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, July 30, 2021
Southern Sixer Hiking Challenge
Jul 30 all-day
Asheville and Tennessee Mountains

Did you know more than 40 peaks in the Southern Appalachians of NC and TN reach over 6,000 feet elevation?  And, most of these “Southern Sixer” summits fall within Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy’s six conservation focus areas. (The map below shows Southern Sixer locations relative to our focus areas).

Many of these peaks can be accessed from public lands and trails — such as Mt. Mitchell, Roan High Knob, Mount Kephart, and Black Balsam Knob.

In 2017 we launched the Southern Sixer Hiking Challenge, to challenge YOU to summit at least six of these 6,000+ ft. peaks and receive a commemorative patch! 

Originally started as part of our “For Love of Beer & Mountains” Partnership, the Southern Sixer Challenge has become so popular we’ve decided to keep it going. Since starting the Challenge, many hikers have shared stories and images from their adventures — including the cover photo for our 2018 View from the Highlands newsletter, submitted by Steve Bridges.

Fill out the online form on this page (submit a photo and tell us a little about each of your hikes), and we’ll send your patch!

Saturday, July 31, 2021
Southern Sixer Hiking Challenge
Jul 31 all-day
Asheville and Tennessee Mountains

Did you know more than 40 peaks in the Southern Appalachians of NC and TN reach over 6,000 feet elevation?  And, most of these “Southern Sixer” summits fall within Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy’s six conservation focus areas. (The map below shows Southern Sixer locations relative to our focus areas).

Many of these peaks can be accessed from public lands and trails — such as Mt. Mitchell, Roan High Knob, Mount Kephart, and Black Balsam Knob.

In 2017 we launched the Southern Sixer Hiking Challenge, to challenge YOU to summit at least six of these 6,000+ ft. peaks and receive a commemorative patch! 

Originally started as part of our “For Love of Beer & Mountains” Partnership, the Southern Sixer Challenge has become so popular we’ve decided to keep it going. Since starting the Challenge, many hikers have shared stories and images from their adventures — including the cover photo for our 2018 View from the Highlands newsletter, submitted by Steve Bridges.

Fill out the online form on this page (submit a photo and tell us a little about each of your hikes), and we’ll send your patch!

Sunday, August 1, 2021
NC Mineral & Gem Festival
Aug 1 all-day
Spruce Pine Commons Shopping Center

The 62nd annual NC Mineral & Gem Festival located in Spruce Pine, North Carolina. One of the oldest running and most popular mineral and gem festivals in the country. Hours are 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Sunday Hours are 12:00 to 5:00 PM.

Southern Sixer Hiking Challenge
Aug 1 all-day
Asheville and Tennessee Mountains

Did you know more than 40 peaks in the Southern Appalachians of NC and TN reach over 6,000 feet elevation?  And, most of these “Southern Sixer” summits fall within Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy’s six conservation focus areas. (The map below shows Southern Sixer locations relative to our focus areas).

Many of these peaks can be accessed from public lands and trails — such as Mt. Mitchell, Roan High Knob, Mount Kephart, and Black Balsam Knob.

In 2017 we launched the Southern Sixer Hiking Challenge, to challenge YOU to summit at least six of these 6,000+ ft. peaks and receive a commemorative patch! 

Originally started as part of our “For Love of Beer & Mountains” Partnership, the Southern Sixer Challenge has become so popular we’ve decided to keep it going. Since starting the Challenge, many hikers have shared stories and images from their adventures — including the cover photo for our 2018 View from the Highlands newsletter, submitted by Steve Bridges.

Fill out the online form on this page (submit a photo and tell us a little about each of your hikes), and we’ll send your patch!

Mountain Makers Craft Market
Aug 1 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Haywood Square Plaza

Mountain Makers Craft Market is a monthly indie art fair designed to cultivate community in Western NC. Located in Downtown Waynesville, we bring together 20+ artisans selling handmade and vintage goods that’ll make you smile! Join us on the first Sunday of each month from 12p-4p at 308 N. Haywood Street, and visit MountainMakersMarket.com

Thursday, August 5, 2021
Chow Chow Culinary Festival: PAELLA COOK-ALONG WITH CHEF KATIE BUTTON
Aug 5 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Online

From sofrito to “soccarat” (those delicious crispy bits!), Chef Katie Button of Cúrate: Tapas
Bar, La Bodega, Wine Club and Trips will guide virtual guests through the timeless process
of building layers of flavor, culminating in a glorious one-pan meal that’s as perfect for
entertaining as it is a weeknight treat. Order a paella starter kit today from Cúrate, and take
it for a few test runs before the main event! $50 from every paella kit sold to ticket holders
will be donated to Chow Chow. Additional ingredient and recipe details will be shared prior
to the event

Friday, August 6, 2021
Southern Sixer Hiking Challenge
Aug 6 all-day
Asheville and Tennessee Mountains

Did you know more than 40 peaks in the Southern Appalachians of NC and TN reach over 6,000 feet elevation?  And, most of these “Southern Sixer” summits fall within Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy’s six conservation focus areas. (The map below shows Southern Sixer locations relative to our focus areas).

Many of these peaks can be accessed from public lands and trails — such as Mt. Mitchell, Roan High Knob, Mount Kephart, and Black Balsam Knob.

In 2017 we launched the Southern Sixer Hiking Challenge, to challenge YOU to summit at least six of these 6,000+ ft. peaks and receive a commemorative patch! 

Originally started as part of our “For Love of Beer & Mountains” Partnership, the Southern Sixer Challenge has become so popular we’ve decided to keep it going. Since starting the Challenge, many hikers have shared stories and images from their adventures — including the cover photo for our 2018 View from the Highlands newsletter, submitted by Steve Bridges.

Fill out the online form on this page (submit a photo and tell us a little about each of your hikes), and we’ll send your patch!

Saturday, August 7, 2021
Southern Sixer Hiking Challenge
Aug 7 all-day
Asheville and Tennessee Mountains

Did you know more than 40 peaks in the Southern Appalachians of NC and TN reach over 6,000 feet elevation?  And, most of these “Southern Sixer” summits fall within Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy’s six conservation focus areas. (The map below shows Southern Sixer locations relative to our focus areas).

Many of these peaks can be accessed from public lands and trails — such as Mt. Mitchell, Roan High Knob, Mount Kephart, and Black Balsam Knob.

In 2017 we launched the Southern Sixer Hiking Challenge, to challenge YOU to summit at least six of these 6,000+ ft. peaks and receive a commemorative patch! 

Originally started as part of our “For Love of Beer & Mountains” Partnership, the Southern Sixer Challenge has become so popular we’ve decided to keep it going. Since starting the Challenge, many hikers have shared stories and images from their adventures — including the cover photo for our 2018 View from the Highlands newsletter, submitted by Steve Bridges.

Fill out the online form on this page (submit a photo and tell us a little about each of your hikes), and we’ll send your patch!

Mountain Dance and Folk Festival
Aug 7 @ 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Lipinsky Hall Auditorium at UNCA,

Mountain Dance and Folk Festival

Are you ready to be part of the 94th Mountain Dance and Folk Festival®? On August 5, 6, 7, 2021, a different show will be presented live on stage each evening allowing you to appreciate the talent and dedication of the hundreds of musicians, dancers, and storytellers who are preserving the traditions of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. These traditions involve not only the hand-clapping, toe-tapping rhythms of Bluegrass, the style and stories of century-old ballads, the high energy of clogging, the elegance of Big Circle Mountain Smooth Dance, the fun and entertainment of storytelling, but also include an awareness of the hardships and trials that have brought us to this place and time.

This 94th Mountain Dance and Folk Festival® has been made possible through the generosity of our music community volunteering their time and talent to preserve and promote the Southern Appalachian music, dance and storytelling heritage.

A listing of performers who volunteer their time and talent to make our events possible can be found on Our Performers page. Please visit their websites and support their generosity by purchasing music, merchandise, making a contribution to virtual tip jars where available or just to tell them you enjoyed their performance. Our artists especially need our support during these difficult times.

The Mountain Dance and Folk Festival was founded by Bascom Lamar Lunsford as a means for people to share and understand the beauty and dignity of the Southern Appalachian music and dance traditions that have been handed down through generations in western North Carolina. He saw the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival grow to be the oldest gathering of its kind in the nation and it continues in this way, a platform for the talented of the high country lying between the Great Smoky and the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Since 1928, the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival has served a crucial role in raising awareness and understanding of the vitality and importance of Southern Appalachian culture throughout the region, nation and world. Bascom Lunsford’s mission was to present the finest of the Appalachian ballad singers, string bands and square dance teams for education and entertainment. The songs and dances shared at this event echo centuries of Scottish, English, Irish, Cherokee and African heritage found in the valleys and coves between the Great Smokies and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Lunsford’s was the first dubbed a folk festival, and he later consulted with many communities across the country interested in organizing similar festivals.

If you like Shindig on the Green, you’ll love the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival!

Click here for Frequently Asked Questions.

Click here for more history of the Festival.

Click here if you are interested in performing.

Click here if you are interested in becoming a Corporate Sponsor.

Sunday, August 8, 2021
Southern Sixer Hiking Challenge
Aug 8 all-day
Asheville and Tennessee Mountains

Did you know more than 40 peaks in the Southern Appalachians of NC and TN reach over 6,000 feet elevation?  And, most of these “Southern Sixer” summits fall within Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy’s six conservation focus areas. (The map below shows Southern Sixer locations relative to our focus areas).

Many of these peaks can be accessed from public lands and trails — such as Mt. Mitchell, Roan High Knob, Mount Kephart, and Black Balsam Knob.

In 2017 we launched the Southern Sixer Hiking Challenge, to challenge YOU to summit at least six of these 6,000+ ft. peaks and receive a commemorative patch! 

Originally started as part of our “For Love of Beer & Mountains” Partnership, the Southern Sixer Challenge has become so popular we’ve decided to keep it going. Since starting the Challenge, many hikers have shared stories and images from their adventures — including the cover photo for our 2018 View from the Highlands newsletter, submitted by Steve Bridges.

Fill out the online form on this page (submit a photo and tell us a little about each of your hikes), and we’ll send your patch!

Tuesday, August 10, 2021
The Classic Hikes of the Smokies:  Lost Cove Loop 
Aug 10 @ 9:00 am
Great Smoky Mountains National Park

 Lost Cove Loop 
11.8 miles | Difficult
Fontana Lake, Appalachian Trail

2021 CLASSIC HIKES OF THE SMOKIES

Discover America’s most-visited national park with a guided day hike! The Classic Hikes of the Smokies feature interpretation of the history, flora, and fauna of park trails. Hikes vary in distance, difficulty, and location within the park to provide a comprehensive overview of the Smokies, exposing hikers to high Appalachian vistas, streams teeming with aquatic life, the best collection of log structures on the Eastern Seaboard, and much more.

After completing registration…
You will receive an email the Friday before the hike with directions, and more information. All hikes begin at 9 a.m

Friday, August 13, 2021
Southern Sixer Hiking Challenge
Aug 13 all-day
Asheville and Tennessee Mountains

Did you know more than 40 peaks in the Southern Appalachians of NC and TN reach over 6,000 feet elevation?  And, most of these “Southern Sixer” summits fall within Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy’s six conservation focus areas. (The map below shows Southern Sixer locations relative to our focus areas).

Many of these peaks can be accessed from public lands and trails — such as Mt. Mitchell, Roan High Knob, Mount Kephart, and Black Balsam Knob.

In 2017 we launched the Southern Sixer Hiking Challenge, to challenge YOU to summit at least six of these 6,000+ ft. peaks and receive a commemorative patch! 

Originally started as part of our “For Love of Beer & Mountains” Partnership, the Southern Sixer Challenge has become so popular we’ve decided to keep it going. Since starting the Challenge, many hikers have shared stories and images from their adventures — including the cover photo for our 2018 View from the Highlands newsletter, submitted by Steve Bridges.

Fill out the online form on this page (submit a photo and tell us a little about each of your hikes), and we’ll send your patch!

Saturday, August 14, 2021
Southern Sixer Hiking Challenge
Aug 14 all-day
Asheville and Tennessee Mountains

Did you know more than 40 peaks in the Southern Appalachians of NC and TN reach over 6,000 feet elevation?  And, most of these “Southern Sixer” summits fall within Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy’s six conservation focus areas. (The map below shows Southern Sixer locations relative to our focus areas).

Many of these peaks can be accessed from public lands and trails — such as Mt. Mitchell, Roan High Knob, Mount Kephart, and Black Balsam Knob.

In 2017 we launched the Southern Sixer Hiking Challenge, to challenge YOU to summit at least six of these 6,000+ ft. peaks and receive a commemorative patch! 

Originally started as part of our “For Love of Beer & Mountains” Partnership, the Southern Sixer Challenge has become so popular we’ve decided to keep it going. Since starting the Challenge, many hikers have shared stories and images from their adventures — including the cover photo for our 2018 View from the Highlands newsletter, submitted by Steve Bridges.

Fill out the online form on this page (submit a photo and tell us a little about each of your hikes), and we’ll send your patch!

Chow Chow Culinary Festival: IT TAKES A VILLAGE
Aug 14 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
MAKING WHOLE

Community is central to the human experience, giving us a sense of belonging to something
greater than ourselves. Connecting with others through shared experiences directly impacts
our physical, emotional and mental health. Join Chow Chow for a delicious meal and
discussion celebrating how community is created and nourished in our region, specifically
around the essential element of food. As you dine, you’ll hear from neighbors Sunil Patel,
who created the village-scale Patchwork Urban Farms in West Asheville; April Jones, founder
of Pinehurst Farmers Market, which addresses food sovereignty in Columbia, SC; and
Jeremy French and his team at Making Whole, a fine furniture studio and addiction recovery
program built into the framework of a traditional apprenticeship program, where every day
includes preparing and enjoying a shared meal around a communal dining table.

Jump Off Rock Music Festival
Aug 14 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Jump Off Rock
Sunday, August 15, 2021
Southern Sixer Hiking Challenge
Aug 15 all-day
Asheville and Tennessee Mountains

Did you know more than 40 peaks in the Southern Appalachians of NC and TN reach over 6,000 feet elevation?  And, most of these “Southern Sixer” summits fall within Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy’s six conservation focus areas. (The map below shows Southern Sixer locations relative to our focus areas).

Many of these peaks can be accessed from public lands and trails — such as Mt. Mitchell, Roan High Knob, Mount Kephart, and Black Balsam Knob.

In 2017 we launched the Southern Sixer Hiking Challenge, to challenge YOU to summit at least six of these 6,000+ ft. peaks and receive a commemorative patch! 

Originally started as part of our “For Love of Beer & Mountains” Partnership, the Southern Sixer Challenge has become so popular we’ve decided to keep it going. Since starting the Challenge, many hikers have shared stories and images from their adventures — including the cover photo for our 2018 View from the Highlands newsletter, submitted by Steve Bridges.

Fill out the online form on this page (submit a photo and tell us a little about each of your hikes), and we’ll send your patch!

Friday, August 20, 2021
Southern Sixer Hiking Challenge
Aug 20 all-day
Asheville and Tennessee Mountains

Did you know more than 40 peaks in the Southern Appalachians of NC and TN reach over 6,000 feet elevation?  And, most of these “Southern Sixer” summits fall within Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy’s six conservation focus areas. (The map below shows Southern Sixer locations relative to our focus areas).

Many of these peaks can be accessed from public lands and trails — such as Mt. Mitchell, Roan High Knob, Mount Kephart, and Black Balsam Knob.

In 2017 we launched the Southern Sixer Hiking Challenge, to challenge YOU to summit at least six of these 6,000+ ft. peaks and receive a commemorative patch! 

Originally started as part of our “For Love of Beer & Mountains” Partnership, the Southern Sixer Challenge has become so popular we’ve decided to keep it going. Since starting the Challenge, many hikers have shared stories and images from their adventures — including the cover photo for our 2018 View from the Highlands newsletter, submitted by Steve Bridges.

Fill out the online form on this page (submit a photo and tell us a little about each of your hikes), and we’ll send your patch!

Saturday, August 21, 2021
Southern Sixer Hiking Challenge
Aug 21 all-day
Asheville and Tennessee Mountains

Did you know more than 40 peaks in the Southern Appalachians of NC and TN reach over 6,000 feet elevation?  And, most of these “Southern Sixer” summits fall within Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy’s six conservation focus areas. (The map below shows Southern Sixer locations relative to our focus areas).

Many of these peaks can be accessed from public lands and trails — such as Mt. Mitchell, Roan High Knob, Mount Kephart, and Black Balsam Knob.

In 2017 we launched the Southern Sixer Hiking Challenge, to challenge YOU to summit at least six of these 6,000+ ft. peaks and receive a commemorative patch! 

Originally started as part of our “For Love of Beer & Mountains” Partnership, the Southern Sixer Challenge has become so popular we’ve decided to keep it going. Since starting the Challenge, many hikers have shared stories and images from their adventures — including the cover photo for our 2018 View from the Highlands newsletter, submitted by Steve Bridges.

Fill out the online form on this page (submit a photo and tell us a little about each of your hikes), and we’ll send your patch!

Chow Chow Culinary Festival: EMBROIDERED NAPKINS WITH ECHOVIEW FIBER MILL
Aug 21 @ 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Online

Learn to add a special touch to your dinner or cocktail napkins with an embroidery
demonstration and class with Echoview Fiber Mill. Attendees will also learn about natural
dyes, including dyes that can be made from kitchen scraps and plants in your own
backyard. Attendees will receive a kit with naturally dyed threads (five colors), one cloth
napkin, one embroidery needle and stitch templates from Echoview Fiber Mill in the mail
prior to the class. (Must register by August 1 to receive kit).

Sunday, August 22, 2021
Southern Sixer Hiking Challenge
Aug 22 all-day
Asheville and Tennessee Mountains

Did you know more than 40 peaks in the Southern Appalachians of NC and TN reach over 6,000 feet elevation?  And, most of these “Southern Sixer” summits fall within Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy’s six conservation focus areas. (The map below shows Southern Sixer locations relative to our focus areas).

Many of these peaks can be accessed from public lands and trails — such as Mt. Mitchell, Roan High Knob, Mount Kephart, and Black Balsam Knob.

In 2017 we launched the Southern Sixer Hiking Challenge, to challenge YOU to summit at least six of these 6,000+ ft. peaks and receive a commemorative patch! 

Originally started as part of our “For Love of Beer & Mountains” Partnership, the Southern Sixer Challenge has become so popular we’ve decided to keep it going. Since starting the Challenge, many hikers have shared stories and images from their adventures — including the cover photo for our 2018 View from the Highlands newsletter, submitted by Steve Bridges.

Fill out the online form on this page (submit a photo and tell us a little about each of your hikes), and we’ll send your patch!

16th Annual Come to Leicester Studio Tour
Aug 22 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Community of Leicester, NC

For the 16th year in a row, artists in this small community will open their studios to the public for the annual Come to Leicester Studio Tour. This free, self-guided event is held every third weekend in August, with this year’s tour dates being August 21st and 22nd, 10 AM to 6PM each day.

Visitors choose their own tour stops using a printed brochure with a full-color map of the area, and bold signs direct to the individual studios. The tour route travels through some of the most scenic rural countryside in Western North Carolina. Along the way, visitors can view beautiful, hand-crafted work and meet the artists who create it. The variety of arts and crafts includes brooms, pottery, painting, furniture, iron work, fiber art, and stained glass. Come join the tour on August 21 & 22!

Thursday, August 26, 2021
Chow Chow Culinary Festival: FERMENTING CHANGE
Aug 26 @ 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Funkatorium

Explore the world of fermented foods with us! Fermentation is transformation. Fermentation
preserves both our food and our cultural diversity and connects us to thousands of years
of hands-on knowledge and ingenuity. The Southern Appalachian culinary and beverage
community includes many devotees of this time-honored process. Join us for a delicious
and informative dinner that showcases the many creative fermentation processes that are
practiced in our region: kimchi, beer and kombucha, cheeses, chocolates, breads, coffee, sake,
charcuterie, kefir, sour beers, hot sauces, natural wines, miso and pickled Appalachian produce.
Meg Chamberlain of Fermenti will lead an engaging discussion, and guests will enjoy the
opportunity to meet and shop with local makers, to bring some fermented goodness home!

Friday, August 27, 2021
5th Annual Cat Fly Film Fest
Aug 27 all-day
Multiple Venues Including The Orange Peel, The Funkatorium and the Grail Moviehouse

Experience Asheville’s premiere independent film festival! We are a non-profit, competitive festival with the mission to cultivate a spirited collective of homegrown filmmakers. We uplift up-and-coming filmmakers of Asheville and the Southeast with screenings, workshops, music performances and after parties throughout the weekend.

BYOF – Bring Your Own Film

8pm at Fleetwood’s Chapel

496 Haywood Rd
West Asheville, North Carolina

It’s like an open mic, but movies. Bring a USB drive with a film 7 minutes or less and share with the community. First come, first service. 

Open to the public and donations go to future festival screenings.

WORKSHOP #1 – INQUEERY

10am-11:30am at Asheville School of Film

45 S French Broad Ave #120, Asheville, NC 28801

INQUEERY is a creative workshop designed for LGBTQIA2S+ people to connect and reflect on their lived experiences through visualizations, creative writing and story. This offering also includes time to read an excerpt from and discuss Asheville-based feature film script Whistle Down Wind, which is currently in development.

Open to the public and 100% of donations go to the instructors.

WORKSHOP #2 – Comrades Help Comrades Make Movies

12pm-3pm at Asheville School of Film

45 S French Broad Ave #120, Asheville, NC 28801

Running an equitable, inclusive, and sustainable set on a hyper indie budget.

Private Work in Progress screening of the feature film E IS FOR with the Co-Writer/Director, Writer/Producer/Lead, DP and EP in attendance with discussion and feedback opportunities.

Pull up a seat at the table and we’ll deep dive into how we made a feature film during the time of COVID and how our intention to honor the insight and labor of our comrades shaped everything from the budget, size of the crew and much of the creative while preserving and sustaining the mental health and experience of everyone on set. We’ll outline resources, cover funding hurdles, pre-production workflow, paperwork and set ethics.

Open to the public and 100% of donations go to the instructors.

SCREENING – Opening Night

Doors at 7pm, Screening at 8pm at The Barrelhouse at the Funkatorium

147 Coxe Ave, Asheville, NC 28801

Arrive dressed to impress in (encouraged) black tie attire to witness the “best of” in indie drama, comedy, and documentary short films.

Buy Tickets Here

AFTER DARK

Doors at 10pm at Cultivated Cocktails Tasting Room

25 Page Ave, Asheville, NC 28801

Keep the party going into the night. Featuring a local DJ and exclusive Cat Fly projection installation and living gallery highlighting local and regional animated films.

Included with purchase of any screening.

Rooftop Pool Party

12pm-5pm at Aloft Air Level

51 Biltmore Avenue, Asheville, North Carolina 28801 USA

Present your VIP badge or ticket to any screening to hotel check-in for a key to access the pool.

Included with purchase of any screening.

WORKSHOP #3 – Gillybear Presents: “Garbage Monsters”

3pm-5pm at Asheville School of Film

45 S French Broad Ave #120, Asheville, NC 28801

A look at low-budget, big-impact Special Effects for filmmakers who ain’t got two nickels to rub together.

Open to the public and 100% of donations go to the instructors.

SCREENING – Community Night

Doors at 7pm, Screening at 8pm at The Orange Peel

101 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801

Weird, experimental and off-the-beaten path shorts from up-and-coming filmmakers of Asheville and the Southeast.

Buy tickets here

Southern Sixer Hiking Challenge
Aug 27 all-day
Asheville and Tennessee Mountains

Did you know more than 40 peaks in the Southern Appalachians of NC and TN reach over 6,000 feet elevation?  And, most of these “Southern Sixer” summits fall within Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy’s six conservation focus areas. (The map below shows Southern Sixer locations relative to our focus areas).

Many of these peaks can be accessed from public lands and trails — such as Mt. Mitchell, Roan High Knob, Mount Kephart, and Black Balsam Knob.

In 2017 we launched the Southern Sixer Hiking Challenge, to challenge YOU to summit at least six of these 6,000+ ft. peaks and receive a commemorative patch! 

Originally started as part of our “For Love of Beer & Mountains” Partnership, the Southern Sixer Challenge has become so popular we’ve decided to keep it going. Since starting the Challenge, many hikers have shared stories and images from their adventures — including the cover photo for our 2018 View from the Highlands newsletter, submitted by Steve Bridges.

Fill out the online form on this page (submit a photo and tell us a little about each of your hikes), and we’ll send your patch!

Saturday, August 28, 2021
5th Annual Cat Fly Film Fest
Aug 28 all-day
Multiple Venues Including The Orange Peel, The Funkatorium and the Grail Moviehouse

Experience Asheville’s premiere independent film festival! We are a non-profit, competitive festival with the mission to cultivate a spirited collective of homegrown filmmakers. We uplift up-and-coming filmmakers of Asheville and the Southeast with screenings, workshops, music performances and after parties throughout the weekend.

BYOF – Bring Your Own Film

8pm at Fleetwood’s Chapel

496 Haywood Rd
West Asheville, North Carolina

It’s like an open mic, but movies. Bring a USB drive with a film 7 minutes or less and share with the community. First come, first service. 

Open to the public and donations go to future festival screenings.

WORKSHOP #1 – INQUEERY

10am-11:30am at Asheville School of Film

45 S French Broad Ave #120, Asheville, NC 28801

INQUEERY is a creative workshop designed for LGBTQIA2S+ people to connect and reflect on their lived experiences through visualizations, creative writing and story. This offering also includes time to read an excerpt from and discuss Asheville-based feature film script Whistle Down Wind, which is currently in development.

Open to the public and 100% of donations go to the instructors.

WORKSHOP #2 – Comrades Help Comrades Make Movies

12pm-3pm at Asheville School of Film

45 S French Broad Ave #120, Asheville, NC 28801

Running an equitable, inclusive, and sustainable set on a hyper indie budget.

Private Work in Progress screening of the feature film E IS FOR with the Co-Writer/Director, Writer/Producer/Lead, DP and EP in attendance with discussion and feedback opportunities.

Pull up a seat at the table and we’ll deep dive into how we made a feature film during the time of COVID and how our intention to honor the insight and labor of our comrades shaped everything from the budget, size of the crew and much of the creative while preserving and sustaining the mental health and experience of everyone on set. We’ll outline resources, cover funding hurdles, pre-production workflow, paperwork and set ethics.

Open to the public and 100% of donations go to the instructors.

SCREENING – Opening Night

Doors at 7pm, Screening at 8pm at The Barrelhouse at the Funkatorium

147 Coxe Ave, Asheville, NC 28801

Arrive dressed to impress in (encouraged) black tie attire to witness the “best of” in indie drama, comedy, and documentary short films.

Buy Tickets Here

AFTER DARK

Doors at 10pm at Cultivated Cocktails Tasting Room

25 Page Ave, Asheville, NC 28801

Keep the party going into the night. Featuring a local DJ and exclusive Cat Fly projection installation and living gallery highlighting local and regional animated films.

Included with purchase of any screening.

Rooftop Pool Party

12pm-5pm at Aloft Air Level

51 Biltmore Avenue, Asheville, North Carolina 28801 USA

Present your VIP badge or ticket to any screening to hotel check-in for a key to access the pool.

Included with purchase of any screening.

WORKSHOP #3 – Gillybear Presents: “Garbage Monsters”

3pm-5pm at Asheville School of Film

45 S French Broad Ave #120, Asheville, NC 28801

A look at low-budget, big-impact Special Effects for filmmakers who ain’t got two nickels to rub together.

Open to the public and 100% of donations go to the instructors.

SCREENING – Community Night

Doors at 7pm, Screening at 8pm at The Orange Peel

101 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801

Weird, experimental and off-the-beaten path shorts from up-and-coming filmmakers of Asheville and the Southeast.

Buy tickets here

Southern Sixer Hiking Challenge
Aug 28 all-day
Asheville and Tennessee Mountains

Did you know more than 40 peaks in the Southern Appalachians of NC and TN reach over 6,000 feet elevation?  And, most of these “Southern Sixer” summits fall within Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy’s six conservation focus areas. (The map below shows Southern Sixer locations relative to our focus areas).

Many of these peaks can be accessed from public lands and trails — such as Mt. Mitchell, Roan High Knob, Mount Kephart, and Black Balsam Knob.

In 2017 we launched the Southern Sixer Hiking Challenge, to challenge YOU to summit at least six of these 6,000+ ft. peaks and receive a commemorative patch! 

Originally started as part of our “For Love of Beer & Mountains” Partnership, the Southern Sixer Challenge has become so popular we’ve decided to keep it going. Since starting the Challenge, many hikers have shared stories and images from their adventures — including the cover photo for our 2018 View from the Highlands newsletter, submitted by Steve Bridges.

Fill out the online form on this page (submit a photo and tell us a little about each of your hikes), and we’ll send your patch!

Sunday, August 29, 2021
Southern Sixer Hiking Challenge
Aug 29 all-day
Asheville and Tennessee Mountains

Did you know more than 40 peaks in the Southern Appalachians of NC and TN reach over 6,000 feet elevation?  And, most of these “Southern Sixer” summits fall within Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy’s six conservation focus areas. (The map below shows Southern Sixer locations relative to our focus areas).

Many of these peaks can be accessed from public lands and trails — such as Mt. Mitchell, Roan High Knob, Mount Kephart, and Black Balsam Knob.

In 2017 we launched the Southern Sixer Hiking Challenge, to challenge YOU to summit at least six of these 6,000+ ft. peaks and receive a commemorative patch! 

Originally started as part of our “For Love of Beer & Mountains” Partnership, the Southern Sixer Challenge has become so popular we’ve decided to keep it going. Since starting the Challenge, many hikers have shared stories and images from their adventures — including the cover photo for our 2018 View from the Highlands newsletter, submitted by Steve Bridges.

Fill out the online form on this page (submit a photo and tell us a little about each of your hikes), and we’ll send your patch!

Friday, September 3, 2021
Southern Sixer Hiking Challenge
Sep 3 all-day
Asheville and Tennessee Mountains

Did you know more than 40 peaks in the Southern Appalachians of NC and TN reach over 6,000 feet elevation?  And, most of these “Southern Sixer” summits fall within Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy’s six conservation focus areas. (The map below shows Southern Sixer locations relative to our focus areas).

Many of these peaks can be accessed from public lands and trails — such as Mt. Mitchell, Roan High Knob, Mount Kephart, and Black Balsam Knob.

In 2017 we launched the Southern Sixer Hiking Challenge, to challenge YOU to summit at least six of these 6,000+ ft. peaks and receive a commemorative patch! 

Originally started as part of our “For Love of Beer & Mountains” Partnership, the Southern Sixer Challenge has become so popular we’ve decided to keep it going. Since starting the Challenge, many hikers have shared stories and images from their adventures — including the cover photo for our 2018 View from the Highlands newsletter, submitted by Steve Bridges.

Fill out the online form on this page (submit a photo and tell us a little about each of your hikes), and we’ll send your patch!

75th North Carolina Apple Festival
Sep 3 @ 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Downtown Hendersonville

Hendersonville is the official home of the North Carolina Apple Festival, a four-day celebration to recognize the importance of the apple industry to Henderson County and North Carolina.  The Apple Festival is always held during the Labor Day weekend (Friday through Monday). Festival-goers can choose from a variety of events that feature a street fair on Historic Main Street and surrounding event venues.

Some of the other festivities happening during the Apple Festival include apple breakfasts, Gem & Mineral Spectacular, children’s activities, the Western North Carolina Air Museum Open House and

Please leave your pets comfortably at home.

North Carolina is the 7th largest apple-producing state in the nation and Henderson County is the largest apple-producing county in North Carolina, producing 85 percent of all the apples grown in the state. The County grows more than 40 varieties of apples including; Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Rome Beauty, Honey Crisp, Granny Smith, Stayman, Fuji and Galas.

GOOMBAY 40TH anniversary FESTIVAL
Sep 3 @ 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
YMI

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Asheville’s Goombay Festival has celebrated African & Caribbean heritage here in Western North Carolina. This year, celebrating 40th Goombay Anniversary!

The festival celebrates the richness and diversity found in the food, music, and art across the African Diaspora.

Goombay is free and open to anyone and everyone who wishes to attend!