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.

Friday, September 10, 2021
Share your feedback on ‘AVL Shares Space’ outdoor expansion initiatives SURVEY
Sep 10 all-day
online

Wall St parklet

The City of Asheville is seeking public feedback on temporary initiatives launched in the spring of 2020 to support safe business operations and customer access during COVID-19. These initiatives have enabled over 100 businesses and organizations in Asheville to quickly expand outdoors into adjacent public spaces and parking lots.

 

Take the survey here.

 

The AVL Shares Space initiatives include the following:

  • “Shared Streets” (pedestrian priority environment and use of on-street parking spaces along a corridor)
  • Temporary Parklets (use of on-street parking spaces)
  • Expansion on private lots (i.e. parking lots)
  • Expansion on public sidewalks
  • 10-minute curbside pick-up zones

 

While these temporary initiatives were launched in response to specific needs during the pandemic, the City would like to collect public feedback on the successes and impacts of each initiative to assess possibilities for longer-term programs. The survey will remain open through September 20. (Participating businesses are being surveyed separately.)

 

More information about each initiative, as well as goals and objectives of the program, can be found at www.ashevillenc.gov/AVLSharesSpace.

Stickwork by Patrick Dougherty at Biltmore Estate
Sep 10 all-day
Biltmore

Unique outdoor sculptural works by environmental artist Patrick Dougherty, known as “Stick Man,” will reside in Antler Hill Village. Renowned worldwide for his monumental creations, Dougherty weaves saplings and branches into intricate artworks, fashioning whimsical forms ranging from gigantic snares and cocoons to sculptural interpretations of notable buildings. The visual appeal of these large-scale artworks may be appreciated up close as guests are encouraged to walk through and around the creations, affording the opportunity to admire the artistry and technical skills required to make the sculptures.

Support ACT and SAVE on products you need!
Sep 10 all-day
Online

Want to save money and support your community organizations at the same time? Join the Target Circle Rewards Program! Members have the chance to vote for a local non-profit whenever they shop at Target between now and September 30.

Join today at target.com/circle and vote for ACT! It’s the easiest way to support ACT and save on products you need!

Tarzan Train
Sep 10 all-day
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Tarzan Train

 

Our train and canopy combo trip will start in Bryson City at the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad train depot. You will ride through the Smoky Mountains, along Fontana Lake and up into the Nantahala Gorge. On your 2 hour train ride, watch paddlers challenge the rapids on the Nantahala River. A delicious Deli Sandwich lunch is included. At the top-of-the-line, you will disembark the train and travel a short distance to Wildwater’s Nantahala Gorge Canopy Tours.

The original zipline canopy tour in Western North Carolina, Wildwater’s Nantahala Gorge Canopy Tours offers 13 different zip lines and 8 sky bridges. Our two highest platforms have unbelievable views of Clingman’s Dome, Fontana Lake and waterfalls. This gliding experience, naturally fueled by a gradual elevation change, takes you through multiple ecosystems, past hemlocks, into hardwoods and through a deciduous forest packed with native flowering plants. All Canopy Tour Rangers are trained to – and all courses are built and inspected to – ACCT Standards to provide for your well-being and fun. This is a great experience for families.

After enjoying the fully guided zip line tour, check out your photos and buy a t-shirt in Wildwater’s store. Your adventure will end later in the afternoon back at your car in Bryson City, NC. All transportation is included.

Members of your party who can’t – or don’t want to – go on the canopy tour can ride the train round trip. You’ll all meet up shortly after the train’s return in Bryson City, NC.

Victoria: The Forgotten Town Walking Tour
Sep 10 all-day
Online w/ Western North Carolina Historical Association
Contained by its larger growing neighbor (Asheville), the French Broad and Swannanoa rivers, and the Southern Railway line, the Town of Victoria existed from 1887 until 1905, when it was absorbed into Asheville. The community—which included the Smith-McDowell House and Fernihurst mansion—originally incorporated into a town to prevent unwanted development (particularly from the Vanderbilts).
YMI Cultural Center Business Incubation
Sep 10 all-day
online

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YMICC is committed to economic development and entrepreneurship for Black individuals and communities. Through this program entrepreneurs will receive six (6) months to one (1) year of business incubation support that will include business development training, startup and capacity building funding, as well as, mentorship opportunities. We are interested in you and your business ideas.

YMI Cultural Center Workforce Development Program
Sep 10 all-day
online

The “HMMM” (Hospitality, Medical, Manufacturing, Municipality) workforce training initiative and business development program is designed to support participants with training to build technical and workforce skills. The expansion of this program is “Operation Gateway” which provides a “circle of support” that addresses barriers to successful employment.  In this program participants will receive wraparound services along their pathway to the workplace. This circle of services includes childcare, transportation, financial support, guidance, and re-entry skill development (e.g., resume-building and interviewing).

YWCA: 21-Day Racial Equity and Social Justice Challenge
Sep 10 all-day
Online w/ YWCA

What is the 21 Day Racial Equity & Social Justice Challenge?

Many people are becoming newly aware of how systemic racism and violence are impacting people of color. Even if you are new to the conversation, that is OK. Our 21 Day Challenge is designed to create dedicated time and space to build more effective social justice habits, particularly those dealing with issues of race, power, privilege, and leadership. Participants who sign up for the Challenge will receive daily tasks via email to help foster their understanding and awareness, with activities such as reading an article, listening to a podcast, or reflecting on personal experience. If you’ve already completed this version of the challenge (released in March of this year) with us in the past please know that our challenge is designed to be taken multiple times by selecting different daily challenges in order to expand what you have previously learned.

Our next challenge starts on Monday, September 6th, and continues (Monday –Friday) through October 1st.

Sharing Life. Saving Lives. Donate Blood
Sep 10 @ 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
The Blood Connection

We are Asheville’s Community Blood Center.

 

We’re proud to call Western North Carolina home. Our dedicated staff work and live in the area, just like you. Whether you’re here for the breath-taking mountain views or the cooler weather, we’re glad you’re here to help us save the lives of your neighbors.

Our centers are the perfect places to give back and kick back. Open every day, yes weekends too, makes it easy to fit donating into your schedule.

You could probably use a little peace, and every Blood Connection center offers that. Clean, spacious, and comfortable, a center getaway may be exactly what you need…it’s exactly what 3 blood recipients need too.

Every donation has the power to save up to 3 lives. Every 2 seconds, someone in the U.S. is in need of a life-saving blood transfusion. You’re 1 person who can make a difference!

Flood Damage? Dedicated Call Center and Resources
Sep 10 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Buncombe County

As our local leaders are assessing the damage to Buncombe County in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Fred, Buncombe County Emergency Services is standing up a call center to connect residents to resources and information. To assist with disaster recovery, Buncombe County has activated a dedicated line for those impacted.

An Emergency Services Call Center is now available at (828) 844-5455.

The number will be answered Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., with an afterhours voicemail option. Our team will collect information and connect residents to resources if possible, including State Emergency Management or FEMA should they make a declaration for Buncombe County.

In addition, affected residents have the following supports:

  • For stream damage, contact Buncombe County Soil and Water Conservation District at 828-250-4785.
  • For crop loss please, contact the Farm Service Agency at (828) 649-9099, ext. 2.
  • For building/structural damage in Buncombe County, please call the Buncombe County Permits & Inspections Department at (828) 250-5360. Structural damage should also be reported to an individual’s insurance company as soon as possible.
  • For a flood assessment to a building or structure, contact the Buncombe County Floodplain Administrator at (828) 250-4830 or email contact information to [email protected].
  • For City of Asheville sidewalk repairs or maintained streets, call (828) 259-5852. Residents can upload service requests to the Asheville App, a free app compatible with Android and Apple devices. Or click the “report issues” icon on the City of Asheville website.
  • For damage to state maintained roads, call  (828) 298-0390 or call 511.
  • Call 211.
  • Find a Community Market.
  • For building/structural damage in the Asheville City limits, please call the City of Asheville Building Safety Division at (828) 259-5967 or email contact information to [email protected]. Structural damage should also be reported to an individual’s insurance company as soon as possible.
  • For a flood assessment to a building or structure within the Asheville City limits, contact the City of Asheville Floodplain Administration, Nancy Watford at (828) 450-8317 or email contact information to [email protected].

Flooding and Public Health

When addressing the impacts of flooding, residents and businesses should be aware of the dangerous health impacts of flooding. Proper assessment of wells and septic systems as well as cleaning and moisture removal remain key to eliminating threats to the public’s health. Please reference What to Do After the Flood by the EPA to learn more about considerations for well and pump safety after a flood event.

Power outages can also create food safety issues for homes and businesses. When the refrigerator goes out and you are concerned about food safety, please reference the Environmental Health Preparedness Manual to learn more about food safety before, during, and after a weather event.

Many thanks go out to our emergency services personnel and first responders, who worked all night to keep our community and neighbors safe during this dangerous storm.

HawkWatch
Sep 10 @ 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Grandfather Mountain

All throughout September, guests are invited to join the mountain’s naturalists as they count and celebrate the annual spectacle of the fall raptor migration. Participants can meet daily across the Mile High Swinging Bridge on Linville Peak, weather permitting.

Hendersonville Farmers Market
Sep 10 @ 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Hendersonville Farmers Market

The market will take place every Saturday from May 8-Oct 30, 8am-1pm at the Historic Train Depot on Maple Street in downtown Hendersonville.
Shoppers can expect at least 30 vendors, live music and kids activities every Saturday. We are a producer-only market, so all vendors are offering homegrown or handmade products!
We’ll be offering Double SNAP again this year, so come double up on your SNAP/EBT dollars (thanks to Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project)!
All vendors accept cash. A few vendors accept card. If you don’t have cash, come to the Information Booth to pay with a card for tokens. All vendors will accept tokens.
For more information about the market, or to become a sponsor, volunteer or vendor, visit downtownhendersonville.org or contact the market manager at [email protected].
Hendersonville Farmers Market is sponsored by:
Hendersonville Community Coop
Carolina Farm Credit
Duke Energy
Charlotte Sheppard, REALTOR, Keller Williams Mountain Partners
GiveSmart
One Health Direct Primary Care
Underground Baking Co
Power Networking
Sep 10 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 am
Henderson County Chamber of Commerce
The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Power Networking meeting that offers Chamber members the opportunity to grow their networks. Members will be separated into groups and allowed two and a half minutes (2:30) to explain their business to others in their group, exchange business cards and other information. Everyone will switch groups and start all over again with a different group of Chamber members with all groups finishing at the same time. Bring enough business cards and information for all participants (approximately 20 people).
Due to the spread of the COVID-19 Delta Variant we encourage mask wearing and adherence to pandemic safety protocols. Staff will be masked and tables will be set to allow appropriate social distancing. Golden Rule also applies.
The Learning Garden Opens to the Public
Sep 10 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Buncombe Extension Center
The Learning Garden at Buncombe Extension Center
Vegetable gardening at The Learning Garden

Visit The Learning Garden! The gardens are in full summer mode with ripening tomatoes, blooming roses, giant sunflowers, and many other perennials and plants of interest.

The Learning Garden is a dedicated, on-site teaching garden at the Buncombe Extension Center located at 49 Mt. Carmel Road, Asheville. It is managed and cared for by the Extension Master GardenerSM volunteers (EMGVs) of Buncombe County.

Everyone is welcome to visit the gardens Monday and Wednesday mornings from 9 to 12 when temperatures are cool and Master Gardeners are working in the gardens. Or come visit on your own Monday through Friday, 8 to 5.

The Learning Garden (TLG) surrounds the Extension building, includes 8 distinct gardens, and a composting demonstration site. Each garden offers plants that grow well in our region. You will gather new ideas and learn successful horticultural practices that lead to beautiful, healthy gardens.

Look for plant labels in the garden. Find more information and brochures at the kiosk near the building and in the garden mailboxes.

GARDENERS ARE IN THE GARDEN.

Wild Art Sculpture Showcase
Sep 10 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
NC Arboretum

The North Carolina Arboretum is going wild for art and nature in 2021 with Wild Art! On view April 1 through September 26, this outdoor sculpture exhibition features works by 17 local and national artists drawing inspiration from the natural environment. Situated throughout the Arboretum’s spacious, open-air gardens, the show offers guests a doorway into the wild world from the comfort and safety of cultivated landscapes transformed by art.

The 18 sculptures on display represent a variety of approaches to the theme of “wild art,” from the literal to the abstract, and are crafted from a diverse array of materials that will delight and inspire. Let your imagination take you on a wild journey into the world of plants and animals near and far with Wild Art at The North Carolina Arboretum.

The exhibit is available to all guests during normal Arboretum hours, and there is no admission cost to view the sculptures beyond our usual parking fee of $16 per personal vehicle.

WNC Farmers Market Open Daily
Sep 10 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
WNC Farmers Market

NCDA&CS - Marketing Division - Western North Carolina Farmers Market

With the convenience of being open year-round, 7 days a week, the WNC Farmers Market offers a selection of farm-fresh produce at the lowest prices in Western N.C. Our popular retail buildings, providing a selection of non-perishables, fruits, vegetables, crafts and more, are open daily.

Citizen Vinyl is open for Private Events!
Sep 10 @ 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Citizen Vinyl

Located in the heart of downtown Asheville, North Carolina, and open to the public this Fall. Host your company dinner or private party at Citizen Vinyl today.

Fall Plant Sale
Sep 10 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Bullington Gardens
NC Mountain State Fair
Sep 10 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 pm
Western North Carolina Agricultural Center Fletcher, NC

NC Mountain State Fair

The NC Mountain State Fair is the third-largest fair in North Carolina. The Fair runs from September 10th – 19th, 2021 at the Western North Carolina Agricultural Center. It celebrates the heritage of the Blue Ridge Mountains, including agriculture, music, crafts, art, food, entertainment, display of livestock, competitions, & midway amusement rides. Check the website for hours, price of admission, tickets, Special Promotions, Discount Days, and much more! http://www.wncagcenter.org/p/mountainstatefair  For more information call 828-687-1414

We need your help! Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County
Sep 10 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Online
Our Time Traveling Gala is our primary source of funding for our Preservation Grant Program. With this event being canceled for the 2nd year in a row, we need your help!  We are currently just $6000 shy of our funding goal for 2021 preservation grants.  To ensure we can continue to fund community preservation efforts, we need your support now.
Your gift will be put to work right away funding our current grant round with funds to be awarded in October.
Thank you for your continued support!
Biltmore Gardens Railway
Sep 10 @ 9:30 am – 6:00 pm
Biltmore

Included with admission

Our fun-for-all-ages botanical model train displays invite you to experience our grounds in an engaging new way. Located in the Conservatory in the Walled Garden, the displays feature replicas of structures connected with Biltmore and its founder George Vanderbilt. Each beautifully executed piece was handcrafted from such natural elements as leaves, bark, and twigs.

In compliance with state and local mandates related to COVID-19, all guests must enter the Conservatory via the ADA entrance in the back and follow a one-way route.

Biltmore: Stickwork by Patrick Dougherty
Sep 10 @ 9:30 am – 6:00 pm
Biltmore

Image result for Stickwork by Patrick Dougherty

Included with admission

A unique-to-Biltmore, large-scale outdoor sculpture will be crafted and installed in Antler Hill Village this spring by Patrick Dougherty. Over the last three decades, this internationally-acclaimed artist has combined his carpentry skills and love of nature to build over 300 of these wondrous works, captivating the hearts and imaginations of viewers worldwide.

Image: Close Ties (2006) Scottish Basketmakers Circle, Dingwall, Scotland. Photo: Fin Macrae
NOTE: This is an example of Patrick Dougherty’s work; the artist will create Biltmore’s unique structure in Antler Hill Village this spring.

Summer at Biltmore
Sep 10 @ 9:30 am – 6:00 pm
Biltmore

See the source image

Summer at Biltmore offers an abundance of opportunities to explore our 8,000-acre Blue Ridge Mountain backyard and create the kind of memories that last a lifetime. Wander through historic gardens, along winding trails, and within the spacious halls of America’s Largest Home®. Enjoy extraordinary experiences and peace of mind in one spectacular setting: only at Biltmore.

Aston Park Tennis Center
Sep 10 @ 10:00 am – 7:30 pm
Aston Park Tennis Center
people playing on the courts at aston park tennis center

 

Asheville Parks & Recreation is pleased to announce the opening of Aston Park Tennis Center on April 1 for the 2021 season.  The tennis facility will be open seven days a week with two sessions of court availability — a morning session from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and an afternoon session from 3 to 7:30 p.m. with a one-hour break for midday cleaning.

Visitors can expect some changes to typical operations to meet current state and local health guidelines including enhanced cleaning, social distancing and mandatory mask wearing except while actively engaged in tennis activity on the court.  The Pro Shop will remain closed to foot traffic, however basic tennis supplies, drinks, and racquet drop-off for restringing will be available at the window.  Court fees will also be accepted at the window by credit card only and water fountains and showers will not be available.

 

Tennis Center prices are the same as they were in 2019, with hourly rates beginning at $6 and $7 and season passes starting at $299 and $399 for City of Asheville residents.  For more information and to purchase a season pass, visit the City’s Parks & Recreation website at www.ashevillenc.gov/parks.

 

The Aston Park Tennis Center, 336 Hilliard Ave.,  is one of the finest public clay tennis court facilities in the US.  The complex is open from April through November and offers 12 lighted courts for play.

 

The City of Asheville Parks & Recreation Department is committed to providing quality facilities and programs in a safe environment for everyone in our community.  For more information about everything Asheville Parks & Recreation offers, visit the website at www.ashevillenc.gov/parks,  Facebook page at www.facebook.com/APRCA or call 828-259-5800.

BLACK + WHITE 4
Sep 10 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Folk Art Center

Main Gallery show featuring members of the Southern Highland Craft Guild.

Broom Making Demo
Sep 10 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
the Moses Cone Manor

Peter Werner will be demonstrating how he turns broomcorn and heavy string into useful brooms for the home.

This demonstration will be held on the front porch of the the Moses Cone Manor from 10am-4pm.

Visitors are encouraged to watch and ask questions while the demonstrators work and talk about their creative process!

Call ahead in the event of changes (828) 295-2049, or check our Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/shcgmosescone for updates.

Financial Series
Sep 10 @ 10:00 am – 12:30 pm
online

Take advantage of a discounted Financial Series Pass.

Our Financial Series is made up of two distinct classes that, when taken in order, comprehensively cover the basic financial skills and tools that every entrepreneur needs to start and run a successful business.

Tickets for each class can be purchased individually, but if you know you want to attend both classes, we recommend purchasing a discounted Financial Series Pass.

Classes included in the Financial Series:

Financial Tools, September 10 + 17 – Financial Tools will introduce you to the tools to understand the basics of business finance so you can make informed decisions on how to organize and manage your business finances. Topics discussed are record keeping; bookkeeping; accounting; creating, understanding and using financial statements and reports. Individual Price: $50

Intro to QuickBooks Online, September 24 + October 1 – this class provides an overview of QuickBooks and the different subscription levels, and will teach you how to navigate the dashboard and explore the reporting feature to generate reports that can be customized to your needs. When you complete this class, you’ll know the best ways to get around, enter day-to-day transactions, get the information you need out of QuickBooks, and powerful report tools that’ll help your business make good decisions. Individual Price: $25

Financial Series Pass: $60

Financial Tools (Virtual Class)
Sep 10 @ 10:00 am – 12:30 pm
online

This 2-Day class is the first in our Financial Series

Financial Tools will introduce you to the basic financial management principles that all small business owners should know. Participants will walk away with the tools to understand the basics of business finance so they can make informed decisions on how to organize and manage their business finances.  Topics discussed are record keeping; bookkeeping; accounting; creating, understanding and using financial statements and reports.

Class will be held virtually via videoconferencing platform, and be held over two sessions in two weeks, for a total of 5 hours of training.

Class Price: $50

Dates:
Day 1 – Friday, September 10th
Day 2 – Friday, September 17th

Time: 10AM to 12:30PM

This is a virtual class that will take place via Zoom. Videoconferencing details will be sent upon registration. Please email [email protected] with any questions or concerns.

We recommend following up the Financial Tools Class with the Intro to QuickBooks Online class. Take advantage of a Financial Series Pass to attend both Financial Tools and QuickBooks Online for a discount.

New in the Focus Gallery- “Sparkle”
Sep 10 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Folk Art Center

Sparkle – Aug. 7 – Nov. 9, 2021

1 Dawn Hinesley – Jones – glass
2 Teresa Hays –wearable textile
3 Robin Ford – wall textile (batik)
4 Erin Janow – clay
5 Jason Janow – jewelry

Volunteer for the Eliada Corn Maze
Sep 10 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Elida Homes
Eliada’s Annual Corn Maze is the agency’s single largest fundraiser. Through your volunteer support, you are directly impacting the lives of vulnerable children in our community.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer roles range from:
  • Maintaining our beautiful corn maze trails!
  • Hosting one of our many attractions including the jumping pillow or the slides!
  • Picking corn from the maze for our Corn Cannons!
  • Helping with Check-In and merchandise sales!
*If you have specific needs related to a physical disability be sure to let us know and we will be happy to accommodate you in your role assignment.
Volunteer Perks
  • Shifts are two hours long, and you’re free to sign up for multiple shifts!
  • You will receive a snack & refreshment after your shift!
  • FREE ticket to visit Maze!
Group Volunteer Opportunities
If you are a part of a community or church group and are interested in volunteering as a team, we’d love to have you! Contact our Resource Development Officer Rebecca Boline, at [email protected] or (828) 254-5356 x306 to get your volunteer group signed up today!
Restrictions
We ask that volunteers be 18+ years of age. Besides that, we have no other requirements for volunteering-just your commitment to lending two helping hands and a great attitude during your shift!