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.

Thursday, February 20, 2020
Girls on the Run Spring 2020 Program Registration in Full Swing!
Feb 20 all-day
Participating Buncombe County Schools
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It’s time to lace up for the Spring 2020 season! Girls on the Run of WNC is beyond excited to welcome over 40 schools/sites this season. We have 34 Girls on the Run (3rd – 5th grade) teams, eight Heart & Sole (6th – 8th grade) teams, and six 2nd grade pilot program teams!

 

Lottery registration window CLOSES on Thursday, February 20th. If there are spots remaining on teams after February 20th, then teams will be filled on a first come, first serve basis. Financial assistance is available!

 

Wondering if your school offers Girls are the Run and want to sign up? Visit Girls on the Run of WNC Locations to find out. Don’t see your school listed on our registration site? Contact Stephanie to find out how you can launch Girls on the Run (3rd-5th grade) or Heart & Sole (6th-8th grade) at your school for Fall 2020!

Advance Care Planning Workshop
Feb 20 @ 7:00 pm
UNC Asheville Reuter Center

OLLI, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UNC Asheville will hold an advance care planning (ACP) workshop from 7-9 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 20 in the Reuter Center, in the Manheimer Room. Free and open to everyone, this workshop is co-sponsored by the Osher Life Long Learning Institute and Mission Health Partners.

This workshop marks the 10th year of these thrice-annual sessions. More than 1,110 people have attended, resulting in 447 Advance Care Plans completed and notarized.

The workshops feature a panel whose members are experienced in addressing end-of-life issues. Discussion will include communicating your treatment wishes to loved ones and to medical personnel, ethical and legal issues, the uses of advance directives, and advice on handling issues like Alzheimer’s disease. Ample time will be reserved for questions. Assistance will be provided for anyone wishing to complete a legally valid advance directive, including the notarization required in North Carolina, using the NC ACP “Short Form.”

Panel members will include:

Jan Buchanan, Chaplain and Advance Care Planning Facilitator at Mission Hospital
Dr. Ellen Kaczmarek MD, Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Individualized Health Care Planner
Meridith Miller, Community and Social Psychologist
Joanne Dykes J.D. Attorney, Dykes Law Firm PLLC

Advance Care Planning Workshop
Feb 20 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
UNC Asheville Reuter Center

OLLI, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UNC Asheville will hold an advance care planning (ACP) workshop from 7-9 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 20 in the Reuter Center, in the Manheimer Room. Free and open to everyone, this workshop is co-sponsored by the Osher Life Long Learning Institute and Mission Health Partners.

This workshop marks the 10th year of these thrice-annual sessions. More than 1,110 people have attended, resulting in 447 Advance Care Plans completed and notarized.

The workshops feature a panel whose members are experienced in addressing end-of-life issues. Discussion will include communicating your treatment wishes to loved ones and to medical personnel, ethical and legal issues, the uses of advance directives, and advice on handling issues like Alzheimer’s disease. Ample time will be reserved for questions. Assistance will be provided for anyone wishing to complete a legally valid advance directive, including the notarization required in North Carolina, using the NC ACP “Short Form.”

Panel members will include:

Jan Buchanan, Chaplain and Advance Care Planning Facilitator at Mission Hospital
Dr. Ellen Kaczmarek MD, Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Individualized Health Care Planner
Meridith Miller, Community and Social Psychologist
Joanne Dykes J.D. Attorney, Dykes Law Firm PLLC
Preparation for you to do before the workshop: Talk to your possible “power of attorney for healthcare”, the person who would make health care decisions if you are unable. Click here for a video of a sample conversation.and click here to access a copy of the ACP Short form. Please print the form, study it, and bring it to the workshop along with any questions you might have for the panel.

If you have never been admitted to Mission Hospital, but want your advanced directives added into the Mission Medical Record, click here for an “Advance Directive Permission form” to fill out. Also, if you have existing advance directives, you may mail the “Permission Form” along with a copy of your existing Advance Directive to Mission for addition to the Mission medical record (or you can get help doing this at the next ACP workshop). For more information, call OLLI, 828.251.6140 or email [email protected]. Click here to view an event flier.

Friday, February 21, 2020
Bob Moog Foundation Announces Minimoog Raffle
Feb 21 all-day
Moogseum online raffle

The Bob Moog Foundation is thrilled to announce its 2020 Minimoog Raffle, featuring a vintage, iconic Minimoog Model D synthesizer, signed by legendary keyboardist Herbie Hancock. The synthesizer is valued at $5,000. Hancock signed the back of the Minimoog, serial number 1549, and drew a musical staff and added the inscription “(Hey Bob!)” on either side. The raffle begins on Monday, February 10, 2020, and ends on Tuesday March 10, 2020 or when all tickets have sold. Tickets are $25 each, five for $100, 12 for $200, or 35 for $500. Only 4,500 tickets will be available. All proceeds from the raffle support the Foundation’s educational project, Dr. Bob’s SoundSchool, and its newly opened Moogseum, located in Asheville, NC. Tickets can be purchased at http://bit.ly/HHMinimoogRaffle.

Herbie Hancock joins a long list of renowned musicians supporting the Foundation’s efforts. Recent raffles have featured vintage synthesizers signed by Stevie Wonder, Dr. Fink of Prince and the Revolution, Jan Hammer, and Rick Wakeman. Hancock, whose illustrious career spans five decades and 14 Grammy awards, helped pioneer the use of synthesizers in jazz, and has been at the forefront of using technology to make music. He is known for his ever-probing jazz sensibilities, his willingness to explore music across all genres, and is considered to be among the most elite and influential players of his time.

Hancock, who turns 80 this year, continues to make new music and tour worldwide. For more information about Herbie Hancock, visit https://www.herbiehancock.com/

EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems: food and farm help/resources in WNC
Feb 21 all-day
WNC

The Center for Environmental Farming Systems is a partnership of North Carolina State University, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

 

Introduction to Medicare
Feb 21 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Goodwill Training Center

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.

Merrimack vs Michigan State Baseball
Feb 21 @ 4:00 pm
Fluor Field

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Wolve Howl! WNC Nature Center
Feb 21 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
WNC Nature Center

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.

Greenville Swamp Rabbits vs. Worcester Railers
Feb 21 @ 7:00 pm
Bon Secours Wellness Arena

Swamp Rabbits Hockey offers fantastic fun for the whole family! The Greenville Swamp Rabbits play in the South Division of the Eastern Conference of the ECHL, the premiere AA hockey league. The Swamp Rabbits play 36 home games (October-April) and offer endless entertainment opportunities! For more information on Swamp Rabbits hockey, visit swamprabbits.com. Proud affiliate of the Carolina Hurricanes.

Saturday, February 22, 2020
Adult Kickball Returns Wednesdays
Feb 22 all-day
Charles D. Owen Park

Adult kickball players from spring
                                                          2019

Draft your co-workers, BFFs, and neighborhood pals in your quest for kickball stardom! Registration for Buncombe County Recreation Services’ (BCRS) popular Adult Kickball League has opened. All games will be played on Wednesday evenings  from April 8-May 20 at Charles D. Owen Park (875 Warren Wilson Road in Swannanoa). Staggered matches will start at 6 p.m., 7 p.m., and 8 p.m.

REGISTER HERE

“We host low-cost adult sport and recreation leagues throughout the year including dodgeball and volleyball, but kickball is our most popular. It always sells out since it’s easy to learn for any skill level,” said Mac Stanley, BCRS Program Coordinator. “The league offers a low-stress, fun atmosphere in which to stay active and connect with others. The move to Charles D. Owen Park allows us to play multiple games at the same time which means we can start later in the evening for those folks busy with work, school, or parenting. Plus the mountain views can’t be beat!”

Registration is open through March 20 and cost $35 per player. Players can sign up as an individual, small group, or full team. Individuals and small groups will be placed together to form full teams.

Teams are co-ed and consist of 9-16 players, with at least three players of the opposite sex. (If a team is majority female, there must be at least three male players. If a team is majority male, there must be at least three female players.) Registration fees include a team shirt and help offset the cost of referees and field maintenance.

 

Follow Buncombe County Recreation on Facebook and Instagram.

Asheville Tourists Baseball 2020 Season
Feb 22 all-day
McCormmic Field

the Tourists have officially released the 2020 baseball season schedule. Asheville plays 140 games with 70 of them coming at McCormick Field.

  • Asheville’s home Opening Day is Thursday, April 16th vs. the Columbia Fireflies
  • The Tourists host the Lexington Legends on Independence Day – Saturday, July 4th
  • The Tourists also host the Lexington Legends on Memorial Day – Monday, May 25th
  • Asheville plays host to the Charleston RiverDogs on Labor Day – Monday, September 7th
  • McCormick Field will have 12 Thirsty Thursday games in 2020
  • Asheville plays 10 Friday home games next year
  • The Tourists are at home for 12 Saturday contests during the 2020 season
  • Asheville opens the 2020 season on the road, April 9th at Delmarva
  • Game Times and the Promotional Calendar will be released at a later date

VIEW THE OFFICIAL 2020 TOURISTS SCHEDULE

Bob Moog Foundation Announces Minimoog Raffle
Feb 22 all-day
Moogseum online raffle

The Bob Moog Foundation is thrilled to announce its 2020 Minimoog Raffle, featuring a vintage, iconic Minimoog Model D synthesizer, signed by legendary keyboardist Herbie Hancock. The synthesizer is valued at $5,000. Hancock signed the back of the Minimoog, serial number 1549, and drew a musical staff and added the inscription “(Hey Bob!)” on either side. The raffle begins on Monday, February 10, 2020, and ends on Tuesday March 10, 2020 or when all tickets have sold. Tickets are $25 each, five for $100, 12 for $200, or 35 for $500. Only 4,500 tickets will be available. All proceeds from the raffle support the Foundation’s educational project, Dr. Bob’s SoundSchool, and its newly opened Moogseum, located in Asheville, NC. Tickets can be purchased at http://bit.ly/HHMinimoogRaffle.

Herbie Hancock joins a long list of renowned musicians supporting the Foundation’s efforts. Recent raffles have featured vintage synthesizers signed by Stevie Wonder, Dr. Fink of Prince and the Revolution, Jan Hammer, and Rick Wakeman. Hancock, whose illustrious career spans five decades and 14 Grammy awards, helped pioneer the use of synthesizers in jazz, and has been at the forefront of using technology to make music. He is known for his ever-probing jazz sensibilities, his willingness to explore music across all genres, and is considered to be among the most elite and influential players of his time.

Hancock, who turns 80 this year, continues to make new music and tour worldwide. For more information about Herbie Hancock, visit https://www.herbiehancock.com/

Coach Needed at Hominy Valley Elementary Girls on the Run!
Feb 22 all-day
Hominy Valley Elementary
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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!

Early Bird Registration Open for Senior Games and Silver Arts 2020
Feb 22 all-day
Buncombe County NC

Each spring, hundreds of locals 50+ years-old enjoy participating in the Asheville-Buncombe Senior Games and Silver Arts. This year’s program will be held at locations throughout Buncombe County from Tuesday, April 14-Friday, May 15. Registration is $5 before March 9 or $10 after that date. Military veterans may register for free.

To register, fill out a registration form (see documents below) or register online at ncseniorgames.org. Archery and pickleball have registration deadline dates.

Sports include basketball, bocce, croquet, football throw, softball throw, golf, cycling, track and field, archery, cheerleading, bowling, swimming, billiards, badminton, cornhole, horseshoes, pickleball, racquetball, shuffleboard, tennis, and table tennis. Miniature golf, rowing, and team softball and basketball are new this year. Age categories start at 50 and increase at five year intervals.

Silver Arts categories are classified as Heritage (quilting, woodwork, crochet, basket weaving, jewelry, needlework, tole painting, weaving, knitting, pottery, stained glass, woodcarving, and woodturning), Visual (solo, small group, and large group), Performing, Literary (poem, short story, essay, and life experience), and Contemporary. Art pieces will be displayed at Buncombe County Libraries in April and May.

A full schedule can be accessed below as a PDF.

Follow Buncombe County Recreation on Facebook and Instagram.

Table: News Item Documents
File Name Size Type Date & Time Added
Registration 209 KB 02/04/2020 7:52 AM
Schedule 45 KB 02/04/2020 7:52 AM
Early Bird tickets: 23rd annual French Broard River Festival
Feb 22 all-day
Hot Springs Campground & Spa

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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

EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems: food and farm help/resources in WNC
Feb 22 all-day
WNC

The Center for Environmental Farming Systems is a partnership of North Carolina State University, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

 

Environmental Education: RiverLink Summer Camps
Feb 22 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

Guided Hikes: Grandfather Mountain
Feb 22 all-day
Grandfather Mountain

Interpretive Rangers are available to lead guided hikes, bird walks and wildflower walks for families and groups that visit Grandfather Mountain. To see the mountain in this whole new way, you can schedule an appointment by calling the interpretive ranger office at (828) 737-0833 or emailing [email protected].

Please note that walks and hikes are available for all ability levels, but hikes that take you into Grandfather Mountain’s backcountry require careful footwork, proper footwear and the ability to handle heights. All backcountry hikes require participants to traverse ladders and use cables to navigate steep sections of the trail.

Interpretive Rangers are available year-round (weather permitting) to lead guided hikes to:

MacRae Peak ($15 + park admission)
Attic Window ($25 + park admission)
Calloway Peak ($35 + park admission)

Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance, and a minimum of two participants per hike are required. For more information, please call (828) 737-0833.

Redesigning Our Future: National Environmental Summit for High School Students
Feb 22 all-day
Catawba College
The Smoky Mountain Relay
Feb 22 all-day
Western North Carolina

ABOUT THE SMOKY MOUNTAIN RELAY

Registration is capped at:

60 ~ 200-mile teams (36 transitions)

&

40 ~ 135-mile teams (24 transitions)

A scenic, wild, team adventure in the mountains of Western North Carolina, the Smoky Mountain Relay is an adventure that is not to be missed.

This course will challenge you and your friends with tough legs and reward you with stories to last a lifetime.

Choose from the original 200-mile course or the 135-mile course.

The 200-mile course begins at the Pink Beds Trail Loop picnic area just outside of Brevard, NC in the Pisgah National Forest.

Teams of 12 or “ultra” teams of 6 make their way through 36 legs and finish at the Nantahala Outdoor Center in Bryson City, NC.

The 135-mile course begins at the Jackson Country Recreation Complex in Cullowhee, NC. Teams of 8 or “ultra” teams of 4 make their way through 24 legs and also finish at the Nantahala Outdoor Center in Bryson City, NC in the heart of the Nantahala National Forest.

Each relay team member runs between 3 and 6 legs (depending on the course chosen and the number of team members running) of varying lengths and difficulty and will cover an average total distance of 18-20 miles (for the 200 mile race).

Asheville Catholic School’s 14th Annual Shamrock 5K/10K/Fun Run
Feb 22 @ 8:30 am
Asheville Catholic School

Asheville Catholic School presents the 14th Annual Shamrock Run on Saturday, March 14. There are two races: a 5K and a 10K, both of which start and finish at ACS and run through the beautiful neighborhoods of North Asheville. A fun run will precede the start of the 5K and 10K.  The 10K will start at 9:00 AM and the 5K at 9:15 AM. The Fun Run will begin at 8:30 AM. All events benefit the O’Brien and William Edward Gibbs Memorial Scholarship Fund.  The event will be three days before St. Patrick’s Day this year giving everyone a perfect way to celebrate this fun holiday. There will be great food, beer, and a DJ before and after the races.

Furman Men’s Basketball vs. Wofford
Feb 22 @ 12:00 pm
Bon Secours Wellness Arena

The Paladins host perennial Southern Conference rival Wofford College on Saturday, February 22, at 12:00 p.m. at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena.

Purchase the four-game pack here to secure your ticket to the game.

For more information, please visit Furman’s Weekends at the Well!

Merrimack vs Michigan State Double Header Baseball
Feb 22 @ 1:00 pm
Fluor Field

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YWCA Free Community Family Swim CANCELLED
Feb 22 @ 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
YWCA
Community Family Swim
Every Saturday, YWCA of Asheville, in partnership with City of Asheville Parks and Recreation, is offering free Community Open Swim to the public. Winter/Spring 2020 hours are: Saturdays 1:30-3:30 pm through May 16th, 2020. Join us in our solar-heated, indoor pool and bring a friend! You do not need to RSVP or be a member of the YWCA to enjoy community open swim.
UNC Asheville’s 2020 Pi(e) Run
Feb 22 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
UNCA starting on the Main Quad

Pi symbol, event basic information with running track in the background

Registration is open for UNC Asheville’s 2020 Pi(e) Run, an annual fun run that celebrates all things Pi(e). This year’s event will be held on Pi Day, Saturday, March 14, at Pi time, 3:14 p.m. Runners will run 3.14 miles around UNC Asheville’s campus and celebrate with pie at the finish line. The event is open to the public with an early-bird rate of $15 before Feb. 15. Runners who sign up before March 1 will receive a t-shirt and swag bag, and registration continues through March 14 at a cost of $20, with on-site registration and check-in starting at 2 p.m. the day of the race. Visit unca.edu/pi-run to sign up.

The 2020 Pi Day Run will start from UNC Asheville’s Quad and circle University Heights three times, via campus sidewalks, concluding with pie at the finish line. The fun run includes a pie baking contest, judged by Math Leaders from the Marvelous Math Club, with prizes awarded, and this year will feature a raffle. Registration includes a raffle entry for each runner. Registration also is available for the pie contest, without the run, by filling out the interest form at unca.edu/pi-run.

Proceeds from the annual Pi(e) Run will benefit the Asheville Initiative for Math at UNC Asheville and its Marvelous Math Club at Pisgah View Community Center. Marvelous Math Club is a partnership between UNC Asheville, Asheville Housing Authority, and Asheville City Schools. The Club uses math as a catalyst to build leadership skills, create community and provide a space for individualized academic support and social-emotional growth.

 

Mystical Night Market
Feb 22 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Violet Owl

Mystical Night Market presented by The Guild of Sacred Arts. Join us for a celebration of the mind, body, and spirit. Local readers, healers, and makers will be offering: astrological readings, intuitive/psychic/medium readings, Akashic Records and animal communication readings, Reiki/energy healings, transformational coaching, local art, Reiki-infused jewelry, fairy hair, natural soaps, apothecary items, and more.

No entry fees! Raffle prizes! Come join us for a night of fun!

Charlotte Hornets vs. Brooklyn Nets Basketball
Feb 22 @ 7:00 pm
Spectrum Center
Greenville Swamp Rabbits vs. Worcester Railers
Feb 22 @ 7:00 pm
Bon Secours Wellness Arena

Swamp Rabbits Hockey offers fantastic fun for the whole family! The Greenville Swamp Rabbits play in the South Division of the Eastern Conference of the ECHL, the premiere AA hockey league. The Swamp Rabbits play 36 home games (October-April) and offer endless entertainment opportunities! For more information on Swamp Rabbits hockey, visit swamprabbits.com. Proud affiliate of the Carolina Hurricanes.

Sunday, February 23, 2020
Adult Kickball Returns Wednesdays
Feb 23 all-day
Charles D. Owen Park

Adult kickball players from spring
                                                          2019

Draft your co-workers, BFFs, and neighborhood pals in your quest for kickball stardom! Registration for Buncombe County Recreation Services’ (BCRS) popular Adult Kickball League has opened. All games will be played on Wednesday evenings  from April 8-May 20 at Charles D. Owen Park (875 Warren Wilson Road in Swannanoa). Staggered matches will start at 6 p.m., 7 p.m., and 8 p.m.

REGISTER HERE

“We host low-cost adult sport and recreation leagues throughout the year including dodgeball and volleyball, but kickball is our most popular. It always sells out since it’s easy to learn for any skill level,” said Mac Stanley, BCRS Program Coordinator. “The league offers a low-stress, fun atmosphere in which to stay active and connect with others. The move to Charles D. Owen Park allows us to play multiple games at the same time which means we can start later in the evening for those folks busy with work, school, or parenting. Plus the mountain views can’t be beat!”

Registration is open through March 20 and cost $35 per player. Players can sign up as an individual, small group, or full team. Individuals and small groups will be placed together to form full teams.

Teams are co-ed and consist of 9-16 players, with at least three players of the opposite sex. (If a team is majority female, there must be at least three male players. If a team is majority male, there must be at least three female players.) Registration fees include a team shirt and help offset the cost of referees and field maintenance.

 

Follow Buncombe County Recreation on Facebook and Instagram.

Asheville Tourists Baseball 2020 Season
Feb 23 all-day
McCormmic Field

the Tourists have officially released the 2020 baseball season schedule. Asheville plays 140 games with 70 of them coming at McCormick Field.

  • Asheville’s home Opening Day is Thursday, April 16th vs. the Columbia Fireflies
  • The Tourists host the Lexington Legends on Independence Day – Saturday, July 4th
  • The Tourists also host the Lexington Legends on Memorial Day – Monday, May 25th
  • Asheville plays host to the Charleston RiverDogs on Labor Day – Monday, September 7th
  • McCormick Field will have 12 Thirsty Thursday games in 2020
  • Asheville plays 10 Friday home games next year
  • The Tourists are at home for 12 Saturday contests during the 2020 season
  • Asheville opens the 2020 season on the road, April 9th at Delmarva
  • Game Times and the Promotional Calendar will be released at a later date

VIEW THE OFFICIAL 2020 TOURISTS SCHEDULE