transportation. The Blacksmithing and Knife-making camps for Grades 6-10 only are priced at $384 per week. After Camp adds $15-30 per afternoon depending on the specific reservations. A payment plan and sibling discount are offered as well. A limited number of partial scholarships are also available. Registrations are taken online in advance at the company website www.OnTheForestFloor.org.

 

About Forest Floor Wilderness Programs – Forest Floor Wilderness Programs (FFWP) is a unique Asheville provider of Nature-Connection Mentoring programs. FFWP was founded in 2011 by Executive Director Clint Corley to bring a nationally-proven youth mentoring model to the Asheville area. The group offers summer camps, and a wide variety of other programs including weekly programs for homeschool families, bi-weekly programs for teens & public school children, Saturday programs, family campouts, and workshops for adults.

LEAF 50th Festival Line Up and Tickets
Feb 29 all-day
Lake Eden Arts Festival
NC Brewers and Music Festival CANCELLED
Feb 29 all-day
Historic Rural Hill

UPDATED INFO:

To make the transition from this year to the 2021 event as seamless and exciting as possible, we have already worked with our artists, our brewers, and our vendors to make sure that we are able to carry over this year’s lineup and infrastructure to next year’s festival date. In addition, we are also in conversation with Eventbrite regarding the best options we can offer you when it comes to making a choice about how your ticket investment plays out. 

Because this decision affects you as much as it does us, we will offer full refunds of all ticket purchases to any of you who would prefer that option. We understand the inconvenience that this change might cause you, and we ask that you offer us your patience while we organize that process. As another option, we would also like to offer you the opportunity to retain your ticket purchase and to roll it over into next year’s attendance. Any ticket that has already been purchased for 2020 will be honored at our 2021 festival in lieu of a refund. That is a choice we are allowing you to make, and we will be delighted to have you back as our guests then! 

Please check back with us often as we continue to plan for the 2021 (“unofficial 10th Anniversary”) North Carolina Brewers and Music Festival. Again, thank you for your patience and understanding, but mostly for your continued support at the festival. We couldn’t keep putting on this event without you, and we continue to be thankful year after year. 

 

Along with a rich Americana lineup, North Carolina Brewers and Music Festival also shines a spotlight on local brewers and their contribution to North Carolina’s vibrant culinary scene. Over 50 breweries offering a selection of craft beers will be featured on-site throughout the weekend. Tasting tickets, which include access to beer samples plus a commemorative sampling glass, are available for purchase for $50 ($39 for early birds).

North Carolina Brewers and Music Festival began as a fundraising effort to preserve the historic site of Rural Hill. The site, which boasts extensive hiking trails, is a beloved landmark in the Central NC region and is home to many educational field trips and events. Since its inception, the North Carolina Brewers and Music Festival has continued to support the awareness of Rural Hill and attract diverse crowds from all over the country.

Friday music-only passes with sets from Acoustic Syndicate and Fireside Collective are $15. Saturday music-only passes with sets from the Steep Canyon Rangers and Hayes Carll are $22 for early birds. For attendees who would like to sample an unlimited assortment of celebrated North Carolina brews on Saturday, Tasting Tickets (which include daily entrance to the festival for music happenings) are available at the Early Bird price of $39. Camping options are available for attendees who would like to make the most of their weekend. Two-Day weekend tent camping, premium tent camping, and RV/Camper camping with hook-ups are available for $45, $65, and $85 respectively. North Carolina Brewers and Music Festival is a family-friendly event. Children 4 and under are free. A Children’s Ticket is available for kids 5 – 15 for $8.