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 Kiwanis Club of Black Mountain-Swannanoa is presenting its first Field of Honor®. A field of American flags dedicated to military and first responders will be flying from September 11 – September 30th at the lot between the Black Mountain United Methodist Church and Harwood Home for Funerals (200 W. State Street, Black Mountain, NC 28711). An opening ceremony will be held on Monday, September 11 at 1:00 at the field location and a closing ceremony will take place at 11:00 on September 30 to retire the flags. All funds raised by this event will be distributed to non-profit organizations and used for scholarships in the Black Mountain/Swannanoa area. Donations can be made at: https://www.healingfield.org/blackmountainnc23
The Kiwanis Club of Black Mountain-Swannanoa is presenting its first Field of Honor®. A field of American flags dedicated to military and first responders will be flying from September 11 – September 30th at the lot between the Black Mountain United Methodist Church and Harwood Home for Funerals (200 W. State Street, Black Mountain, NC 28711). An opening ceremony will be held on Monday, September 11 at 1:00 at the field location and a closing ceremony will take place at 11:00 on September 30 to retire the flags. All funds raised by this event will be distributed to non-profit organizations and used for scholarships in the Black Mountain/Swannanoa area. Donations can be made at: https://www.healingfield.org/blackmountainnc23
Join the Asheville Museum of History (AMoH) Wednesday, September 20 at 9AM as we hike to a former mica mine near Burnsville, North Carolina. This event is free but registration is required. Carpooling is necessary as parking is limited.
Join us as we explore the geologic and human history of mining in the Spruce Pine region. We are led by Dr. William Miller, a geologist, and Trevor Freeman, public programs director for the Asheville Museum of History. Local resident John Bennett may join us to discuss some his family history and more about the local mines nearby.
The Mine
The Ray Mine is located in one of scores of igneous rock bodies in the Spruce Pine mining district which began as magmas that were injected into an existing bedrock formation known as the Ashe Metamorphic Suite 375-400 million years ago. The intrusion is made of coarsely crystalline granodiorite which is composed of feldspar, quartz, and muscovite mica, plus lesser amounts of other minerals, including tourmaline, beryl, and apatite.
The Ray was sporadically mined mainly for high quality muscovite from about 1867 until the 1940s. Compared to its sister intrusions currently being mined for high purity quartz and feldspar in Spruce Pine, the Ray is rather puny but one of few designated mineral collecting localities in the National Forest where visitors are allowed to take home the minerals they find on the ground surface and can easily carry.
Nine small shafts/cuts occur at the mine, but they are either partially fenced off and filled with rubble or overgrown with vegetation. The mine site now looks like most other nearby hills but with mineral and rock specimens strewn about.
Details:
Meet: We will carpool from the Roses parking lot in the center of Burnsville, departing at 9:00 AM at the SE corner of US 19E and Reservoir Road intersection. Parking is very limited at the trailhead.
Return to Roses: Approximately 12noon
Hike Length: Approximately 1 mile total, out and back.
Hike Difficulty: Moderate (using National Park Service metric) but rocky
*This is a backcountry hike in a remote area. Please do not attempt if you are unsure of your ability.*
*With a small trailhead parking area, we are limited to 5 vehicles. Please let us know if you prefer to be a driver or passenger when you sign the waiver form*
*Participants may wish to carpool to the initial meeting location at Roses in Burnsville, NC. You will be asked about your preference upon registration, and those interested will be put in contact with one another*
What to Bring:
- Backpack
- Plenty of water (1 liter)
- Bagged lunch or snacks
- Hiking boots or comfortable trail shoes
- Weather-appropriate clothing (preferably no cotton)
- Sunscreen
- Hiking poles (optional)
- Hat (recommended)
- Any needed medications.
- You may collect some mineral and rock specimens but only as much as you can carry in your pockets.
- If you bring and use a rock hammer, always wear safety glasses and do not break rocks when other, unprotected people are nearby.
Rain Date: In the event of inclement weather, participants will be notified in advance, no later than 8PM the evening prior if the event is to be rescheduled.
Tickets: This is a free event but registration and emergency contact waiver is required.
*Waiver and Emergency Contact: Registrants must fill out the emergency contact form in advance: https://forms.gle/iQpZAg3Q1RdcCZ1a8
Hike Leaders:
Dr. William Miller is a licensed professional geologist and a professor emeritus at UNC Asheville where he was a professor of environmental studies. Miller focuses on metals, ores, and the geology of the Blue Ridge. He has served on several state and professional boards relating to mining and geology. He has also led several hikes to the Ray Mine.
This hike is co-led by Trevor Freeman, AMoH public programs director. He has an MA in American history and is interested in both Appalachian and environmental history. He is also wilderness first aid/CPR certified.
For questions, please contact Trevor Freeman at [email protected]
(Image: UNCA students on a hike to the Ray Mine with Dr. Miller; An unidentified mica mine in North Carolina, courtesy Forest History Society)
This life-saving, two-hour
workshop is open to everyone in
our WNC community, free of
charge. Wednesday, September
20, 11am – 1pm (over lunch).
We’ll provide the pizza to all
participants.
If you are an employer please talk to your employees
about attending. If you are and employee, please talk to
your supervisor about attending. Suicide, while
disproportionately affects our Veteran population, the
entire country is in crisis.
Just like CPR, QPR is an emergency response to someone in
crisis
TRAINING WILL COVER
• How to Question, Persuade, and Refer someone who
may be suicidal
• How to get help for yourself or learn more about
preventing suicide
• The common causes of suicidal behavior
• The warning signs of suicide
• How to get help for someone in crisis
QPR is the most widely taught Gatekeeper training in the
world.
The Kiwanis Club of Black Mountain-Swannanoa is presenting its first Field of Honor®. A field of American flags dedicated to military and first responders will be flying from September 11 – September 30th at the lot between the Black Mountain United Methodist Church and Harwood Home for Funerals (200 W. State Street, Black Mountain, NC 28711). An opening ceremony will be held on Monday, September 11 at 1:00 at the field location and a closing ceremony will take place at 11:00 on September 30 to retire the flags. All funds raised by this event will be distributed to non-profit organizations and used for scholarships in the Black Mountain/Swannanoa area. Donations can be made at: https://www.healingfield.org/blackmountainnc23
The Kiwanis Club of Black Mountain-Swannanoa is presenting its first Field of Honor®. A field of American flags dedicated to military and first responders will be flying from September 11 – September 30th at the lot between the Black Mountain United Methodist Church and Harwood Home for Funerals (200 W. State Street, Black Mountain, NC 28711). An opening ceremony will be held on Monday, September 11 at 1:00 at the field location and a closing ceremony will take place at 11:00 on September 30 to retire the flags. All funds raised by this event will be distributed to non-profit organizations and used for scholarships in the Black Mountain/Swannanoa area. Donations can be made at: https://www.healingfield.org/blackmountainnc23
The Kiwanis Club of Black Mountain-Swannanoa is presenting its first Field of Honor®. A field of American flags dedicated to military and first responders will be flying from September 11 – September 30th at the lot between the Black Mountain United Methodist Church and Harwood Home for Funerals (200 W. State Street, Black Mountain, NC 28711). An opening ceremony will be held on Monday, September 11 at 1:00 at the field location and a closing ceremony will take place at 11:00 on September 30 to retire the flags. All funds raised by this event will be distributed to non-profit organizations and used for scholarships in the Black Mountain/Swannanoa area. Donations can be made at: https://www.healingfield.org/blackmountainnc23
The Kiwanis Club of Black Mountain-Swannanoa is presenting its first Field of Honor®. A field of American flags dedicated to military and first responders will be flying from September 11 – September 30th at the lot between the Black Mountain United Methodist Church and Harwood Home for Funerals (200 W. State Street, Black Mountain, NC 28711). An opening ceremony will be held on Monday, September 11 at 1:00 at the field location and a closing ceremony will take place at 11:00 on September 30 to retire the flags. All funds raised by this event will be distributed to non-profit organizations and used for scholarships in the Black Mountain/Swannanoa area. Donations can be made at: https://www.healingfield.org/blackmountainnc23
To honor and celebrate the rich history of environmental stewardship at Chimney
Rock State Park, join us for an after hours sunset hike to the top of the Chimney
with one of the original stewards of the park. Along the way, we will place the
Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail marker on this newly designated trail.
Note: This trail is considered difficult.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
Join us in a toast at Chimney Rock Brewing Company to commemorate the newly designated Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail and honor our volunteers. After the toast, stick around for a campfire with s’mores and ghost stories! No registration required.
The Kiwanis Club of Black Mountain-Swannanoa is presenting its first Field of Honor®. A field of American flags dedicated to military and first responders will be flying from September 11 – September 30th at the lot between the Black Mountain United Methodist Church and Harwood Home for Funerals (200 W. State Street, Black Mountain, NC 28711). An opening ceremony will be held on Monday, September 11 at 1:00 at the field location and a closing ceremony will take place at 11:00 on September 30 to retire the flags. All funds raised by this event will be distributed to non-profit organizations and used for scholarships in the Black Mountain/Swannanoa area. Donations can be made at: https://www.healingfield.org/blackmountainnc23
The Kiwanis Club of Black Mountain-Swannanoa is presenting its first Field of Honor®. A field of American flags dedicated to military and first responders will be flying from September 11 – September 30th at the lot between the Black Mountain United Methodist Church and Harwood Home for Funerals (200 W. State Street, Black Mountain, NC 28711). An opening ceremony will be held on Monday, September 11 at 1:00 at the field location and a closing ceremony will take place at 11:00 on September 30 to retire the flags. All funds raised by this event will be distributed to non-profit organizations and used for scholarships in the Black Mountain/Swannanoa area. Donations can be made at: https://www.healingfield.org/blackmountainnc23
The Kiwanis Club of Black Mountain-Swannanoa is presenting its first Field of Honor®. A field of American flags dedicated to military and first responders will be flying from September 11 – September 30th at the lot between the Black Mountain United Methodist Church and Harwood Home for Funerals (200 W. State Street, Black Mountain, NC 28711). An opening ceremony will be held on Monday, September 11 at 1:00 at the field location and a closing ceremony will take place at 11:00 on September 30 to retire the flags. All funds raised by this event will be distributed to non-profit organizations and used for scholarships in the Black Mountain/Swannanoa area. Donations can be made at: https://www.healingfield.org/blackmountainnc23
The Kiwanis Club of Black Mountain-Swannanoa is presenting its first Field of Honor®. A field of American flags dedicated to military and first responders will be flying from September 11 – September 30th at the lot between the Black Mountain United Methodist Church and Harwood Home for Funerals (200 W. State Street, Black Mountain, NC 28711). An opening ceremony will be held on Monday, September 11 at 1:00 at the field location and a closing ceremony will take place at 11:00 on September 30 to retire the flags. All funds raised by this event will be distributed to non-profit organizations and used for scholarships in the Black Mountain/Swannanoa area. Donations can be made at: https://www.healingfield.org/blackmountainnc23
The Kiwanis Club of Black Mountain-Swannanoa is presenting its first Field of Honor®. A field of American flags dedicated to military and first responders will be flying from September 11 – September 30th at the lot between the Black Mountain United Methodist Church and Harwood Home for Funerals (200 W. State Street, Black Mountain, NC 28711). An opening ceremony will be held on Monday, September 11 at 1:00 at the field location and a closing ceremony will take place at 11:00 on September 30 to retire the flags. All funds raised by this event will be distributed to non-profit organizations and used for scholarships in the Black Mountain/Swannanoa area. Donations can be made at: https://www.healingfield.org/blackmountainnc23
The Kiwanis Club of Black Mountain-Swannanoa is presenting its first Field of Honor®. A field of American flags dedicated to military and first responders will be flying from September 11 – September 30th at the lot between the Black Mountain United Methodist Church and Harwood Home for Funerals (200 W. State Street, Black Mountain, NC 28711). An opening ceremony will be held on Monday, September 11 at 1:00 at the field location and a closing ceremony will take place at 11:00 on September 30 to retire the flags. All funds raised by this event will be distributed to non-profit organizations and used for scholarships in the Black Mountain/Swannanoa area. Donations can be made at: https://www.healingfield.org/blackmountainnc23
Distance: 10.5 miles
Difficulty: Very strenuous (10+). 10+ mile hike with significant elevation change.
Cost: FREE for all participants (pre-registration is required)
Join the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy to celebrate our “For Love of Beer and Mountains” partnerships. This hike to Clawhammer Mountain, namesake of Highland Brewing Company’s seasonal Clawhammer Oktoberfest Lager, will be a long and strenuous 10+ mile trip along multi-use trails that traverse mountain bike, equestrian, and hiking trails as well as forest service roads. We will follow the trails up a steep climb along a creek, through wildflower patches and rich cove forest. From Clawhammer Cove to the summit, we will climb close to 1,900 feet to finish at 4,072 ft elevation. The cliff-top view at the summit offers scenic views of the Blue Ridge Parkway and Looking Glass in Pisgah National Forest.
This hike is part of our corporate partnership with Highland Brewing Company in Asheville, NC. Highland donates a portion of sales of seasonal releases during the “release party” at the Tasting Room in Asheville to support SAHC’s land and water conservation efforts, and we lead guided hikes for folks to experience and enjoy the natural landscapes for which these seasonal brews are named.
Please Note: There are a couple single log bridges, muddy areas, rocky and steep inclines and a chance of yellow jackets; SAHC wants to provide a fun and safe trip so please be aware of these conditions.
What To Bring: Hiking boots, hiking poles (optional), packed lunch, 2 liters of water, jacket/rain gear. Please dress in layers.
Dogs: Well-behaved dogs are welcome, but must be kept on a leash.
Leader: Katie Greer, AmeriCorps Community Engagement and Education member. For questions or more info, contact Katie at [email protected]
The Kiwanis Club of Black Mountain-Swannanoa is presenting its first Field of Honor®. A field of American flags dedicated to military and first responders will be flying from September 11 – September 30th at the lot between the Black Mountain United Methodist Church and Harwood Home for Funerals (200 W. State Street, Black Mountain, NC 28711). An opening ceremony will be held on Monday, September 11 at 1:00 at the field location and a closing ceremony will take place at 11:00 on September 30 to retire the flags. All funds raised by this event will be distributed to non-profit organizations and used for scholarships in the Black Mountain/Swannanoa area. Donations can be made at: https://www.healingfield.org/blackmountainnc23
A fundraising event for the Veterans Healing Farm. A fun filled evening to include Music, Comedy and More!
This year’s flight is dedicated to Captain Frederick M. Hall, USAF who was missing in action for over 54 years. His remains came home to Haywood County earlier this week where they were interned with full military honors. WNCSource partners with Blue Ridge Honor Flight to transport veterans, their travel companions and the public who attend the huge Welcome Home celebration at the airport on Saturday night.
Have you been wanting try a local hike, but don’t know where to begin? Join Buncombe County Parks & Recreation for scenic morning hikes close to home this fall. This Hike Series is a free four-pack of popular treks lead by Parks and Recreation Staff on weekday mornings. Explorers of all skill levels are invited to experience the fun of one hike, all four or somewhere in between. Space is limited to 15 hikers and advanced registration is necessary.
We will begin our hike at Charles D. Owen park parking lot where we will do a quick icebreaker and get prepped for the hike (we will have water and a few snacks available) PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN WATER BOTTLE TO FILL UP.
This hike runs along the pristine Swannanoa river. In addition to the river, there will be sightings of gorgeous rock formations, a rhododendron forest, flowers and a breathtaking bamboo forest. With ample natural shade from the surrounding hardwoods, guests will stay cool while walking along the mostly flat dirt trail.
Difficulty level: Beginner to intermediate.
Length: 5.3 miles
Elevation gain: 118 feet
Join a spooky storyteller as they guide you into the Appalachian woods with chants of folklore.
Join a spooky storyteller as they guide you into the Appalachian woods with chants of folklore.
Have you been wanting try a local hike, but don’t know where to begin? Join Buncombe County Parks & Recreation for scenic morning hikes close to home this fall. This Hike Series is a free four-pack of popular treks lead by Parks and Recreation Staff on weekday mornings. Explorers of all skill levels are invited to experience the fun of one hike, all four or somewhere in between. Space is limited to 15 hikers and advanced registration is necessary.
We will begin our hike at Craggy Gardens Visitor Center parking lot where we will do a quick icebreaker and get prepped for the hike (we will have water and a few snacks available) PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN WATER BOTTLE TO FILL UP.
Featuring scenic overlooks of the enchanting Blue Ridge Mountains, clouds, wildflowers, and a meadow, this hiking loop promises a dreamy experience that will fill your imagination with wonder.
Difficulty level: Experienced beginner to intermediate.
Length: 2.20 miles
Elevation gain: 525 feet
Join a spooky storyteller as they guide you into the Appalachian woods with chants of folklore.
To thank those who have dedicated their lives to protecting our country, Dunkin’ is offering all active and retired military a free donut* on Veterans Day.
Current and former members of the military can stop by participating Dunkin’ restaurants nationwide on Saturday, November 11 to pick up a free donut on us.
This small token of our appreciation is part of a larger effort to support our troops. Dunkin’ has partnered with the United States Armed Forces through the brand’s Coffee for Our Troops program since 2003. Over the last two decades, Dunkin’ has donated more than 249,000 pounds of coffee to troops deployed overseas and has sent more than 12,000 pounds of coffee to active military members each year. Additionally, Dunkin’ has 32 locations serving military bases around the world. We are proud every day to serve those who bravely serve our country.
How will you salute those who serve our country? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok. To stay up to date on all things Dunkin’, sign up for our email news alerts at news.dunkindonuts.com/alerts.
* Limit one per guest while supplies last. No ID required. Offer available in-store only. Not available for orders placed using On-the-Go Mobile Ordering through the Dunkin’ Mobile App.
Special Events to Celebrate Local Veterans and Raise Awareness of Unique Challenges
For hundreds of years, brave Americans have been answering the nation’s call. These selfless individuals put their lives on the line no matter the political landscape or conflict that arises. We owe them an unpayable debt of gratitude for their past, present, and future service to our nation.
The Buncombe County Veterans Service Office is one of the best in the state of North Carolina, with a team of dedicated Veteran Services Officers (VSO) including Sherry Manning, Clint Cook (Air Force), Ivan Sarabia (Army), and Heath Smith (Marine Corps). The office provides a wide range of assistance to veterans and their dependents, including disability compensation, non-service-connected pension, survivor benefits, and more.
Counties play an important role in connecting veterans with supportive housing, employment and education resources, and mental health services that treat trauma and prevent suicide. Buncombe County is no exception. The Buncombe County Veterans Service Office provides a wide array of assistance to veterans and their dependents. This assistance includes disability compensation, non-service-connected pension, survivor benefits, and more.
We are thrilled to host a free screening of the movie “Veteran’s Battlefield” at 6 p.m. on Nov. 16 at the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, 18 Biltmore Ave., Asheville. North Carolina is home to around 700,000 veterans – the eighth largest veteran population in the nation. And with the fourth largest active-duty military presence nationwide, it stands to reason that our state needs to pay special attention to issues impacting our service members. From starting new careers to navigating a complex process to obtain earned benefits, shifting mindsets and establishing homes, it can be just too much for a person to bear… mental and physical health suffers… unemployment and even homelessness ensue. Yet, hope and help are alive in our counties. Veterans service officers in our communities are devoted to doing what they can to make life after the military the best it can be for our veterans.
The showing is free, and no tickets are required. The snack bar will be open and all are welcome to attend.
Supportive Veterans Resources:
If you are a veteran or know someone who is, please check into these great local resources for assistance.
Buncombe County Veterans Services
6th Floor
40 Coxe Avenue in Downtown Asheville
Monday – Friday 8 AM – 5 PM
(828) 250-5726
BCVS offers essential benefits assistance to Veterans and their families. Services include:
- Health Care
- Home Loans
- Life Insurance
- Education & Training
- Vocational Rehabilitation & Training
- Burial Benefits
- Dependent & Survivor Benefits
- Disability Benefits
Charles George VA Medical Center
1110 Tunnel Road in Asheville
Open 24/7 for your convenience
Main phone: 828-298-7911
Mental health care: 828-298-7911 x2519
The Charles George VA Medical Center offers comprehensive medical care to Veterans and their families, including mental health care services, urgent care visits, and clinical care scheduling. Visit their website for a comprehensive list of medical services and support services offered at the Charles George VA Medical Center.
Veterans Treatment Court
60 Court Plaza- 9th Floor
Buncombe County Courthouse
(703) 389-9918
Veterans Treatment Court is an alternative to the conventional criminal justice system in which Veterans who are struggling to acclimate back into civilian life and find themselves charged with an offense are met with the support, structure, and resources they need to settle into life after service.
Take time away in nature to breathe deep, relax, and immerse yourself in the beauty of our lovely Blue Ridge Mountains!
Enjoy a 2-mile round trip hike along an easy/moderate trail to a mountaintop with stunning views. Once there, we’ll share an hour of yoga for all levels at the summit as we take in the unbeatable, panoramic views and soak up the wide open space.
We’ll bring the mats. You bring your spirit of adventure!
Distance: 5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate (6/10)
Cost: Free for Members, $10 for non-members
Join us for a pleasant stroll through the Elk Hollow Preserve on the Everett J. Bowman Memorial Trail. The trail will lead us through beautiful forests of oaks, maples, and beech trees, as well as early successional meadows perfect for bird spotting. The Preserve boasts a bounty of rare wildlife, including Golden-winged Warblers, Southern Appalachian brook trout, and Gray’s lilies. Additionally, SAHC has installed a camping platform, intact trail system, and a moldering privy which will leave you excited to visit us again.
This hike is part of our “For Love of Beer and Mountains” partnership with Highland Brewing Company, celebrating the release of their Nuts and Volts coffee porter. The hike will be led by Katie Greer, SAHC’s Community Engagement and Education AmeriCorps member who will talk about the history of the tract.
The Elk Hollow Preserve is an hour and a half drive north of Asheville NC and an hour from Johnson City TN. Please plan accordingly!
FREE for SAHC members, $10 for non-members. If you are not a member but would like to become one, click here!
Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or require further details at [email protected]