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.

Saturday, March 14, 2020
Redesigning Our Future: National Environmental Summit for High School Students
Mar 14 all-day
Catawba College
Keeper For A Day at Grandfather Mountain
Mar 14 @ 8:00 am – 11:00 am
Grandfather Mountain

Keeper For A Day

Learn how to interact with the animals, clean up, prepare food and provide enrichments. Observe various training sessions, animal behavior and the inner workings of the animal habitats.

Requirements:

Limited to two persons per day. No pets allowed in habitat area. Keepers for a Day must:

— be 12 years of age or older
— be capable of walking up and down steep, rough terrain
— sign a waiver of liability

Expected Daily Schedule:

Arrive at 8 a.m., meet the keepers, and go to work! Assist as we let out the animals, feed them and clean their habitats. You may be asked to lift and carry animal food, tools or other items. Learn about training and providing enrichments. End your exciting shift at 11 a.m.

What to Wear:

You will get dirty! Please wear appropriate, closed-toe hiking or work boots and no loose jewelry. Coats, jackets, gloves and hats are recommended for cooler weather. Please bring sunscreen.

Weather:

Keeper for a Day will continue on schedule regardless of weather conditions. In the event that weather conditions could affect the opening of the habitats, you will be contacted.

The weather on Grandfather Mountain can change at a moment’s notice. Temperatures are commonly 5 to 10 degrees colder than what they are at the bottom of the mountain in Linville. It is recommended that you dress in layers and be prepared for any weather condition.

2019 Keeper for a Day Dates

Month Days Time Number
April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 8 a.m.-11 a.m. limited to two people per day
May 7, 14, 21, 28 8 a.m.-11 a.m. limited to two people per day
June 4, 11, 18, 25 8 a.m.-11 a.m. limited to two people per day
July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 8 a.m.-11 a.m. limited to two people per day
August 6, 13, 20, 27 8 a.m.-11 a.m. limited to two people per day
September 3, 10, 17, 24 8 a.m.-11 a.m. limited to two people per day
October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 8 a.m.-11 a.m. limited to two people per day

Reservations:

Keeper for a Day must be booked at least one week in advance by calling (828) 733-8715. Please allow 24 hours for a response.

Price:

The cost is $75 per participant ($60 each for Bridge Club members). Admission to the park is included.

Annual Candler Cleanup
Mar 14 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
AB-Tech Enka Campus

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Join in the annual Candler cleanup with the Enka Candler Business Association and Asheville GreenWorks. Sign up with your family or work team and select a road to work on for the morning. Please dress appropriately for the weather, including long pants and closed-toe shoes. All other gear and supplies will be provided.

Nantahala Outdoor Center Work Hard, Play Hard Job Fair!
Mar 14 @ 10:30 am – 3:00 pm
Nantahala Outdoor Center

 

Join us on Saturday, March 14 for the first annual NOC Work Hard, Play Hard Job Fair!

Managers from NOC’s Adventure, Retail, Restaurant and HR Departments will be available for open interviews, giving you the opportunity to be hired on the spot! To register in advance, send your resume to our HR office by clicking “Register Now”! Browse a list of open opportunities at noccareers.com.

All offers will be conditional pending successful background and reference checks.

UNC Asheville’s 2020 Pi(e) Run
Mar 14 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
UNCA starting on the Main Quad

Pi symbol, event basic information with running track in the background

Registration is open for UNC Asheville’s 2020 Pi(e) Run, an annual fun run that celebrates all things Pi(e). This year’s event will be held on Pi Day, Saturday, March 14, at Pi time, 3:14 p.m. Runners will run 3.14 miles around UNC Asheville’s campus and celebrate with pie at the finish line. The event is open to the public with an early-bird rate of $15 before Feb. 15. Runners who sign up before March 1 will receive a t-shirt and swag bag, and registration continues through March 14 at a cost of $20, with on-site registration and check-in starting at 2 p.m. the day of the race. Visit unca.edu/pi-run to sign up.

The 2020 Pi Day Run will start from UNC Asheville’s Quad and circle University Heights three times, via campus sidewalks, concluding with pie at the finish line. The fun run includes a pie baking contest, judged by Math Leaders from the Marvelous Math Club, with prizes awarded, and this year will feature a raffle. Registration includes a raffle entry for each runner. Registration also is available for the pie contest, without the run, by filling out the interest form at unca.edu/pi-run.

Proceeds from the annual Pi(e) Run will benefit the Asheville Initiative for Math at UNC Asheville and its Marvelous Math Club at Pisgah View Community Center. Marvelous Math Club is a partnership between UNC Asheville, Asheville Housing Authority, and Asheville City Schools. The Club uses math as a catalyst to build leadership skills, create community and provide a space for individualized academic support and social-emotional growth.

 

Asheville Downtown Eats and Drinks Tour
Mar 14 @ 3:30 pm
Taste Carolina Gourmet Food Tours

Downtown Asheville is known for its eclectic arts and culture and a vibrant food and drink scene that celebrates independent restaurants and locally-sourced ingredients. Learn about this gorgeous city on a Taste Carolina walking tour and discover why Asheville was hailed by National Geographic’s Traveler Magazine as one of the top 15 places in the world to “treat your taste buds”!

Asheville Downtown Eats & Drinks Tour – Asheville’s Downtown Eats & Drinks Tour is a spirited and delicious way to explore the city! You’ll enjoy substantial bites and sips on this guided walking tour, sampling savory and sweet favorites, most paired with small drink pairings. This tour visits Asheville’s hidden gems, including eclectic restaurants and bars, and specialty food stores. You’ll also learn about the history of the city, the architecture, and the incredible culinary scene from your tour guide. By the end of this tour, you will feel like a local!

Private and custom tours can be arranged for any day or night of the week for groups.

The Merrell Adventure Dash CANCELLED
Mar 14 @ 4:00 pm
Nantahala Outdoor Center

Age: All Ages

The Merrell Adventure Dash is all about getting outside and challenging yourself to work hard for your good time. Suitable for families as well as adults, participants will negotiate a series of natural and man-made obstacles along the 5K course, including balance components, climbs and nets, a river-run, and raft crossing. This holiday weekend, enjoy a fun, family-friendly adventure run in the beautiful Nantahala Gorge. Merrell Adventure Dash participants can choose between the 5K dash or a 1K fun run. Kids aged 12 and under race free with a participating adult.

Registraion opens March 1, 2020. Check back for more details.
Onsite Registration is available from 1pm – 3:30pm day of. The race starts promptly at 4PM on 5/23/2020.

Remember to wear anything you don’t mind getting dirty!

Le Vine Nior/Le Beir Noir (Tasting in the DARK!)
Mar 14 @ 5:00 pm
Conundrum

WHAT IT IS… An experience unlike anything you have ever dreamed imaginable. Your host will engage your mind with charm and wit, and immerse your heightened senses of taste, smell, hearing and touch, while you sip five types of wine in complete darkness. Wine pours are paired with tasteful snacks, one liners, and hilarious hijinks. OR our beer tasting experience will take you on a journey of humor, tasting of five local beers, fun beer-friendly pairing, sight deprivation and enhancement of all remaining senses. The lights will be off, and this is not considered a meal. Designed for adults only, 21 and up. 50-60 minutes.

 

RSVP: https://book.peek.com/s/50ebbb3e-2b93-4669-8868-b0e3f44b793d/6XVp?gaClientId=25825328.1537970504&pbf=_pbf_2&mode=embedded&xp=widget

Fontana Trestle Train ft. BBQ & Brews
Mar 14 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Great Smokey Mountain Railroad

Back by popular demand our BBQ & Brews now featured on the Fontana Trestle Train, will roll out this Summer! Featuring slow-cooked BBQ prepared fresh and beer tastings showcasing our local breweries! Family friendly seating will be available on this experience!

Departing from Bryson City, these trains will travel to the Fontana Trestle and beyond remaining parallel to the Fontana Lake stopping at the perfect viewing spot just around sunset for a spectacular view! A delicious BBQ meal will be served during the trip. Returning back to the Bryson City Depot at 9pm.

In the Basket

Each of you will get your own basket of Southern-style barbeque goodness with hand-pulled pork slider, a couple pork ribs, and chicken drumstick accompanied by baked beans and house-made coleslaw.

And, of course, no respectable Southern barbeque would forget to warm up some apple cobbler for dessert.

Featured Breweries

                                

 

March 14                     May 2                      May 23(S)

              

    June 19 and 20       July 17&18(S)                                                 August 22
Sunday, March 15, 2020
Guinness Pint Night!
Mar 15 all-day
Jack of the Wood

Jack of the Wood

Scoop: Guinness Pint Night! FREE Commemorative Pint Glass when your buy a $8 Guinness!
Bluegrass Brunch
Mar 15 @ 10:30 am – 3:00 pm
The One Stop at Asheville Music Hall

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Bluegrass Brunch
hosted by Aaron Woody Wood & The Sufi Brothers

Pickin’ on the Porch w/ Chicken Coop Willaye 1030AM
Bald Mountain Boys 11AM – 12:30PM
Sufi Brothers 12:45PM – 3PM

Be sure to check out our Bloody Mary Bar, the BEST selection of pickled products and other additions in Asheville. The MOJO Kitchen will be serving a special Brunch menu until 3PM as well.

Food & music start at 10:30am
ADULT beverages at Noon.

Asheville Downtown Eats and Drinks Tour
Mar 15 @ 11:00 am
Taste Carolina Gourmet Food Tours

Downtown Asheville is known for its eclectic arts and culture and a vibrant food and drink scene that celebrates independent restaurants and locally-sourced ingredients. Learn about this gorgeous city on a Taste Carolina walking tour and discover why Asheville was hailed by National Geographic’s Traveler Magazine as one of the top 15 places in the world to “treat your taste buds”!

Asheville Downtown Eats & Drinks Tour – Asheville’s Downtown Eats & Drinks Tour is a spirited and delicious way to explore the city! You’ll enjoy substantial bites and sips on this guided walking tour, sampling savory and sweet favorites, most paired with small drink pairings. This tour visits Asheville’s hidden gems, including eclectic restaurants and bars, and specialty food stores. You’ll also learn about the history of the city, the architecture, and the incredible culinary scene from your tour guide. By the end of this tour, you will feel like a local!

Private and custom tours can be arranged for any day or night of the week for groups.

Burlesque Brunch
Mar 15 @ 12:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

Burlesque Brunch

Join us on the third Sunday of every month for Burlesque Brunch!
  • 18 +
  • SEATED SHOW
  • 11 AM DOORS/ 12 PM 

Burlesque Brunch is a monthly burlesque and belly dance show with a classic speakeasy feel. Join us every month and relax and enjoy our dancing dames and dandies in an up close and intimate setting. It’s a Sunday afternoon to delight the senses!

Paddy’s Day Irish Brunch
Mar 15 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Catawba Brewing Company

Kick off your St. Patrick’s Day week at Catawba Brewing with Paddy’s Day Irish Brunch from Blind Pig on Sunday, March 15. Paddy’s Day Irish Brunch will be from noon – 3 p.m. and feature several delectable Irish Breakfast staples, served buffet style. Brunch tickets are $20; if purchased in advance online, the ticket includes a Catawba beer as well.

Two Irish beer releases brewed in honor of the holiday – Irish Dry Stout & Irish Red Ale – will be available at the brunch, which will take place at the South Slope location.

CANCELLED: Pollinator Meadow Workday
Mar 15 @ 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Beaver Lake Pollinator Meadow

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Asheville GreenWorks invites you to join Florrie Funk, of the Bee City Asheville Leadership Committee, for an afternoon to improve one of Asheville’s pollinator havens! The workday will consist of removing invasive species from the pollinator meadow at the Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary.

PLEASE wear long pants and closed-toed shoes. There will be gloves, but please bring hand pruners, trowels, or other weeding tools if you have them!
We will primarily be removing Japanese Honeysuckle, Porcelain Berry and non-native Clematis vines, pulling them out and digging out the bigger roots. These are aggressive invasive vines that displace the native wildflowers and grasses that native pollinators depend on. This is an excellent opportunity to learn how to identify and manually remove some of our area’s most tenacious invasives.

Volunteers will receive a Bee City USA – Asheville window cling!

 

 

Shakedown Sundays
Mar 15 @ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
The One Stop at Asheville Music Hall

Image

Every Sunday Except First of Month.

The Merrell Adventure Dash CANCELLED
Mar 15 @ 4:00 pm
Nantahala Outdoor Center

Age: All Ages

The Merrell Adventure Dash is all about getting outside and challenging yourself to work hard for your good time. Suitable for families as well as adults, participants will negotiate a series of natural and man-made obstacles along the 5K course, including balance components, climbs and nets, a river-run, and raft crossing. This holiday weekend, enjoy a fun, family-friendly adventure run in the beautiful Nantahala Gorge. Merrell Adventure Dash participants can choose between the 5K dash or a 1K fun run. Kids aged 12 and under race free with a participating adult.

Registraion opens March 1, 2020. Check back for more details.
Onsite Registration is available from 1pm – 3:30pm day of. The race starts promptly at 4PM on 5/23/2020.

Remember to wear anything you don’t mind getting dirty!

Le Vine Nior/Le Beir Noir (Tasting in the DARK!)
Mar 15 @ 5:00 pm
Conundrum

WHAT IT IS… An experience unlike anything you have ever dreamed imaginable. Your host will engage your mind with charm and wit, and immerse your heightened senses of taste, smell, hearing and touch, while you sip five types of wine in complete darkness. Wine pours are paired with tasteful snacks, one liners, and hilarious hijinks. OR our beer tasting experience will take you on a journey of humor, tasting of five local beers, fun beer-friendly pairing, sight deprivation and enhancement of all remaining senses. The lights will be off, and this is not considered a meal. Designed for adults only, 21 and up. 50-60 minutes.

 

RSVP: https://book.peek.com/s/50ebbb3e-2b93-4669-8868-b0e3f44b793d/6XVp?gaClientId=25825328.1537970504&pbf=_pbf_2&mode=embedded&xp=widget

Monday, March 16, 2020
Guinness Pint Night!
Mar 16 all-day
Jack of the Wood

Jack of the Wood

Scoop: Guinness Pint Night! FREE Commemorative Pint Glass when your buy a $8 Guinness!
Whole Hog Butchery Class
Mar 16 @ 4:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Hickory Nut Gap Farm

LEARN

Learn about how our hogs are pasture raised from our farm director Asher

Wright.  He will discuss heritage breeds, health benefits of pasture raised pork and how various inputs on the production side impact the quality of the meat.

EAT

Enjoy a beautiful spread of our in-house made Charcuterie & a locally crafted adult beverage of your choice.

WATCH

Watch head butcher Brian Bermingham demonstrate how to break down each part of a Heritage breed hog, explaining each step of the process along the way.

You’ll learn from our butcher about the differences between each cut, including how they differ in texture, flavor, and cooking requirements.

TAKE

Each participant will take home a portion of different cuts of pork from the class!

Free Lecture and Book Signing with Neal Barnard – Your Body in Balance
Mar 16 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
The Collider

Join Dr. Neal Barnard on Mon., Mar. 16, 2020 at The Collider in Asheville to celebrate the release of his new book, Your Body in Balance: The New Science of Food, Hormones, and Health. Guests will hear remarks from Dr. Barnard about food’s effects on hormones and health.

Books will be available for purchase, and Dr. Barnard will be available to sign books.

Space is limited for this free event—reserve your spot now!

Tuesday, March 17, 2020
Guinness Pint Night!
Mar 17 all-day
Jack of the Wood

Jack of the Wood

Scoop: Guinness Pint Night! FREE Commemorative Pint Glass when your buy a $8 Guinness!
Asheville Outlets Vineyard Vines Celebrates St. Paddy’s Day! CANCELLED
Mar 17 @ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Asheville Outlets

Come shop with us on Tuesday, March 17th from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. for a FUN St. Paddy’s celebration at vineyard vines at Asheville Outlets. Snacks, drinks, St. Paddy’s coloring sheets, PLUS wear green and get a free GREEN vineyard vines coozie! Visit ShopAshevilleOutlets.com for more information. Free and open to the public.

St. Patrick’s Day Party
Mar 17 @ 5:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

St. Patrick's Day Party

Come down to The Grey Eagle for our St. Patrick’s Day throw down, featuring music by Ambiguous Roots!
  • ALL AGES
  • STANDING ROOM ONLY
  • HI-WIRE SPECIALS
  • LIVE MUSIC BY AMBIGUOUS ROOTS

We’re doing St. Patrick’s Day right with live music provided by Ambiguous Roots, Hi-Wire Brewing beer specials, swag + more!

Proceeds from beer specials will go to Eliada Homes.

AMBIGUOUS ROOTS

Original music has never tasted better. Whether crispy, fried, baked, steamed or RAW, the original Soulful music of The Ambiguous Roots is the best form of nourishment you could ever find.

Tuesday Early Jam
Mar 17 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
The One Stop at Asheville Music Hall
Tuesday Night Funk Jam
Mar 17 @ 10:00 pm – 2:00 am
The One Stop at Asheville Music Hall

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EVERY Tuesday at Asheville Music Hall! Tuesday Night Funk Jam has been a huge part of Asheville’s vibrant music scene since 2008 and is #Asheville’s hottest weekly concert. Tuesday Night Funk Jam is programmed and orchestrated by an evolved Legendary House Band with trombonist Derrick Lee Johnson at the helm. At 10PM sharp, the Legendary House Band kicks off the night

Wednesday, March 18, 2020
Early Bird tickets: 23rd annual French Broard River Festival
Mar 18 all-day
Hot Springs Campground & Spa

INTRO-IMAGE_1024px

Kick off spring in the mountains at the 23rd annual French Broad River Festival.  It’s part outdoor adventure, part music festival with whitewater rafting, biking, hiking, kid’s village, camping, great music, and much more.  Painter John, a popular FBRF musician, compares the atmosphere to “a big potluck at your best friend’s house”.  If you’ve been you know . . . what better way to enjoy spring in these mountains?

Weekend passes include camping

$120 online by 3/31/20
$125 online by 4/30/20
$140 at gate
$65 Saturday only
$45 whitewater rafting

Meals On Wheels: Schedule
Mar 18 all-day
Asheville NC

Beginning March 18, the Meals On the Bus mobile feeding site will operate its traditional summer route, stopping at six neighborhoods on the following schedule:

  • King Creek: 10:30-10:55 a.m.
  • Dodd Meadows: 11:05-11:30 a.m.
  • Shorty Collins: 11:40 a.m.-12:05 p.m.
  • Leisure Lane: 12:15-12:35 p.m.
  • Sugarloaf Apartments: 12:55-1:20 p.m.
  • Conner Creek Mobile Home Park: 1:35-2 p.m.

Families who lack transportation should contact their child’s school so HCPS staff can deliver meals to their children.

IMPORTANT COVID-19 UPDATE:

The following is an update for our seniors and volunteers.

Due to the outbreak of the Coronavirus, we are implementing the following safeguards to protect our senior clients as well as our volunteers.

We are utilizing a no-contact delivery protocol.  We have asked volunteers to place meals in bags to cut down on the passing of germs.  Volunteers should place meals in a bag, knock on the door or ring the doorbell, and hang the meals on a handle at the door.  In addition, volunteers should call clients that have difficulty in getting to the door right away, to let them know their meal is at the door.  As for seniors that cannot come to the door, we would like to leave meals hanging inside of the door for you, but we can discuss that case by case. 

We have disposable gloves and plastic bags available for volunteers upon request.

While this pandemic is ever-changing, we will continue to assess the situation daily and ensure that we are following all suggested protocols while guaranteeing the homebound in our community remain safe, healthy and fed.

If you should have any questions or concerns, please call us at 828-253-5286.

*Stay Informed About COVID-19 – https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Thursday, March 19, 2020
Meals On Wheels: Schedule
Mar 19 all-day
Asheville NC

Beginning March 18, the Meals On the Bus mobile feeding site will operate its traditional summer route, stopping at six neighborhoods on the following schedule:

  • King Creek: 10:30-10:55 a.m.
  • Dodd Meadows: 11:05-11:30 a.m.
  • Shorty Collins: 11:40 a.m.-12:05 p.m.
  • Leisure Lane: 12:15-12:35 p.m.
  • Sugarloaf Apartments: 12:55-1:20 p.m.
  • Conner Creek Mobile Home Park: 1:35-2 p.m.

Families who lack transportation should contact their child’s school so HCPS staff can deliver meals to their children.

IMPORTANT COVID-19 UPDATE:

The following is an update for our seniors and volunteers.

Due to the outbreak of the Coronavirus, we are implementing the following safeguards to protect our senior clients as well as our volunteers.

We are utilizing a no-contact delivery protocol.  We have asked volunteers to place meals in bags to cut down on the passing of germs.  Volunteers should place meals in a bag, knock on the door or ring the doorbell, and hang the meals on a handle at the door.  In addition, volunteers should call clients that have difficulty in getting to the door right away, to let them know their meal is at the door.  As for seniors that cannot come to the door, we would like to leave meals hanging inside of the door for you, but we can discuss that case by case. 

We have disposable gloves and plastic bags available for volunteers upon request.

While this pandemic is ever-changing, we will continue to assess the situation daily and ensure that we are following all suggested protocols while guaranteeing the homebound in our community remain safe, healthy and fed.

If you should have any questions or concerns, please call us at 828-253-5286.

*Stay Informed About COVID-19 – https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Asheville Downtown Eats and Drinks Tour
Mar 19 @ 3:00 pm
Taste Carolina Gourmet Food Tours

Downtown Asheville is known for its eclectic arts and culture and a vibrant food and drink scene that celebrates independent restaurants and locally-sourced ingredients. Learn about this gorgeous city on a Taste Carolina walking tour and discover why Asheville was hailed by National Geographic’s Traveler Magazine as one of the top 15 places in the world to “treat your taste buds”!

Asheville Downtown Eats & Drinks Tour – Asheville’s Downtown Eats & Drinks Tour is a spirited and delicious way to explore the city! You’ll enjoy substantial bites and sips on this guided walking tour, sampling savory and sweet favorites, most paired with small drink pairings. This tour visits Asheville’s hidden gems, including eclectic restaurants and bars, and specialty food stores. You’ll also learn about the history of the city, the architecture, and the incredible culinary scene from your tour guide. By the end of this tour, you will feel like a local!

Private and custom tours can be arranged for any day or night of the week for groups.