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.
the City of Hendersonville will begin their fall bulk leaf collection service for City residents. Bulk leaf collection will continue throughout the fall season and conclude on December 30.
During bulk leaf collection, City residents should pile loose leaves as close to the street, curb, or sidewalk as possible without placing the leaves in the roadway or on the sidewalk. Leaves should not be bagged by City of Hendersonville residents.
Residents can help prevent safety hazards by keeping leaf piles out of the sidewalks. Obstructed sidewalks may force people to walk into the street and pose a danger for pedestrians and motorists. Keeping leaf piles out of the roadways and sidewalks also helps prevent debris from being washed into the storm drains which can cause flooding.
The bulk leaf collection process is separate from brush collection crews; therefore, residents will need to keep their brush and leaves in separate piles until bulk leaf collection has concluded at the end of the year. Leaf piles should be free of tree limbs or other objects that may damage collection equipment. Spring bulk leaf collection typically occurs during the month of March.
It is not necessary for the public to contact Public Works with leaf pick-up requests as this service is automatically provided to City residents. Leaf piles are picked up from homes every ten to fourteen days but, depending on the volume of leaves placed out for collection, the piles could be picked up sooner or later than that time frame.
After hearing feedback from the public on its Early Voting Plan around locations and weekend hours, Buncombe County Election Services has finalized 12 in-person early voting sites.
Early Voting Locations:
- Black Mountain Library – 105 N. Dougherty St., Black Mountain 28711
- Elections Warehouse – 50 Coxe Ave., Asheville 28801
- East Asheville Library – 3 Avon Road, Asheville 28805
- Enka-Candler Library – 1404 Sand Hill Road, Candler 28715
- Fairview Library – 1 Taylor Road, Fairview 28730
- Friendship Community Center – 142 Shiloh Road, Asheville 28803
- Leicester Community Center – 2979 New Leicester Highway, Leicester 28748
- North Asheville Library – 1030 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 28804
- South Buncombe Library – 260 Overlook Road, Asheville 28803
- Weaverville Community Center – 60 Lakeshore Drive, Weaverville 28787
- Wesley Grant Southside Center – 285 Livingston St., Asheville 28801
- West Asheville Library – 942 Haywood Road, Asheville 28806
North Carolina’s in-person early voting period begins Thursday, Oct. 20, and ends at 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5. See the attachment for dates, times, and locations in English, Spanish, and Russian.
Check Out the Wait Map before you head out for Early Voting
During scheduled Early Voting, Buncombe County offers a tool that tells you in real time how many voters are in line at each location. The wait map will only be available during Early Voting. Check it out here before you head out the door.
The General Election is Tuesday, Nov. 8 – here’s what you need to know
Absentee by mail
Voters may request absentee ballots any time through Nov. 1. Requested absentee ballots will begin going out in the mail on Friday, Sept. 9 and must be returned by Tuesday, Nov. 8 at 5 p.m. in person or Nov. 14 by mail (postmarked by Nov. 8). Request an absentee ballot at www.buncombecounty.org/vote.
Voter Registration
The deadline to register or change party affiliation for the midterm election is Friday, Oct. 14. Same-day registration will be available at in-person early voting locations. National Voter Registration Day is Tuesday, Sept. 20. Election Services Director Corinne Duncan will join the NC Trusted Elections Town Hall at A-B Tech’s Ferguson Auditorium, 6:30 p.m.
I Voted Sticker Contest
We’re extending the deadline for our I Voted sticker contest to Friday, Sept. 9, and the contest is now open to all Buncombe residents under age 18. Read more here.
Pollworkers Needed
Are you interested in earning money while helping support the democratic process? Being a poll worker is a rewarding way to help our community while supplementing your income. If this sound interesting, click here to learn more about the perks of working the polls, eligibility requirements, pay scales, and more.
Elections Q&A Sept. 29 at East Asheville Library
The Buncombe County Board of Elections, Election Services, and Buncombe County Public Libraries are teaming up to offer free Voting Q&A sessions.
- Thursday, Sept. 29 – 5 p.m. at the East Asheville Public Library, 3 Avon Road, Asheville
- Tuesday, Oct. 4 – 5 p.m. at the Leicester Library, 1561 Alexander Road, Leicester
- Thursday, Oct. 6 – 5 p.m. at the Skyland/South Buncombe Library, 260 Overlook Road, Asheville
If you have questions about the voting process, we have answers. How can I find my polling place? What’s the difference between a primary and a general election? How do I find a sample ballot? Do I need an ID to vote? Get answers to these questions and more. Learn about how elections work, how to exercise your right to vote, and tips to make the process faster and easier. Add the event to your calendar and get updates here.
For more information about voting in Buncombe County, go to www.buncombecounty.org/vote.
The Journeyperson Program is designed for farmers who have been independently farming for three or more years and are serious about operating farm businesses in the Southern Appalachian region. This program will give you the space and time to work on your business while making connections that deepen your peer-to-peer support.
Early bird discount: $100 off if you apply by September 1st, 2022.
Have you ever wondered how the team at Flat Rock Playhouse creates our unique productions like
West Side Story or Million Dollar Quartet?
Did you know that Flat Rock Playhouse provides arts education experiences to thousands of local students?
Would it surprise you that we maintain 12 acres of property and 12 working buildings?
Check out our Gift Registry for a back-stage sneak-peek of what goes into
building a show from scratch.
Our registry includes everything from hair products to lumber, class supplies to monthly utilities, laundry detergent to airline
tickets. We hope you’ll consider making a one-time, 100% tax-deductible donation to support these resources that truly make the magic happen. As a non-profit organization, Flat Rock Playhouse depends on ticket sales and meaningful gifts to bring you the thrill and joy of live theater.
Your unrestricted gift supports these example expenses as well as many, many more!
We couldn’t do it without you!
| The fall season is a time when many of us gather with our friends, families and loved ones for a variety of holidays and seasonal festivities. Often, these celebrations center around food, making it out of reach for so many people struggling to afford groceries, especially this year, with rising food costs making even a holiday turkey a distant luxury. Right now, MANNA and our partner network are still serving 68% more people than before the pandemic – many who are needing a hand for the first time. |
Now more than ever, MANNA FoodBank is dedicated to filling as many holiday tables as possible, and you can help us give thousands of households the gift of a holiday, of one less struggle, and a helping of hope. Please join our Virtual Turkey Drive – where we can stretch your donation further to get turkeys, hams, and holiday foods of all kinds for our neighbors across 16 western North Carolina counties. Together, we can make the holidays happen for the people who live and work right here at home, in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. |
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If you’re behind on your water bill or afraid your water might get cut off, a new resource might be able to help you. On Jan. 4, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners approved more than $450,000 in federal funding for the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP). The initiative is aimed at preventing water disconnections and helping reconnect drinking and wastewater services.
The LIHWAP will be administered by Buncombe County-based Eblen Charities. The nonprofit will make payments directly to utilities on behalf of qualifying households. The program is slated to run through Sept. 30, 2023 or until funds are exhausted.
Eligibility requirements
Households that currently receive Food and Nutrition Services (FNS), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Work First services, or those that received Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) services from Oct. 1, 2020-Sept. 30, 2021, are automatically eligible to receive this benefit if their water services have been cut off or are in danger of being cut off.
For additional eligibility information or to apply, please contact Eblen Charities at (828) 255-3066.
Are You Ready to Take the Challenge?
Are you looking for a challenge that will build your sustainability skills while helping the world around you? You’re in luck, October is Zero Waste Month! As defined by the Zero Waste International Alliance (ZWIA), “Zero Waste is the conservation of all resources by means of responsible production, consumption, reuse, and recovery of products, packaging, and materials without burning and with no discharges to land, water, or air that threaten the environment or human health.” These lifestyle changes and policy updates can not be implemented without special regard to social equity and environmental justice issues, so now is our time to fight with compassion and understanding for systemic change.
Here are your three easy steps to take the Zero Waste Challenge:
- Sign up by joining the challenge
- Subscribe to the Race to Zero Waste YouTube Channel to get action ideas from our expert interviews
- Share your zero waste actions on social media using the hashtag #ZeroWasteMonth
Participating businesses will receive a number of benefits:
- Recognition in our Pebbledash Newspaper, reaching 7500 homes twice a year
- Recognition in our monthly eBlast, reaching 2500 people
- Listing and link on PSABC website
- Early invitations and discounts to PSABC events
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TAPAAS for BCS EducatorsApply by November 18 | TAPAAS is an arts-integration program that implements high quality artist residencies to create craft and performance experiences across all curriculum. Since 2010, TAPAAS has impacted more than 9,000 students, trained over 55 artists, and provided more than 850 days of artists in residence. All teachers in the Buncombe County Schools district are welcome to apply — application opens October 17. |
Join us for a relaxing ride through quiet countryside on your way to small town life in western North Carolina on the Tuckasegee River Excursion. Departing from Bryson City, this 4 hour excursion travels 32 miles round-trip to Dillsboro and back to the Bryson City Depot. Pass by the famous movie set of The Fugitive starring Harrison Ford!
The Tuckasegee (tuck-uh-SEE-jee) River Excursion includes an 1 hour and 20 minute layover in the historic town of Dillsboro, where you’ll find more than 50 shops, restaurants, a brewery, and country inns. There is time to shop, snack, and visit the many unique shops before returning to Bryson City.
Could you be the pick of the patch? The WNC Nature Center is having a virtual costume contest this Halloween! Entering is easy – take a picture of your child, pet, and/or family in their Halloween costume and email it to [email protected]. All submissions are due by November 3. Voting will start November 7 on the Nature Center Facebook
Expanding its commitment to saving lives in local communities and beyond, The Blood Connection (TBC) is now giving blood donors the chance to lower CO2 emissions, create jobs in Africa, and empower women, all while donating blood with their community blood center. In October, TBC will partner with Forestmatic to plant one tree in Northeastern Uganda for every blood donor. TBC is asking for the community’s help to reach the goal of planting 20,000 trees, as part of a national goal in conjunction with other blood centers to plant 160,000 trees total. Twenty-two other blood centers are taking part in this campaign.
The trees included in this initiative will be planted in the Kijani Forest in the northeast region of Uganda by local farmers: 60% of whom are women, which will help create jobs and income for Ugandans. In addition, these trees will provide local communities with long-term access to resources like fuelwood, fruit, and timber, while also preventing soil erosion, increasing water retention, and improving soil fertility in Ugandan communities. For just one year of work, it is projected that participating farmers will see a $3,500 increase in their household income over ten years: a 400% increase compared to existing employment. In addition, it’s estimated that 23,000 trees offsets around 1455.9 tonnes of CO2e.
The attached press release contains more details about the initiative and how donors can see their planted trees. A video demonstration can be found by going to thebloodconnection.org/treeoflife.
Visit Grandad’s for the day and enjoy a variety of family fun activities on a 100-acre family farm and apple orchard located in Hendersonville NC near Asheville. Select pre-picked apples fresh off the trees daily from our bins or enjoy you-pick on select weekends. Starting in late September, in Grandad’s pumpkin patch you will find pumpkins and jack o’lanterns in every size and shape. At Grandad’s Barn and Country Store, you will find a great selection of fall harvest decorations, apple peelers, apple bakers, and other apple gifts. Come by our bakery where we have hot cider donuts all day along with apple pies, cookies, hot cider, apple cider slushies, and many other apple goodies to eat!
The WNC Farmers Market is the premier destination for buying and selling the region’s best agriculture products directly from farmers & food producers to household & wholesale customers in an environment that celebrates the region’s diverse culture, food & heritage.
House of Operation:
WNC Farmers Market: 24/7, 361 days a year market access for farmers
Office: Monday- Friday, 8am-5pm
Market Shops: 7 days a week, 8 am-5 pm
Wholesale and Truck Sheds: 7 days a week
- The Council on Aging of Buncombe County was formed in 1964 to address the needs of seniors in our community
- We provide essential support to people over 60 who need assistance with food, heat or a/c, and health care
- Our volunteers make this work possible– consider joining us today!
Our Mission Statement: Promote the Independence, dignity, and well-being of adults through service, education, and advocacy
We are looking for volunteers to work with low-income Medicare recipients as an unbiased, knowledgeable guide, providing education and assistance with navigating through the application process to help them receive much-needed assistance with the following programs:
- Medicare Part D Extra Help/Low-Income Subsidy (LIS)
- Medicare Savings Programs
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP – formerly known as Food Stamps)
- Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)
The safety of our clients is our highest priority. Here’s what’s required for this role:
- Clear criminal background check and driving record.
- Minimum $100,000/300,000 in auto liability coverage.
- Orientation and training with the Council on Aging.
- A reliable vehicle that will pass NC safety inspection.
Additionally, we are very flexible and will work with your schedule.
Who would make a strong candidate for this volunteer role?
- You care about seniors and want to support those who need help most
- A resident of Buncombe County, NC, or a nearby town.
- Someone willing to learn basic education about the Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC) and what benefits are available for lower-income Seniors.
- Someone willing to receive education about outreach, what larger events entail, and how to assist with these events.
- Someone willing to travel around Buncombe County and set up a table at outreach events, educating the community on the services offered at Council on Aging and the Benefits Enrollment Center.
- Someone able to assist clients with benefits applications and maintain awareness of changes to income guidelines.
If you want to help make a difference in the lives of real people right here in western North Carolina, we would love to welcome you on board as a volunteer.
The Justus Family has been growing delicious NC Apples in Hendersonville for more than Four Generations, our Fifth generation is now an active part of Justus Orchard as well. At our NC Apple Orchard, you will find U Pick or We Pick Apples, Blackberries, and Pumpkins Whether you choose to U Pick or We Pick, you can sample, mix and match to make sure go home with your favorite apples for eating or cooking. Review the apple varieties we grow and sell and their usual ripening times here.
We invite you to experience picking your own NC Apples, enjoy a day in the beautiful Western North Carolina Mountains, there is something for everyone and all ages. Tour the orchard picking apples, stop by the pond to see our ducks, visit the farm animals, let the kids take a ride on the Cow Train through the orchard, visit Apple House for pre-picked Apples, Honey, Jams, Jellies and Preserves and other homemade goodies. Visit the Bakery which offers our famous homemade Fried Apple Pies, Apple Cider Donuts, Apple Cider, Cider Slushies, Caramels, Apple Bread and more! You can also find fresh Mountain Cabbage, Sweet Potatoes and other local fall vegetables.
We look forward to having you visit one of the oldest U Pick or We Pick Apple Orchards in Western NC. We guarantee fresh apples, delicious baked good, beautiful views and wonderful hospitality!
Currently picking: Gala, Golden Delicious, Early Fuji, Mutsu, and a few Honeycrisp
Sky Top Orchard has been a family-owned & operated farm since 1967 when father and son duo Everette and David Butler planted the first trees on Mt. McAlpine, in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. For almost 60 years, Apple Dave and his wife Lindsey grew Sky Top from a small roadside tent into what it is today.
Built with love, sweat, and a lot of hard work, Sky Top has grown to include our hayride and bee train, the apple cannon, and of course, our famous apple cider doughnuts. But throughout the years, one thing stays the same: tradition. At Sky Top, we believe family and creating long-lasting memories is the most important part. We look forward to being a place for you to bring your families for years to come.
The Learning Garden offers the public the opportunity to Drop-In and Learn in the garden Topics include: Getting Your Roses Ready for Winter, Cover Crops
No registration required; just drop in and learn!
Old Kentucky Home -The Thomas Wolfe Memorial
American Novelist Thomas Wolfe (1900-1938)
Considered by many to be one of the giants of 20th-century American literature, Thomas Wolfe immortalized his childhood home in his epic autobiographical novel, Look Homeward, Angel. Wolfe’s colorful portrayal of his family, his hometown of “Altamont” Asheville, North Carolina, and “Dixieland” the Old Kentucky Home boardinghouse, earned the Victorian period house a place as one of American literature’s most famous landmarks.
House tours are offered daily at half past each hour. Last tour leaves at 4:30 pm.
Group tours by reservation.
Adult – $5.00
Student (ages 7-17) – $2.00
Adult Group (10+) – $2.50 each
Student Group – $2.00 each
6 & under – Free
Hours of Operation
Gay men’s coffee group meets every Wednesday at 88 Charlotte St.
We gather at 9:30a for stimulating conversation. Come join us!
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30
10am – 2pm
Our urban trees in Asheville are at a critical moment. Over the past decade, we have seen a tremendous increase in development in our area — trees, and ultimately our residents, are paying the price.
The math is simple. The more trees we keep around us, the more protected we are from the uncertainties of extreme weather and a changing climate. We know that we are losing too many trees to development. That’s why we offer private landowners the opportunity to adopt trees we grow in our nursery, as part of GreenWorks’ broader effort to protect and restore our urban forest. This tree adoption event is for Buncombe County residents to receive 1 tree to be planted on private residential property.
GreenWorks relies on financial support from our community to offer trees to Buncombe County residents for adoption. You can reserve your tree with a donation of any amount starting at $10 — if cost is a barrier to your participation, please call us at (828) 254-1776. It costs us roughly $100 annually and 3-4 years to grow each tree to the point it can be planted with the best chance to grow and thrive. On average, your future tree has received 100 hours of hands-on care by volunteers every year, since the time it was potted up as a seedling to the day you take it home with you! Your donation today helps to sustain nursery operations so that we continue to have trees for Buncombe County residents to adopt for generations to come, and it bolsters our capacity to work with low-wealth communities and communities of color who are disproportionately affected by tree loss, pollution and climate change.
This campaign is sponsored by Subaru and the ASPCA in an effort to unite animals in need of homes with new families. Blue Ridge Humane Society will receive a $100 grant up to the amount of $3,500 for each cat and dog adopted during this campaign. On Friday, October 21 st from 11 am until 5 pm, Blue Ridge Humane Society will be participating in the WLOS Pet Project located at Hunter Subaru in Fletcher, NC. During this major adoption event, we will
have adoptable dogs onsite and will also be offering discounted adoption fees. View all of Blue Ridge Humane Society’s adoptable animals by visiting www.blueridgehumane.org/adopt.
Closed for Lunch daily from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
The Blue Ridge Humane Society, Inc., is a 501(c)3 animal welfare organization started in 1950 and
dedicated to ensuring the highest quality of life for animals in Henderson County and our neighboring
communities. BRHS cares for pets awaiting adoption at the Adoption Center; offers low-cost
vaccine clinics, animal education programs, pet training classes, and youth education and projects;
coordinates community pet food assistance, emergency vet assistance, and the Spay Neuter Incentive
Program (SNIP), which is a collaboration with Henderson County, the City of Hendersonville, and the
Henderson County Animal Services Center.
New in 2022, The Learning Garden, located at the Cooperative Extension Office, 49 Mount Carmel Road will provide opportunities to Drop-In and Learn in the garden. Each month, selected gardens will offer demonstrations and programs, while all our gardens will be open to the public.
In addition, Extension Master GardenersSM will provide garden problem solving assistance. Feel free to bring questions and samples (plant and insect) during your visit to the Learning Garden.
October 26 demonstrations will be:
Wednesdays in the Learning Garden, October 26
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Recommended for Grades 1-12
Whether they’re performing daring maneuvers atop a precarious pagoda of chairs or displaying their technical prowess at trick-cycling, The Peking Acrobats push the limits of human ability, defying gravity and leaving your students inspired and amazed. Full of bright costumes, festival pageantry and traditional Chinese music, this thrilling cultural experience is one your class will never forget.
View the Peking Acrobats Study Guide here.
Prepare for your visit, learn about the theatre, and get the most out of each performance with this Guide to the Wortham Center.
Performance Length: 60 minutes
YWCA of Asheville is a nonprofit organization working to bridge gaps in education, health, childcare, and earning power for women and families in the Asheville region. The mission of the YWCA of Asheville is to eliminate racism; empower women; and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.
The YWCA indoor pool hosts a comprehensive Aquatics Program with activities for all ages, abilities, and interests.
Volunteer Roles and Responsibilities
- Join the fun in the pool as a swim assistant. Help children and adults learn the basics of floating, kicking, breathing, and diving.
- Support the Aquatics Program with behind-the-scenes administrative work or on-the-deck supervising
Time Commitment
- Flexible time commitment
Volunteer Requirements
- Background check
Limited Capacity: 12 Guests per Tour
A truly memorable experience featuring rare photo opportunities, this exclusive guided tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at the design and construction of Biltmore House in areas unavailable on the regular house visit. Imagine yourself a Vanderbilt (or cherished Vanderbilt guest) as you take in stunning views seen only from the house’s rooftop and balconies.
Advance reservation required. Tour includes 250 stairs with no elevator access. Wheelchairs, strollers, and baby backpacks are prohibited. Backpacks are not allowed on any guided tours. Guests are required to leave backpacks in a locker or in their vehicle. To participate in this tour, guest must have a daytime ticket, a Biltmore Annual Pass, or a stay at one of the estate’s splendid overnight properties.
Asheville Gallery of Art presents Judy Rentner’s rich, colorful paintings, during the month of October, in an exhibition titled ‘Nature’s Gems’. The opening reception will be held on Friday, October 7th from 5:00-8:00pm.
Of all of the seasons of the year, fall is the crescendo, the last burst of beauty before nature’s tones soften and become quiet in the winter months. Autumn colors are like precious gems: topaz, sapphires, emeralds, rubies…, an endless sparkling array of brilliance. Although an artist cannot compete with God’s creations, she can capture the awe-inspiring essence of a moment in time to share with her viewers. Judy is such an artist.
Judy Rentner has been painting the landscapes of Western North Carolina for 23 years and they continue to inspire her. Having lived in 10 different states from coast to coast, she still considers North Carolina one of the most beautiful. Although she has been painting most of her adult life, it was here that she found her creative style. Painting in oils, with a palette knife, enabled her to achieve the essence of a scene in light and color. Everything about the creative process is personal and many viewers find themselves drawn to Judy’s unique, inviting style.
A graduate of Ohio University, Judy Rentner did not pursue art until years later when she took workshops, in watercolor, from various artists. This was a pivotal time of discovery as she learned the skills needed to express her ideas in paint. She then experimented with different mediums producing work that was both realistic and abstract. Moving to North Carolina, she placed her work in galleries and taught classes in watercolor, acrylic, and oil. Currently, her passion lies in painting landscapes, with a palette knife, in oils. This technique has given her freedom of expression, using color to its fullest extent.
Judy’s work is represented in several galleries. Check out her website at www.judyrentner.com and be sure to drop by Asheville Gallery of Art this October to view her outstanding autumn paintings. The gallery is open from 11:00am until 6:00pm Monday through Sunday.
Her Painting Titles and writeup:
1. “Crossing into light”….My daughter, a photographer, went to Duke Gardens to “chase the light”. Normally I paint from my own sketches and photos, but this was so striking a scene, that it inspired me to capture it in oil.
2. “Sun Rise in the Mountains” was a combination of many scenes I have painted in our beautiful Smokey Mountains.
3 “Fall Treasure” This is a scene I captured in the Smokey Mountain National Park. Almost every fall I drive through the mountains of Western North Carolina searching for the right landscape. I do not have to go far as this is a painter’s paradise.
Capacity is limited.
Tasting room by reservation only. Make reservations in-person on the day of your Winery visit.
To participate in this activity, guest must have a daytime ticket, a Biltmore Annual Pass, or a stay at one of the estate’s splendid overnight properties.
Reservations are required for all wine tastings and must be made on the day of your visit. Because our complimentary wine tastings fill up quickly, we recommend you reserve your tasting when you arrive for your visit.