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.
A troupe of traveling actors are desperate to find their way home after many days on the road. Stranded and down on their luck, this commedia dell’arte troupe finally encounter a wealthy patron who promises them the money, but only if they improvise a play, to his liking, on the dauntingly large subject: The History of Man. The problem is the troupe is dysfunctional and has lost their ability to improvise. Nonetheless, they soldier on starting with the Garden of Eden through Everyman in birth, adolescence, marriage and death. Along the way they enact other wayward adventures such as the assassination of Julius Caesar and the homecoming of Odysseus. It is during the performance, the troupe rediscovers themselves and their art through a series of comical and sometimes heartwarming scenes.
Show Dates: October 3rd – 5th @ 7:30 pm
- Length of the fake movie trailers must be between 30-60 seconds.
- The fake movie trailers can be any of any genre, but must follow the rules and content guidelines to qualify (link below). Please stress this.
- It is open to all ages, and any resident of Western North Carolina.
- Submissions are now open and the deadline to submit a video is Sunday, November 10th at 11:59pm.
- Qualifying entries will be shared on our Facebook/Instagram pages and also will play in our pre-show entertainment before movies at our Merrimon movie theater.
- JURY AWARDS = $300 for 1st Place / $150 for 2nd Place / $100 for 3rd Place
- PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS = We’ll post all of the qualifying videos to both our Facebook and Instagram pages, and let the public vote on their favorites. The winners receive Asheville Brewing Co. gift cards.
Call for Volunteers!! We are grateful that the Bookwalter Binge Gran Fondo supports conservation of land and water resources — and we need YOUR help to make it happen. Binge volunteers enjoy fun and camaraderie while helping in a variety of ways, from course marshals to Binge party hosting.
Burial Beer’s much anticipated Forestry Camp is officially open! This culmination of like-minded makers is a celebration of the best bakers, coffee roasters, distillers, wine makers, artists, musicians, brewers, chefs and so much more. Located at 10 Shady Oak Dr., near Biltmore Village, Forestry Camp showcases these makers and elevates the products into their bar and restaurant. Chef Brian Canipelli (owner of Cucina 24, James Beard nominee) brings his skill and creativity to the kitchen with a seasonal, Appalachian-raised menu inspired by the traditions and spirit of the Basque Country. Check out more here – including the amazing tale of their historical location.
You might have heard about the need to recruit more foster parents in Buncombe County. “We currently have 300 kids in foster care in Buncombe County,” says Heather Hill-Pavone, Buncombe County Licensing Social Worker. “Only some of those kids get to stay in Buncombe County as we only have 100 licensed foster homes with BCHHS.” We need your help to let people in our community know about the upcoming Foster Parent Training Classes happening in 2020!
These courses begin the licensure process for becoming a foster parent. They are offered quarterly, for anyone in Buncombe County, who is interested in becoming a foster parent. While the next round of Foster Parent Training Classes starts on September 11, the classes for 2020 are NOW on the calendar! You can sign up by clicking this link.
2020 Schedule:
- Winter Classes: Jan 16, 2020 through Feb 20, 2020 (Thursdays) at Buncombe County Health and Human Services in Downtown Asheville
- Spring Classes: March 25, 2020 through April 29, 2020 (Wednesdays) at Biltmore Church in Arden, NC
- Summer Classes: June 2, 2020 through July 7, 2020 (Tuesdays) at Biltmore Church in Arden
- Fall Classes: September 14, 2020 through October 19, 2020 (Mondays) at Buncombe County Health and Human Services in Downtown Asheville
Buncombe County Recreation Services has opened the 2019-2020 cycle of Community Recreation Grants. The grants focus on supplemental funding for qualified organizations to promote innovative, inclusive, and sustainable recreational, fitness, and health and wellness initiatives within Buncombe County as well as community-based activities and capital improvements that increase recreational opportunities for the communities served. Grants may range in amount from $500-$6,000, depending on funding available and the number of qualifying applicants.
Eligible entities include Buncombe County non-profits focused on recreational, fitness, and health and wellness activities. These funds are intended to be a leveraging tool that promote partnerships between the County and area non-profits and are not a donation, funding stream, or sponsorship opportunity. Programs applying for funding should assist Buncombe County Recreation Services in achieving its mission and are required to provide clear timelines and explanations regarding funding requests. The objective of the grants is to extend the reach of the County in its recreation focus areas; grant applicants are required to articulate the estimated impact the grants will have on the community.
Want to Apply?
The grant application deadline is Friday, October 18, 2019. Late applications will be rejected. The Community Recreation Grant Committee will review applications in October and November with all organizations receiving an email notification no later than November 15, 2019.
There’s nothing more magical than seeing the sun rise over Lake Lure and the Hickory Nut Gorge. Join Former Owner and Manager, Todd Morse, who recently published “For the Love of Chimney Rock,” for an oral history of the Park and indulge in a housemade breakfast prepared by Old Rock Cafe as the sun rises. You’ll be treated to amazing views of the Gorge as well as historical photos of the Park over the decades
Afterwards, guests are welcome to head out on the trails and take some photos of the waterfall or the views from Peregrine’s Point.
Advance registration is required. To RSVP, please call 800-277-9611 by September 29. Check out area accommodations if you plan to stay overnight. New Passholders are welcome. Purchase a pass for less than the cost of two regular visits at the Park, then register for the breakfast.
Cost: $6 for breakfast for Annual Passholder, $4 for Rockin’ Discovery Passholders (ages 5-15) and free for kids under 5. Bundle your breakfast with a copy of Todd Morse’s book “For the Love of Chimney Rock” for $30.
https://www.facebook.com/events/737778496588185/
www.boldrockhalfmarathon.com
Join us the Bold Rock Half Marathon & 5k presented by Hunter Subaru and Black Orthdontics! Both races start and end the Mills River Cidery. The Half Marathon starts at 7:30 am and will take runners on rolling hills and along scenic farmland. Shortly after that, at 8:00 am, the 5k will take their marks and head out of Bold Rock.
Whether you’re joining us for the Half Marathon or 5k, each participant 21+ can toast their achievement with a refreshing Bold Rock Hard Cider included in registration. Also included in registration for the half marathon runners is a Bold Rock Half Marathon long sleeve tee.
Each Half Marathon runner will be awarded a Finisher Medal after they pass through the finish line. Electrolytes, water and post-race snacks provided by Whole Foods Market!
This race benefits Big Brothers Big Sisters of WNC, Mills River Partnership, and Irene Wortham Center!
https://www.facebook.com/events/376662359747352/
Join us for the inaugural Bold Rock Half Marathon & 5k which begins and ends at the Mills River Cidery.
The Half Marathon starts at 7:30 am and will take runners on rolling hills and along scenic farmland.
Shortly after that, at 8:30 am, the 5k will take their marks and head out of Bold Rock.
Whether you’re joining us for the Half Marathon or 5k, each participant 21+ can toast their achievement with a refreshing Bold Rock Hard Cider included in registration. Also included in registration is a Bold Rock Half Marathon & 5K long sleeve tee.
Each Half Marathon runner will be awarded a Finisher Medal after they pass through the finish line.
All Co+op Owners save 5% on their purchases!
*Cannot be combined with any other offer or discount, including Go Local, Ownership Shares, Gift Card Purchases. Doesn’t include beer, Co+op Deals, Co+op Basics or clearance items.
https://www.facebook.com/events/536108050219753/?event_time_id=536108076886417
Holistic RN Patient Advocacy Training Institute.
http://rnpatientadvocacync.com/wp-content/uploads/Holistic-RN-patient-advocacy-training-institute-Brochure-Kit-2019-Oct.pdf
https://www.facebook.com/events/2547513438612964/?event_time_id=2547513441946297
Giant Yard Sale in Swannanoa. Visit website if you want to rent a booth to sell.
Capture photos of your friends and family members enjoying the vivid hues of fall and enter them into our photo contest. We’ll use the winning entries on our website and Facebook album, and you’ll win some fun prizes. Photos must be taken within the Chimney Rock section of the Park.
No additional costs to enter.
The first-place winner will receive an overnight getaway to Hickory Nut Gorge with a stay at the Historic 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa, two passes to the Park, brunch for two at the Historic 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa and two tickets for a tour with Lake Lure Boat Tours.
The contest’s second-place winner will receive two passes to the Park, lunch for two at the Old Rock Cafe and two tickets for a tour with Lake Lure Boat Tours.
Chimney Rock’s Facebook followers will select the People’s Choice Award winner. Followers will have a week to like and share their favorite photo from an album of Winter Photo Contest entries posted on the Park’s Facebook page at facebook.com/chimneyrockparknc. The People’s Choice Award Winner will receive two passes to the Park, lunch for two at Old Rock Cafe and their photo will be featured on the Park’s Facebook page.
Shutterbugs interested in capturing Mother Nature’s wintry beauty can do so by entering Friday through Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the Park’s winter hours.
All entries must be submitted to [email protected] or to the Parks’ Facebook page through Facebook messenger.
https://www.facebook.com/events/453143675217439/?event_time_id=453143715217435
You adult child won’t speak to you? Find support through our weekly meetings, every Saturday, Sept. 7 – Nov. 9, 2019, 8:30 am to 9:45 am, at First Congregational Church Library, 1735 Fifth Avenue West. It’s not about who’s right or wrong. It’s about getting on with life.
?… And they’re off! Be sure to join us for the exciting and thrilling 73rd Annual Tryon Block House Races on Saturday, October 5th. From tailgating, to VIP hospitality, to hat contests and much more – the excitement of race day is second to none!
In addition to the hat, tailgate and “Go to Heck Pants” contests, attendees can enjoy an appearance from the Tryon Hounds, a kids’ area, live music and a variety of vendors. There will also be a Pre-Race Kickoff the night before on Friday, October 4th from 6:00-9:00pm including a live auction, live music, dancing, and an Argentine Asado buffet dinner. This will be open to the public as well.
All tickets are on sale here: https://bit.ly/2VUfaZP.
For more information on the Races, go here ➡️ https://bit.ly/2EqPDBT.
https://www.facebook.com/events/773689142978803/
Community Garden located at the Buncombe County Sports Park.
The mission of Sand HIll Community Garden is to share in garden space, knowledge, and labor with all members of the community. Using organic growing practices we promote community health and wellness by providing fresh produce for garden members and local people in need of food.
Free tours for North Carolina residents. Used book sale cake to celebrate!
…she gave to Luck’s Lad the title of Eugene, a name which, beautifully, means “well born,” but which, as any one will be able to testify, does not mean, has never meant, “well bred.”
Chimney Rock’s scouting events are some of our most popular events of the year. Our Fall Girl Scout Day is designed to let scouts enjoy the last weeks of autumn in one of North Carolina’s most incredible settings. Special programs created just for Girl Scouts will leave your troop with new skills, knowledge and memories they’ll carry with them for a lifetime. Specific details on program and afternoon activities can be found on our website.
Afternoon opportunities available.
Cost: $15 per scout, $12 per adult, $5.50 additional youth.
Call 828.625.9611 to register. Registration closes September 29 and is limited to 150 scouts.
https://www.facebook.com/events/913862772336266/
Cynthia Lee will demonstrate a plethora of surface embellishments that will include materials like grog, handmade rollers, and found objects. Effects will be applied with the use of stencils, paper, terra sigilliata, and washes. Discussions will include creating a surface to convey self-expression and how that connects to your body of work. The demonstrations will utilize these surfaces to hand build sculptural wall boxes.
The Lunsford Festival is an all-day festival celebrating regional music and dance traditions. The event is the second oldest folk festival in Western North Carolina and was named in honor of cofounder Bascom Lamar Lunsford. Lunsford was a musician and folklorist who dedicated his life to collecting and promoting the music of the Southern Appalachians. Through his work he became known as the “Minstrel of the Appalachians.” The festival, which is now in its 52nd year, brings out the region’s finest musicians and dancers. It happens on the same day as the Madison Heritage Arts Festival, so downtown will be abuzz. Join us in honoring the rich cultural traditions of the Southern Appalachians!
10:00-5:00: Concert on the Upper Quad
11:00: Presentation of the Lunsford Award
12:00-1:00: Fiddle, Banjo, Guitar, Dulcimer, Shaped Note Workshops
1:15-2:00: Open jam (Sunken Garden)
1:30-3:30: Ballad Swap (Blackwell Hall)
5:30-7:30: Community Dance (Chambers Gym)
Haywood Community College’s Professional Crafts and Continuing Education faculty and students will celebrate American Craft Week with an Open House and Visiting Artist Lecture Series in the Creative Arts Building. Kicking off the event, the Open House will be held Saturday, October 5 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Demonstrations in each medium of clay, fiber, jewelry and wood will happen throughout the building. Refreshments will be served. This is a chance to meet the faculty and students and to learn more about the professional crafts programs and classes. In addition, there will be a Graduates of 2019 show in the Mary Cornwell Gallery.
The celebration will continue with three visiting artists during fall semester. The first visit will be East Fork Pottery discussing marketing Wednesday, October 9, 3-5 p.m. in Creative Arts Building, room 7105. John Vigeland, Connie Matisse and Alex Matisse, the founding members of East Fork Pottery, will be on campus to give an in-depth lecture on their marketing strategy.
The Visiting Artist Series will continue with Michael Manes of Blue Spiral 1 Gallery Thursday, October 10, 9 a.m. for a Working with Galleries presentation. Manes brings experience from the sectors of education, art museums and art consultation, having worked with numerous artists, non-profit organizations, and art and craft collectors. His presentation at HCC will draw from all of these experiences to illustrate the finer points for artists working with gallery representation including pricing strategies, maintaining strong professional relationships and what is important for artists to know from the curator’s and the collector’s point of view.
The final artist in the series will be ceramicist Margaret Bohls Friday, November 1, 4 p.m. Bohls will discuss her career as a ceramic artist and university professor.
- Friday: 5-8pm
- Saturday: 11am-8pm
- Sunday: 11am-6pm
- $10 ticket price for all ages.
- Like every year prior, children 3 and under may still enter the event FREE.
- $8 per person for groups of 12 or more. We suggest you book ahead [email protected].
Designed for enthusiasts with little to no artistic training, this foundation course focuses on creating accurate and beautiful botanical illustrations. Guided by artist and Carolina Naturalist Preston Montague, participants will learn basic observation and drawing techniques with pen and pencil and will use colored pencils to apply vibrant color.
Though designed for beginners, students with more intermediate skills are encouraged to join in, too. This program may involve less than one mile of easy walking. Limited to 12 participants.
Registration costs $60 standard or $20 for Bridge Club members. Bridge Club members must present a valid Bridge Club ID with their event ticket/receipt upon arrival, or they will be charged full price. To register, see below.
Adult Field Courses
Grandfather Mountain’s Adult Field Courses examine specific aspects of the park ecosystem through just the right combination of fun field excursions and classroom presentations. Our course leaders are experts in their fields and include professors, naturalists, scientists and acclaimed photographers, writers, historians and artists.
Most courses run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and lunch will be eaten in the field. Please bring your own lunch. Rates do not include taxes.
https://www.facebook.com/events/693149131146928/
Join us for the 43rd Annual Hey Day Fall Festival!
Hey Day is the largest WNC Nature Center event of the year and celebrates the wildlife, culture and community of Western North Carolina.
This year’s celebration will feature games, arts and crafts, educational animal programs, local food vendors and a wide variety of exciting wildlife.
Food will be available for purchase. There will also be a kick-off to the Friends’ fall raffle, with the opportunity to win great items!
Standard Nature Center admission rates apply for non-members. Friends members receive free admission. All activities are included with admission except for face painting and food/merchandise purchases.
https://www.facebook.com/events/578108335986592/
Folk School Fall Festival 2019
Golden fall sunlight and brightly colored leaves provide a scenic backdrop for the John C. Campbell Folk School‘s Fall Festival. This treasured annual celebration of Appalachian culture, held on the Folk School’s Brasstown, North Carolina campus, heralds its 45th anniversary in October.
The Folk School’s enduring commitment to the arts is evident in a vibrant exhibition showcasing the School’s Quilting and Surface Design Program. The Pitman Fiber Arts Building will feature a display of dozens of striking quilts made by the school’s instructors.
A slideshow of Painting and Photography Instructor art will run throughout the festival in the Keith House Community Room.
Visit over 200 fine craft exhibitors tucked along the school’s winding wooded paths. Watch more than 30 artisans demonstrate traditional and contemporary crafts. Fill your ears with bluegrass, gospel, folk, and Celtic music on both days. Tap your toes to clogging, Morris, and Garland dance performances throughout the weekend.
Children can visit the Kids Cove area where they’ll enjoy pony rides, petting the alpacas, and visiting Valley River Humane Society’s pet adoption booth. The Cove Theatre will offer children an opportunity to participate in creative play with dress-up costumes and musical instruments. Face painting and arts and crafts activities will be offered by the Cherokee County Arts Council.
Hungry festivalgoers can satisfy their appetites with a tasty lunch, dessert, or snack. Vendors’ concession proceeds benefit several non-profit and community organizations.
The Folk School’s renowned Craft Shop, containing fine crafts from over 600 juried regional artists, will draw visitors throughout the weekend and be offering a chance to win a $100 gift certificate to the Craft Shop.
Fall Festival Survival Guide
No pets allowed
Bring your camera
Wear comfortable shoes and a sun hat
Visit water stations as needed to stay hydrated
Two ATMS will be available, however we encourage you to bring cash to pay for tickets, food, and purchases from vendors who do not accept cards
Admission: $5 for adults, $3 for ages 12-17, and free for children under 12
Music & Dance Schedule
Saturday
FESTIVAL BARN STAGE
10:00 Butternut Creek and Friends
10:40 Campbell Folk School Cloggers
11:20 The Curtis & Geoff Show
12:00 Folk School Junior Appalachian Music Students
12:40 Julie Helms & the Bluegrass Partners
1:20 Jones Brothers
2:00 Heidi Holton
2:40 Brasstown Morris Dancers & Band
3:20 Kudzu Kicker Cloggers
4:00 Dave Peters and the Last Responders
CRAFT SHOP STAGE
10:00 Jones Brothers
10:40 Greg Biltz
11:20 Faith Willin’
12:00 Heidi Holton
12:40 Crane Creek Cliff Dwellers
1:20 Beansidhe
2:00 Black Mash Hollow
2:40 Mike Davis
3:20 Redwine Jam
4:00 Sea Notes
Sunday
FESTIVAL BARN STAGE
10:00 Sunday Morning String Band
10:40 The Pressley Girls
11:20 Faith Willin’
12:00 Just Us Gals
12:40 Liz Nance & Friends
1:20 Campbell Folk School Cloggers
2:00 Granny’s Mason Jar
2:40 Little Brasstown Baptist Church Choir
3:20 Brasstown Morris Dancers & Band
4:00 Gnarly Fingers
CRAFT SHOP STAGE
10:00 Folk School Junior Appalachian Music Students
10:40 Kilmer and Cooley
11:20 Bona Fide
12:00 Greg Biltz
12:40 Kudzu Kicker Cloggers
1:20 Mountain Area Storytellers
2:00 Liz Nance & Friends
2:40 The Pressley Girls
3:20 Scott Low
4:00 Anne & Rob Lough
The MakeHER Market at the Mothlight – Women’s Work Empowers the World
The MakeHER Market returns to The Mothlight in West Asheville on Saturday, October 5th.
The debut event was held in March 2019 as a way to highlight and create connections between the talented community of local female entrepreneurs in celebration of International Women’s Day. The MakeHER Market will feature more than 20 female, independent creatives, makers and designers and their unique, hand crafted goods. Fair Trade coffee, jewelry and home décor as well as locally made art and botanicals will be available to purchase. Created and organized by Incite Coffee Company and Maadili Collective, Fair Trade companies working with female owned cooperatives in developing countries, the event aims to honor the enterprising ventures of women locally and abroad.
Event hours are 10am to 3pm, admission is free and families are welcome.
Women’s Work Empowers the World!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/makeHERmarket
WHAT: The MakeHER Market
WHERE: The Mothlight, 701 Haywood Road, West Asheville
WHEN: Saturday, October 5th, 10-3pm. Rain or shine.
Join us any Saturday for outdoor activities at the garden. Local youth involved in programming for building life skills, improving literacy and leadership development welcome young people in the area to join them, and we are always in need of adult volunteers to help with mentoring. Involvement in the Shiloh Community Garden also includes the experience of growing produce organically, lessons in permaculture and the science of sustainability, healthy meal preparation, and entrepreneurship. Come join the fun!
https://www.facebook.com/events/524392424698351/?event_time_id=524392431365017