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.
Maxime Lamoureux-St-Hilaire is visiting assistant professor in archaeology in the Anthropology Department of Davidson College. He received his Ph.D. from Tulane University (2018), his M.A. from Trent University (2011), and B.Sc. from Université de Montréal (2008). Lamoureux-St-Hilaire has a keen interest for cross-cultural comparisons in archaeology and is most fascinated by how ancient governments worked. Specifically, he studies the structure of Classic Maya royal courts as evidenced by their regal palaces. Most recently, he has excavated the regal palace of La Corona, Guatemala, although his archaeological path has also led him to work in Belize, Mexico, Honduras, and Québec.
This lecture is co-sponsored by UNC Asheville’s Department of Classics and Western North Carolina Chapter of the Archaeological Institute of America. For more information, contact UNC Asheville Lecturer in Art and Classics Laurel Taylor, [email protected] or 828.251.6290.
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.
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

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.
We are proud to present, in partnership with The Collider; February’s Science Pub –Climate Change and Your Health.
WNC Climate and Health Workgroup is a local collaborative of scientists, clinicians and public health leaders who engage with the public and policymakers around the region regarding impacts of climate change on human health, providing potential solutions and co-benefits of resilience planning.
This month come explore the ways in which climate change and weather are already impacting our nation’s health and what health impacts residents in WNC might expect in the future.
The presentation will end showcasing ways in which attendees can get involved in local climate action efforts and be part of the larger conversation. The talk will equip you with a more comprehensive view in support of when we protect the plant, we protect our health and the health of future generations.
Join us on Thursday, February 20, from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
*Doors will open at 5:30 pm (presentation begins at 6:00 pm)

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.
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.

Homecoming 2020: February 17 – 22
We aim to celebrate Homecoming traditions and instill Bulldog pride in all members of the University of North Carolina Asheville community through community engagement with students, staff, faculty, alumni, and the Asheville region. Homecoming at UNC Asheville is special time of the year, providing us an opportunity to reflect on the storied history of UNC Asheville, celebrate the present moment and the impact it has on our university community, and look to the future as we honor the Bulldog way of the liberal arts experience. Promoting Bulldog spirit sits at the heart of our Homecoming celebration, with events open to all members of our community. We hope to see you back on the mountain as we continue to grow Bulldog pride in all near and far!

Join us for an evening program about the large canines of the southern Appalachians! We will begin with a presentation on red and gray wolf ecology and biology, including dentition and track identification, then venture outside to explore the park at night and see if we can hear our resident wolves howl! Please keep in mind this is an educational experience geared towards adults.
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

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

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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.


The conference focuses on the business side of farming, offering beginning and established farmers financial, legal, management, and marketing tools to improve their farm businesses and make new professional connections.
The conference offers over a dozen workshops led by farmers and regional professionals, including Achieve Your Farm Financial Goals, Developing Your Farm Brand, Selling to Restaurants, and more. The popular Grower-Buyer Meeting gives farmers the chance to meet with buyers from area restaurants, groceries, and distributors. Farmers can receive individual support on legal, tax, labor, recordkeeping, and marketing issues during the extended lunch. Breakfast and lunch featuring local farm products is provided.
For the second year, the conference will include a free summit and leadership training for farmers market managers as well as a new farmers market fundraising forum. With more than 100 independent markets across the region, farmers markets are an important outlet for farmers to sell their products, build their customer base, and strengthen community ties. Interested market managers should contact Mike McCreary, [email protected], to pre-register for the summit.
Registration for the Business of Farming Conference is now open at asapconnections.org or by contacting ASAP at (828) 236-1282. Attendance is $75 per person by Feb. 1 and $95 beginning Feb. 2, with a discount for farm partners registering together. Sponsors for the Business of Farming Conference include Ingles Markets, Farm Burger, and Biltmore. Additional support comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Buncombe County Strategic Partnership, Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, and the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission.

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.

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

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


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.
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
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

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



