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, August 21, 2020
Cades Cove Loop Lope
Aug 21 all-day
Cades Cove Loop Lope
Carpooling is essential to maximizing participation in this race. Only 100 vehicle passes will be available for purchase for an additional fee when registration opens. Registrants who do not purchase a vehicle pass must either carpool with a passholder they know or utilize the group transportation option which will be provided by Friends of the Smokies.
Event Date: Sunday November 8, 2020
EVENT: VIRTUAL 5K – 10/25/20-11/8/20
Can’t join us in person? Participate virtually! A virtual race can be run (or walked!) anywhere, even indoors on a treadmill, and anytime. This is a great way to support Great Smoky Mountains National Park on a day, time, and place that works for your schedule. All virtual runners will receive a race t-shirt and undated finisher’s medallion via mail.
Price: $75.00 Race Fee + $4.50 SignUp Fee
Library Computer Appointments Available
Aug 21 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Buncombe County Libraries
The Perfect Turkey

Buncombe County Public Libraries will begin offering appointments for computer use on July 1. Forty-five minute appointments are available 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays at all library locations except the Oakley/South Asheville branch.

Storytimes Online with Buncombe Librarians
Aug 21 @ 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Online

Join us a for a fun, socially distanced story time!

A brand new story time video will be posted every day. Keep checking back!

Saturday, August 22, 2020
Anti-Racisim: Resources Literacy Council
Aug 22 all-day
Online

Recognizing and understanding racism, and actively unlearning the everyday, built-in mechanisms of systemic racism is an ongoing effort that must be made by every single one of us. It can be difficult to navigate issues, origins, and solutions surrounding systemic racism, especially with so many different angles portrayed by the media.
There are countless truthful resources to help us find our way to social justice and equity. Here are just a few educational resources and ways to help our Black communities:
Educational reading:
The above photo has an excellent list of books!
Community:
Media:
Follow Black activists and voices on social media! Please reach out to us if you’d like suggestions on whom to follow.
Cades Cove Loop Lope
Aug 22 all-day
Cades Cove Loop Lope
Carpooling is essential to maximizing participation in this race. Only 100 vehicle passes will be available for purchase for an additional fee when registration opens. Registrants who do not purchase a vehicle pass must either carpool with a passholder they know or utilize the group transportation option which will be provided by Friends of the Smokies.
Event Date: Sunday November 8, 2020
EVENT: VIRTUAL 5K – 10/25/20-11/8/20
Can’t join us in person? Participate virtually! A virtual race can be run (or walked!) anywhere, even indoors on a treadmill, and anytime. This is a great way to support Great Smoky Mountains National Park on a day, time, and place that works for your schedule. All virtual runners will receive a race t-shirt and undated finisher’s medallion via mail.
Price: $75.00 Race Fee + $4.50 SignUp Fee
Jus’ Running Celebrating 22 Years! Sales, food truck, give ways and group runs
Aug 22 @ 8:30 am – 6:00 pm
Jus' Running

Falconry at the Biltmore Estate
Aug 22 @ 9:00 am
Biltmore Estate

Falconry

Discover the ancient art of falconry on Biltmore’s historic grounds. Learn how to handle a trained hawk or falcon, then experience the inimitable thrill of a raptor flying to and landing upon your gloved hand. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind opportunity to interact with one of these majestic birds of prey.

Two-guest minimum, Four-guest maximum

*Price is in addition to estate admission and subject to change. Must be 8 years of age or older to participate. Guests under 17 years of age must be accompanied by a paying adult. Guests encouraged to dress for the weather and wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes.
Passholders and guests of The Inn and Village Hotel receive a 10% discount.

Cost$125 per person plus tax
Storytimes Online with Buncombe Librarians
Aug 22 @ 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Online

Join us a for a fun, socially distanced story time!

A brand new story time video will be posted every day. Keep checking back!

6th Annual Get In Gear Fest! Rescheduled
Aug 22 @ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Salvage Station

 

Join the Outdoor Gear Builders – a local alliance of over 50 gear builders and makers – for our 6th Annual Get In Gear (GIG) Fest!

Marking the beginning of Spring, GIG Fest is a day of demos, music, incredible sale prices on tried and trusted gear, and – of course – libations (this is Asheville, after all).

– Family Friendly
– COMPLETELY FREE
– Amazing deals and savings on NEW 2020 Outdoor Gear and seconds from past seasons
– Climbing Wall courtesy of Camp Cedar Cliff
– Product Demos (like Fly Casting from Rent This Rod)
– Raffle in support of The Pisgah Conservancy

Some of the brands participating this year are: ENO, SylvanSport, Rightline Gear, The Tarpestry Co., LightHeart Gear, Tsuga, Rockgeist – Bikepack USA, Diamond Brand Gear, ASTRAL, Industry Nine, Recover Brands, Blyss Running, Fifth Element Camping, Blue Ridge Chair Works, Bellyak, Shira Forge, Alpine Towers, Big Weekend, Rent This Rod, Offroad Gear and Recreation Equipment (OGRE), Blue Ridge Hiking Company, Sport Hansa and more being added every day

Falconry at the Biltmore Estate
Aug 22 @ 12:00 pm
Biltmore Estate

Falconry

Discover the ancient art of falconry on Biltmore’s historic grounds. Learn how to handle a trained hawk or falcon, then experience the inimitable thrill of a raptor flying to and landing upon your gloved hand. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind opportunity to interact with one of these majestic birds of prey.

Two-guest minimum, Four-guest maximum

*Price is in addition to estate admission and subject to change. Must be 8 years of age or older to participate. Guests under 17 years of age must be accompanied by a paying adult. Guests encouraged to dress for the weather and wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes.
Passholders and guests of The Inn and Village Hotel receive a 10% discount.

Cost$125 per person plus tax
Additional Library Curbside Service
Aug 22 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Fairview, Leicester, and Oakley/South Asheville branches

 

Buncombe County Public Libraries will be opening three additional locations for curbside pickup service, the Fairview, Leicester, and Oakley/South Asheville branches. These locations will operate from 1-5 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, in addition to our current curbside pickup service locations at the Black Mountain, North Asheville, South Buncombe, and West Asheville locations. For more information about library curbside pickup service or to place an item on hold for pickup, please call your local library or the Ask-A-Librarian line (828-250-4700) or visit buncombecounty.org/library. We hope to see you soon!

AVLH3 #608-B – 12th Annual Blue Dress Run!
Aug 22 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Martin Luther King Jr Park

WHAT: To keep our annual event safe for our members during covid times, we’ll be trying something a little bit different this year. Let’s call it “Two Packs, One Trail” :) We’ll have two separate packs of 15 wankers each running trail simultaneously, but on opposite ends of trail. The two packs will remain completely separate for the duration of the event to help us socially distance more easily.

Whhaaaa?? But how is that going to work?? Don’t you worry about a thing, the hares have it all figured out. All you need to do is pick one of these two Meetups, RSVP, and show up at your designated start location on Saturday with a shiny $5 bill (or more!) to donate to charity.

HASH CASH: Minimum $5 donation to the benefiting charity — A Therapist Like Me, an Asheville nonprofit dedicated to connecting minority-identifying clients to minority-identifying therapists, advancing therapists of color, providing financial gifts to minority-identifying clients for psychotherapy, reducing societal stigma surrounding mental health, and supporting our community.

OTHER: Some important things to note:

– There will be NO bar stops on trail. The pack will remain OUTDOORS for the entire duration of the event. Trail will be laid in areas where it will be easy for us all to stay distant from unsuspecting muggles.
– Trail will have runner and walker options. Eagles can expect to run 4.75 miles (or more if you’re doing a lot of searching). Runners can shorten that by about 1/2 mile if you take turkey. Walkers can expect about 3.4 miles. (Ask the hare if you need more shortcuts.)
– 2 beer checks and 1 shot stop.
– Dog friendly. If you’re bringing a stroller, ask the hare for work-arounds, as the trail itself will not be stroller friendly.
– Bring a MASK and remain AT LEAST 6 ft apart from other wankers outside your household.
– There will be no official event on-after, but wankers are welcome to meet up afterwards as they please.
– Because there is an attendee limit, please only RSVP if you will be there. If your plans change, please adjust your RSVP accordingly.
– Anyone is still welcome to run the trail dead after the event, until the marks wash away! The hares will include a few photo checks.
– Most importantly, wear a blue dress!! :)

Falconry at the Biltmore Estate
Aug 22 @ 2:30 pm
Biltmore Estate

Falconry

Discover the ancient art of falconry on Biltmore’s historic grounds. Learn how to handle a trained hawk or falcon, then experience the inimitable thrill of a raptor flying to and landing upon your gloved hand. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind opportunity to interact with one of these majestic birds of prey.

Two-guest minimum, Four-guest maximum

*Price is in addition to estate admission and subject to change. Must be 8 years of age or older to participate. Guests under 17 years of age must be accompanied by a paying adult. Guests encouraged to dress for the weather and wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes.
Passholders and guests of The Inn and Village Hotel receive a 10% discount.

Cost$125 per person plus tax
Sunday, August 23, 2020
Anti-Racisim: Resources Literacy Council
Aug 23 all-day
Online

Recognizing and understanding racism, and actively unlearning the everyday, built-in mechanisms of systemic racism is an ongoing effort that must be made by every single one of us. It can be difficult to navigate issues, origins, and solutions surrounding systemic racism, especially with so many different angles portrayed by the media.
There are countless truthful resources to help us find our way to social justice and equity. Here are just a few educational resources and ways to help our Black communities:
Educational reading:
The above photo has an excellent list of books!
Community:
Media:
Follow Black activists and voices on social media! Please reach out to us if you’d like suggestions on whom to follow.
Cades Cove Loop Lope
Aug 23 all-day
Cades Cove Loop Lope
Carpooling is essential to maximizing participation in this race. Only 100 vehicle passes will be available for purchase for an additional fee when registration opens. Registrants who do not purchase a vehicle pass must either carpool with a passholder they know or utilize the group transportation option which will be provided by Friends of the Smokies.
Event Date: Sunday November 8, 2020
EVENT: VIRTUAL 5K – 10/25/20-11/8/20
Can’t join us in person? Participate virtually! A virtual race can be run (or walked!) anywhere, even indoors on a treadmill, and anytime. This is a great way to support Great Smoky Mountains National Park on a day, time, and place that works for your schedule. All virtual runners will receive a race t-shirt and undated finisher’s medallion via mail.
Price: $75.00 Race Fee + $4.50 SignUp Fee
Storytimes Online with Buncombe Librarians
Aug 23 @ 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Online

Join us a for a fun, socially distanced story time!

A brand new story time video will be posted every day. Keep checking back!

Monday, August 24, 2020
Storytimes Online with Buncombe Librarians
Aug 24 @ 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Online

Join us a for a fun, socially distanced story time!

A brand new story time video will be posted every day. Keep checking back!

Tuesday, August 25, 2020
Chamber Challenge 5K Race VIRTUAL
Aug 25 all-day
Online
2020 Virtual Chamber Challenge 5K Race

The 2020 Chamber Challenge 5k Race is going virtual!

Virtual meetings and events are becoming the “new norm” for the Asheville Chamber, and our annual 5k run/walk is no exception. We’re working hard to promote good health and wellness in the workplace – whether you’re at the office, company plant, or working from home!

Our goal for the Chamber Challenge 5k event has always been to raise funds and awareness for the Chamber while promoting wellness in the workplace.

Instead of gathering 1200+ people in one place, we’ve broadened our horizons to offer everyone a new, flexible option — a Virtual Chamber Challenge!

Here’s how it works:

  • Registration opens online here on July 17th
  • Train and prepare by taking advantage of training videos and health & fitness tips provided by our sponsors
  • Challenge your co-workers, friends and family to a fun competition; encourage them to register and participate too!
  • Run or walk YOUR course (your neighborhood, local greenway, company parking lot, your home treadmill – wherever!) on the day of your choice September 14 – 25
  • Take a photo of yourself doing your run/walk and post it on social media #chamberchallenge
  • Record your time and report it by email to the Chamber (Yes, this is an honor system.)
  • Be sure to check out the special savings options and helpful information provided by our sponsors and race vendors in your virtual goody bag (sent to you after you register). Support these businesses in our community!

Cost: $30/person (no teams in this year’s virtual race)

Awards:

Join us for a virtual awards presentation on Monday, September 28th. Pardee UNC Health will present the Good Health Good Business award for a local business that demonstrates a significant commitment to employee wellness. We’ll also announce our top finishers (50) who will receive a gift bag of prizes from our sponsors and the top companies (based on average of finish times of their participants)! On Sept. 25th, all event participants will receive a link to join this virtual presentation via Zoom.

 

Storytimes Online with Buncombe Librarians
Aug 25 @ 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Online

Join us a for a fun, socially distanced story time!

A brand new story time video will be posted every day. Keep checking back!

Additional Library Curbside Service
Aug 25 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Fairview, Leicester, and Oakley/South Asheville branches

 

Buncombe County Public Libraries will be opening three additional locations for curbside pickup service, the Fairview, Leicester, and Oakley/South Asheville branches. These locations will operate from 1-5 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, in addition to our current curbside pickup service locations at the Black Mountain, North Asheville, South Buncombe, and West Asheville locations. For more information about library curbside pickup service or to place an item on hold for pickup, please call your local library or the Ask-A-Librarian line (828-250-4700) or visit buncombecounty.org/library. We hope to see you soon!

Chamber Challenge training Live training sessions with YMCA
Aug 25 @ 5:30 pm
Online

Image may contain: 12 people, outdoor, text that says 'Extrem Enuurtainn YMCA OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA 1944 ID CHECK BEER TICKE 1941 1939 1940 GINHE 1400'

Join us for Chamber Challenge training designed for ALL fitness levels. Live training sessions with YMCA Personal Trainer Jesse Hyder will be held on Tuesdays at 5:30 pm, for six weeks, beginning August 4. Everyone participating will be asked to adhere to all health & safety restrictions. Masks required to enter building for restrooms. The training sessions are free and open to the public. Y membership not required.

The Chamber Challenge 5K is virtual this year. Run or walk on the day of your choice, at your preferred time, between Sept. 14-25. To learn more about the challenge and to register, visit. https://www.chamberchallenge.org

Maggot Track Workout with Jus’ Running
Aug 25 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Jus' Running

Our Maggot workouts take place every Tuesday evening and will make you a stronger and better runner. Challenge yourself. All levels welcome. Meet at the Jus’ Running shop at 6:30pm or you can meet us at the UNCA track at 7 p.m.

Wednesday, August 26, 2020
Library Computer Appointments Available
Aug 26 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Buncombe County Libraries
The Perfect Turkey

Buncombe County Public Libraries will begin offering appointments for computer use on July 1. Forty-five minute appointments are available 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays at all library locations except the Oakley/South Asheville branch.

Storytimes Online with Buncombe Librarians
Aug 26 @ 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Online

Join us a for a fun, socially distanced story time!

A brand new story time video will be posted every day. Keep checking back!

Pub Run with Jus’ Running
Aug 26 @ 6:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Archetype Brewing

Join us at Archetype Brewing in West Asheville every Wednesday as we kick-off the Jus’ Running Pub Run for 2020!

GUIDELINES: Due to Covid, we have enacted new Pub Run guidelines and will be practicing proper social distancing.
**Rolling Start: Participants will begin their run anytime between 6:00pm and 6:30pm which is meant to disperse runners.**
**Participants must have masks “on-hand” at all times. Masks must be worn when at the brewery (unless at your table). Masks are not required to be worn when actually running, but you must have one in your possession “ready to deploy” if necessary.**

Where: Archetype Brewing West at 265 Haywood Rd

When: Every Wednesday, rolling start from 6pm-6:30pm

What: A casual 4-mile or 2.5-mile jog through West Asheville. Route is similar to last year’s with minor modifications.

All paces are welcome! Please email [email protected] for more information or visit our Pub Run Facebook page.

Thursday, August 27, 2020
Cades Cove Loop Lope
Aug 27 all-day
Cades Cove Loop Lope
Carpooling is essential to maximizing participation in this race. Only 100 vehicle passes will be available for purchase for an additional fee when registration opens. Registrants who do not purchase a vehicle pass must either carpool with a passholder they know or utilize the group transportation option which will be provided by Friends of the Smokies.
Event Date: Sunday November 8, 2020
EVENT: VIRTUAL 5K – 10/25/20-11/8/20
Can’t join us in person? Participate virtually! A virtual race can be run (or walked!) anywhere, even indoors on a treadmill, and anytime. This is a great way to support Great Smoky Mountains National Park on a day, time, and place that works for your schedule. All virtual runners will receive a race t-shirt and undated finisher’s medallion via mail.
Price: $75.00 Race Fee + $4.50 SignUp Fee
Falconry at the Biltmore Estate
Aug 27 @ 9:00 am
Biltmore Estate

Falconry

Discover the ancient art of falconry on Biltmore’s historic grounds. Learn how to handle a trained hawk or falcon, then experience the inimitable thrill of a raptor flying to and landing upon your gloved hand. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind opportunity to interact with one of these majestic birds of prey.

Two-guest minimum, Four-guest maximum

*Price is in addition to estate admission and subject to change. Must be 8 years of age or older to participate. Guests under 17 years of age must be accompanied by a paying adult. Guests encouraged to dress for the weather and wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes.
Passholders and guests of The Inn and Village Hotel receive a 10% discount.

Cost$125 per person plus tax
Storytimes Online with Buncombe Librarians
Aug 27 @ 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Online

Join us a for a fun, socially distanced story time!

A brand new story time video will be posted every day. Keep checking back!

Falconry at the Biltmore Estate
Aug 27 @ 12:00 pm
Biltmore Estate

Falconry

Discover the ancient art of falconry on Biltmore’s historic grounds. Learn how to handle a trained hawk or falcon, then experience the inimitable thrill of a raptor flying to and landing upon your gloved hand. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind opportunity to interact with one of these majestic birds of prey.

Two-guest minimum, Four-guest maximum

*Price is in addition to estate admission and subject to change. Must be 8 years of age or older to participate. Guests under 17 years of age must be accompanied by a paying adult. Guests encouraged to dress for the weather and wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes.
Passholders and guests of The Inn and Village Hotel receive a 10% discount.

Cost$125 per person plus tax
Additional Library Curbside Service
Aug 27 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Fairview, Leicester, and Oakley/South Asheville branches

 

Buncombe County Public Libraries will be opening three additional locations for curbside pickup service, the Fairview, Leicester, and Oakley/South Asheville branches. These locations will operate from 1-5 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, in addition to our current curbside pickup service locations at the Black Mountain, North Asheville, South Buncombe, and West Asheville locations. For more information about library curbside pickup service or to place an item on hold for pickup, please call your local library or the Ask-A-Librarian line (828-250-4700) or visit buncombecounty.org/library. We hope to see you soon!