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.
This Discovery Channel documentary released in 2015, is full of beautiful and horrifying images that are not easily forgotten. From majestic whale sharks to slaughtered manta rays, the subjects of this new documentary reveal nature’s beauty and force viewers to confront the detrimental effects of human activity on the planet.
The documentary introduces its viewers to the Anthropocene, the geological age that began when human activities became a driving force for major geological changes. The film mixes cogent scientific facts with captivating images to convey the urgency of the crisis facing our planet—an emergency stemming from global climate change and mass species extinction.
Scientists predict that within the next 100 years, 50 percent of Earth’s species will become extinct if we continue down this path. Species go extinct regardless of human interference, but in the next decade alone, humans will drive other species to extinction ten times faster than normal.
Most of the film is dedicated to ocean quality because oceans are crucial to global stability. “When carbon dioxide is emitted into the atmosphere, between a third and a half gets absorbed by the oceans, making them more acidic,” said Louie Psihoyos, director of Racing Extinction, in the documentary. This increased acidity kills phytoplankton—the organisms responsible for producing half of the world’s oxygen supply—and harms many other oceanic creatures.
The film highlights recent and massive decreases in shark populations. The film also highlights the illegal market for shark fins in China, which claims the lives of 1.3 to 2.7 million sharks every year. Sharks have survived four mass extinctions in the earth’s history, but now human activity has decreased the shark population by 90 percent in one generation.
The documentary exposes specific ways that humans contribute to the changing geochemistry of the planet. According to Psihoyos, our livestock contribute more greenhouse gases to the atmosphere than all direct emissions from the transportation sector. However, the film also recognizes our ability to solve these problems by providing pathways for people to live more sustainably: “If every American skipped meat and cheese just one day a week for a year, it would be like taking 7.6 million cars off the road,”
The film concedes that large-scale geological changes are not simple problems to solve, but it advocates for people to find a way to help alleviate the problem. Overall, Racing Extinction drives home the message that saving the planet is worthwhile by unveiling the hidden beauty of the earth. The film inspires its viewers to maintain hope and convinces them to see and hear the beauty and vibrancy of the world that surrounds them.
http://www.yalescientific.org/2016/03/documentary-review-racing-extinction/
Join Dr. Neal Barnard on Mon., Mar. 16, 2020 at The Collider in Asheville to celebrate the release of his new book, Your Body in Balance: The New Science of Food, Hormones, and Health. Guests will hear remarks from Dr. Barnard about food’s effects on hormones and health.
Books will be available for purchase, and Dr. Barnard will be available to sign books.
Space is limited for this free event—reserve your spot now!
WELCOME TO NIGHT VALE is a twice-monthly podcast in the style of community updates for the small desert town of Night Vale, featuring local weather, news, announcements from the Sheriff’s Secret Police, mysterious lights in the night sky, dark hooded figures with unknowable powers, and cultural events.
Turn on your radio and hide.

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Hello Flat Rock Playhouse Patrons, Donors, Friends, and all-around ‘Peeps!’
Please take a few minutes to take the survey and help us as we begin planning for the 2021 season and beyond. We’ve listed a pretty large range of shows because we want to know what you’re interested in seeing on the stage. Please choose your TOP 10 favorites in each category; Musicals and Plays. You will also have the opportunity to write in a title or author that may not otherwise be listed. Please only choose ten of each so we can narrow down your preferences.
As an added note, we endeavor to give you exactly what your heart most desires. That said, there are many factors that go into selecting shows. Are the rights available? Can we afford to produce it properly? Does it align with our Union obligations? These questions and many more are all part of the process and influence what productions we select. It’s important to everyone at Flat Rock Playhouse that we deliver as much of what the audience desires as we can whenever we can.
Thank you for taking a few minutes to share your preferences with us. We are hugely grateful for the insight!
Sincerely,
The Artistic Team
Flat Rock Playhouse
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We are working very hard with our artists to reschedule each of these shows to a safer time later this year. We are announcing rescheduled dates as we are able to get them confirmed, and will inform ticket buyers for each event when a new date for their intended concert has been solidified. Tickets will remain on sale while we work on determining a rescheduled date. Fans should hold on to their tickets, as they will be valid for the rescheduled performance date. If you are unable to attend a postponed show, please contact us at [email protected] or via phone during box office hours (Wednesday through Friday 12pm to 5:30 at 828-398-1837). In the event that we are unable to find a new date and a show is fully cancelled, all buyers will be notified and tickets will be automatically refunded at the point of purchase. Please allow at least a week for this to be reflected in your bank account.
The one-of-a-kind “fashion show with a mission” is back for its 6th edition! Join us on Friday, March 20, to see seven Asheville-area fashion designers present color-themed runway collections made from items sourced at local Goodwill stores.
A panel of expert judges will select the first prize winner, who will receive $500. Be sure to cast a vote for the winner of the audience choice award, a $200 prize!
This year, the seven designers competing in Color Me Goodwill and their selected colors are:
The Graces – Blue
Jon Pierce – Red
Jenny Hall – Green
Art Blue – Pink
Gee Gee with Uniquely Neva – Gray
Alysia Fischer – Purple
Cait Blais – Yellow

We are in URGENT need of two assistant coaches at Hominy Valley Elementary on one or both program days (greater need on Wednesdays). The team practices on Mondays and Wednesdays from 2:15 pm to 3:45 pm.
With your support, 15 girls will grow their confidence, learn to stand up for themselves and others, and realize their voices matter. You don’t even need to like running!
Hello Flat Rock Playhouse Patrons, Donors, Friends, and all-around ‘Peeps!’
Please take a few minutes to take the survey and help us as we begin planning for the 2021 season and beyond. We’ve listed a pretty large range of shows because we want to know what you’re interested in seeing on the stage. Please choose your TOP 10 favorites in each category; Musicals and Plays. You will also have the opportunity to write in a title or author that may not otherwise be listed. Please only choose ten of each so we can narrow down your preferences.
As an added note, we endeavor to give you exactly what your heart most desires. That said, there are many factors that go into selecting shows. Are the rights available? Can we afford to produce it properly? Does it align with our Union obligations? These questions and many more are all part of the process and influence what productions we select. It’s important to everyone at Flat Rock Playhouse that we deliver as much of what the audience desires as we can whenever we can.
Thank you for taking a few minutes to share your preferences with us. We are hugely grateful for the insight!
Sincerely,
The Artistic Team
Flat Rock Playhouse

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, in cooperation with the I.R.S, N.C. Dept. of Revenue, Buncombe County Library System and Council on Aging, Inc. will again offer free tax Preparations for low and moderate income taxpayers, with special attention to those age 60 and older. Both Federal and N.C. State tax returns will be electronically filed for safe and accurate preparation with faster refunds.
This service will be available from Feb. 1-April 15, at sites listed below. Please note that some locations have different start dates as several libraries will be hosting early voting for the Presidential primaries in February.
Tax help for Weaverville will be held at the Brookstone Baptist Church and tax help for West Asheville will be held at the West Asheville Presbyterian Church. All tax help locations can be found at irs.gov.
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Mountain Gateway Museum & Heritage Center celebrated the opening of its newest traveling exhibit, “Steeped in Time: Tea and Traditions” on Saturday, January 18, 2020. The exhibit will run through the July 4th weekend at MGM, located at 24 Water Street in Old Fort. Admission is free.

The nationally recognized, 8th Annual Asheville Marathon and Half marathon, will return to Asheville’s Biltmore Estate on March 21 & 22, 2020. The Asheville Marathon and Half events are ’boutique style’ events with limited entries available of 1,525 runners per day.
In 2018, the Asheville Marathon was named by Outside Online as one of the Top 9 vacation-worthy marathons and The Top Ten Best Spring/Summer Marathons to Run by MapMyRun. We were also listed as one of the 70 American Road Races every runner should finish by Runner’s World Magazine.
In 2017, the Asheville Marathon was named Top 25 Must-Do American Marathons by Competitor Magazine. In addition, the Asheville Half Marathon at Biltmore was honored to also be selected in the “Best Of” category in the 100 Half Marathons Club.
Run in America’s largest backyard at Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina at the 8th Annual Asheville Half Marathon 3/21 & AVL Marathon & Half Marathon on 3/22/20 OR DO BOTH DAYS and complete one of our Challenges! Details can be found on our website at www.ashevillemarathon.com.

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

We are in URGENT need of two assistant coaches at Hominy Valley Elementary on one or both program days (greater need on Wednesdays). The team practices on Mondays and Wednesdays from 2:15 pm to 3:45 pm.
With your support, 15 girls will grow their confidence, learn to stand up for themselves and others, and realize their voices matter. You don’t even need to like running!

We really can’t remember a time when we’ve seen the entire community come together like it has over the past week. We are so incredibly honored and humbled to be working alongside each of you as we navigate these difficult times.
Hands On Asheville-Buncombe is playing a critical role in the COVID-19 community-wide response efforts; serving as the community hub for volunteering around this crisis. We are working daily with partners, government agencies, businesses and organizations, and individuals; identifying community needs and responding through the power of volunteerism.
We’ve set up our online portal to serve as an all-encompassing inventory of community-wide volunteer needs that address relief efforts. We have one simple ask of you today, sign up to receive COVID-19 specific volunteer opportunities (both in-person and virtual). This unprecedented situation calls for an unprecedented response, sign up today!
To stay up-to-date on the latest COVID-19 news, frequently visit United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County’s COVID-19 page.

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

We really can’t remember a time when we’ve seen the entire community come together like it has over the past week. We are so incredibly honored and humbled to be working alongside each of you as we navigate these difficult times.
Hands On Asheville-Buncombe is playing a critical role in the COVID-19 community-wide response efforts; serving as the community hub for volunteering around this crisis. We are working daily with partners, government agencies, businesses and organizations, and individuals; identifying community needs and responding through the power of volunteerism.
We’ve set up our online portal to serve as an all-encompassing inventory of community-wide volunteer needs that address relief efforts. We have one simple ask of you today, sign up to receive COVID-19 specific volunteer opportunities (both in-person and virtual). This unprecedented situation calls for an unprecedented response, sign up today!
To stay up-to-date on the latest COVID-19 news, frequently visit United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County’s COVID-19 page.
Youtube in order to be considered for the finals) to the Facebook.com/humansandpoetry on or before Thursday, March 26th.
1B. Make a ten dollar donation via paypal at [email protected] or venmo at gonzonc. Be sure to include the information about what video you posted so we can line it up.
Judging:
First round will include all applicants and will be judged by members of the Humans and Poetry Facebook Community. Judging for the first round will be completed with the winners announced on Monday, March 30.
Second round will be Top 3 poets only and will be judged by Ashvegas.com, the specific judge is yet to be determined.
Can I submit written work without performing it in a video?
NO. While we love written work this is a competition for performance poetry.
Slam from your living room.
In lieu of recent events and with slams and performances postponed for the foreseeable future Humans and Poetry is teaming up with Ashvegas.com to bring you an online poetry slam.
The theme is community, and we want to challenge poets to write something new, rather than recycling an older poem. Let’s all feel this moment and use our gifts to express how to move forward.
Here’s the skinny:
THEME:
COMMUNITY – Poems should be about this theme to be considered.
Prizes:
1st – $100 and featured on Ashvegas.com
2nd – $75 and featured on Ashvegas.com
3rd – $50 and featured on Ashvegas.com
When is it due:
All poems must be received by 11:59 pm on Thursday, March 26th. No late submissions will be considered.
How to Submit:
1A. Upload your Youtube video (all applicants must use videos through
Can I accompany myself with a musical instrument, drum, music in the background, pet howling etc?
NO. No poems with accompaniment of any kind will be considered. Your voice is to be the only instrument.
How long can it be?
No submissions over 3:15 (three minutes and fifteen seconds) will be considered.
Can I submit multiple poems?
You may submit up to two original poems with separate donations.
Can I read someone else’s poem or have them read mine?
NO. Original submissions only will be considered.
Can I promote violence, hatred, or bigotry in my poem?
NO. These submissions will be deleted and the originator will be publicly shamed.
Can I wear a crazy costume for my video?
You know what, we have been saying no a lot. Fuck it. Wear whatever the fuck you want to, as much or as little as you want to, dress up like a star wars character, whatever. The only rule is that it must stay within the facebook community standards, and that because of that, we would ask that men cover their nipples with tassles or pasties in solidarity to the bullshit double standard FB is perpetuating.

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

We really can’t remember a time when we’ve seen the entire community come together like it has over the past week. We are so incredibly honored and humbled to be working alongside each of you as we navigate these difficult times.
Hands On Asheville-Buncombe is playing a critical role in the COVID-19 community-wide response efforts; serving as the community hub for volunteering around this crisis. We are working daily with partners, government agencies, businesses and organizations, and individuals; identifying community needs and responding through the power of volunteerism.
We’ve set up our online portal to serve as an all-encompassing inventory of community-wide volunteer needs that address relief efforts. We have one simple ask of you today, sign up to receive COVID-19 specific volunteer opportunities (both in-person and virtual). This unprecedented situation calls for an unprecedented response, sign up today!
To stay up-to-date on the latest COVID-19 news, frequently visit United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County’s COVID-19 page.
his lecture is part of the new Creative Sector Talks series.
Katelyn Kirnie Director of Public Art Chattanooga will share projects and address the question, How do you acknowledge a city’s history of racial tension and exclusion while also building public spaces that welcome and celebrate diversity? James McKissic, President of Artsbuild will share how their Equity in the Arts Grant program is building a more inclusive Chattanooga and how the organization has changed funding to be more equitable and responsive to Chattanooga’s arts and cultural community.Both presenters will share examples of how Creative Placemaking is empowering residents to make positive change in their communities.
Public Art Chattanooga is dedicated to presenting a wide variety of high quality public art – working with the community to enhance the civic environment and enrich the lives of visitors and residents.
Since 1969, ArtsBuild has served as a catalyst for the arts in Chattanooga and Hamilton County. Through grant-making, arts education initiatives, and arts advocacy, we are focused on what the arts can do to make our community a better place.
Free for AAAC Members, $5 for Non-Members

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

We really can’t remember a time when we’ve seen the entire community come together like it has over the past week. We are so incredibly honored and humbled to be working alongside each of you as we navigate these difficult times.
Hands On Asheville-Buncombe is playing a critical role in the COVID-19 community-wide response efforts; serving as the community hub for volunteering around this crisis. We are working daily with partners, government agencies, businesses and organizations, and individuals; identifying community needs and responding through the power of volunteerism.
We’ve set up our online portal to serve as an all-encompassing inventory of community-wide volunteer needs that address relief efforts. We have one simple ask of you today, sign up to receive COVID-19 specific volunteer opportunities (both in-person and virtual). This unprecedented situation calls for an unprecedented response, sign up today!
To stay up-to-date on the latest COVID-19 news, frequently visit United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County’s COVID-19 page.

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

We really can’t remember a time when we’ve seen the entire community come together like it has over the past week. We are so incredibly honored and humbled to be working alongside each of you as we navigate these difficult times.
Hands On Asheville-Buncombe is playing a critical role in the COVID-19 community-wide response efforts; serving as the community hub for volunteering around this crisis. We are working daily with partners, government agencies, businesses and organizations, and individuals; identifying community needs and responding through the power of volunteerism.
We’ve set up our online portal to serve as an all-encompassing inventory of community-wide volunteer needs that address relief efforts. We have one simple ask of you today, sign up to receive COVID-19 specific volunteer opportunities (both in-person and virtual). This unprecedented situation calls for an unprecedented response, sign up today!
To stay up-to-date on the latest COVID-19 news, frequently visit United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County’s COVID-19 page.

It is very important for donors to continue donating in the weeks and months ahead in order to maintain an adequate local blood supply. If you are feeling healthy and well, please make an appointment before donating so we can maintain the proper social distancing. The safety of our donors and staff is our top priority!
Hello Flat Rock Playhouse Patrons, Donors, Friends, and all-around ‘Peeps!’
Please take a few minutes to take the survey and help us as we begin planning for the 2021 season and beyond. We’ve listed a pretty large range of shows because we want to know what you’re interested in seeing on the stage. Please choose your TOP 10 favorites in each category; Musicals and Plays. You will also have the opportunity to write in a title or author that may not otherwise be listed. Please only choose ten of each so we can narrow down your preferences.
As an added note, we endeavor to give you exactly what your heart most desires. That said, there are many factors that go into selecting shows. Are the rights available? Can we afford to produce it properly? Does it align with our Union obligations? These questions and many more are all part of the process and influence what productions we select. It’s important to everyone at Flat Rock Playhouse that we deliver as much of what the audience desires as we can whenever we can.
Thank you for taking a few minutes to share your preferences with us. We are hugely grateful for the insight!
Sincerely,
The Artistic Team
Flat Rock Playhouse

We really can’t remember a time when we’ve seen the entire community come together like it has over the past week. We are so incredibly honored and humbled to be working alongside each of you as we navigate these difficult times.
Hands On Asheville-Buncombe is playing a critical role in the COVID-19 community-wide response efforts; serving as the community hub for volunteering around this crisis. We are working daily with partners, government agencies, businesses and organizations, and individuals; identifying community needs and responding through the power of volunteerism.
We’ve set up our online portal to serve as an all-encompassing inventory of community-wide volunteer needs that address relief efforts. We have one simple ask of you today, sign up to receive COVID-19 specific volunteer opportunities (both in-person and virtual). This unprecedented situation calls for an unprecedented response, sign up today!
To stay up-to-date on the latest COVID-19 news, frequently visit United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County’s COVID-19 page.

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