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, May 23, 2020
Cold Mountain Music Festival Rescheduled August 14-15
May 23 all-day
Cold Mountain Music Festival at Lake Logan 25 Wormy Chestnut Lane

A message from the founders of Cold Mountain Music Festival:

To our Cold Mountain Music Festival, Lake Logan, and Camp Henry families,

In recent weeks, we have stood alongside our nationwide cohort of festival organizers to witness the unfolding of the COVID-19 pandemic and assess how it would impact our 2020 event schedule. While we originally hoped the situation would be subdued in time for our June gathering, we have also kept a watchful eye on the trajectory of this outbreak and have learned that the likelihood of this occurrence is slim.

In the interest of public safety, the 4th Annual Cold Mountain Music Festival will be postponed until August 14-15, 2020. While we can not yet reveal the exact lineup details, rest assured that we have been able to preserve the majority of originally scheduled artists. The talent team is working diligently to put the finishing touches on the new bill and will be ready to announce next week.

All previously-reserved tickets will be valid for the new festival date. In the event that you are unable to attend this August, you may contact ([email protected]) to secure a refund on your ticket purchase. All refund requests must be made before May 15.

Cold Mountain Music Festival is proud to announce the lineup for its 4th annual event happening June 5-6, 2020 at the picturesque Lake Logan Conference Center in Canton, NC. GRAMMY-winning newgrass pioneer Sam Bush Band will headline the weekend-long retreat, with additional appearances by fast-rising alt-country sensation Charley Crockett, West Coast folk-rock outfit Blitzen Trapper, critically acclaimed troubadour Amythyst Kiah, plus regional powerhouses Futurebirds, Sierra Ferrell, and more.

With less than half a decade of programming under its belt, Cold Mountain Music Festival has already been recognized as one of the Southeast’s best goldmines for live music, outdoor recreation, and family-oriented activities. Located just outside of Asheville in one of Western North Carolina’s most pristine stretches of land, Cold Mountain utilizes the vibrant Pisgah National Forest as its playground, and encourages exploration throughout the two-day immersive experience. At the heart of the festival site is the glistening Lake Logan, which boasts plenty of swimming, paddle-boarding, and fishing. Paired with performances by some of live music’s leading forces on the scene and plenty of kid-friendly offerings, the upcoming Cold Mountain Music Festival will offer the trifecta of rustic summer experiences.

Weekend passes are on sale now on the Cold Mountain Music website. General admission passes are available for $75, and youth passes for those aged 12-17 can be purchased for $40 apiece. Overnight camping spots and catered breakfast meal tickets are also available for $75 (per site) and $12-$15 (per person), respectively. Group discounts may be applied for parties of 15 or more. Enter the code DioWNC at checkout to purchase each pass (minimum 15) for $60 each. Cold Mountain Music Festival is presented by Ingles Markets, with partners iHeartMedia and Haywood County Tourism Development Authority. For more information, visit www.coldmountainmusic.org. A complete lineup can be found below.

Downtown Asheville Arts District (DAAD) FEST 2020
May 23 all-day
online

With over 30 members, Downtown Asheville Arts District (DAAD) is comprised of cultural centers, festivals, galleries, museums, retail shops, theatres, and tours — all located within a mile radius of historic downtown Asheville. Our mission is to promote visual and performing arts in all its forms.

We welcome you to our first virtual festival! Please enjoy a holiday weekend full of music, art, and theatre, and get to know the various arts businesses and organizations who bring inspiration to every corner of Asheville.

For more information about DAAD and its members, please visit https://www.downtownavlarts.com/

GreenWorks: Plant of the Month is Sweetshrub (Calycanthus floridus)
May 23 all-day
online

Plant of the Month

Our plant of the month is Sweetshrub (Calycanthus floridus), a beautiful, native shrub that can reach 6-9 feet in height. Sweetshrub is also known as Spicebush and Carolina Allspice, due to its fragrant leaves, twigs and flowers. This beautiful shrub is a good choice for planting along stream banks that are prone to erosion. The roots help keep soil in place and the characteristics of the plant make it well suited to most soil types, as well as partial shade to full sun. Sweetshrub is in bloom right now in our area, so keep your eyes out for these stunning, sweet smelling flowers!

ASAP Farmers Markets: AB Tech’s Main Campus
May 23 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
AB Tech's Main Campus

ASAP Farmers Market map

Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to noon, beginning March 21.

The market will operate for as long as necessary, possibly expanding to other locations and days of the week as opportunity and demand allows.

Market Rules

  • No customers or vendors exhibiting symptoms may enter the market.
  • Maintain 6 feet of social distance at all times.
  • One customer at a time for each vendor table.
  • Only handle product you are purchasing. Products will be pre-packaged or bunched.
  • Children, if they must attend with adult shoppers, must be closely supervised.

Anyone failing to comply with these conditions will be directed to leave the market.

Asheville-Blue Ridge Rose Society Exhibition POSTPONED
May 23 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

 

This annual exhibition features award-winning roses of every color and size. Experts from the Asheville-Blue Ridge Rose Society will be on hand to answer questions and provide information about the selection, care, and history of roses. Educational programs will be offered throughout the weekend.

Garden Jubilee Tour
May 23 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Henderson County

A New Twist on Garden Jubilee: a county-wide tour instead of Main St crowds.
We will NOT participate as a group, but you may participate with your level of conscientious caution. (smile).

The brochure/map, that is mentioned, is the following links:
https://www.visithendersonvillenc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020-Garden-Jubilee-NurseriesOrchard-Tour.pdf
https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1oJcvwJQXxO-5pnjpIAVQQLLKn5LJEhgp&ll=35.31185148226706%2C-82.49178584999999&z=12

The Garden Jubilee 2020 Nurseries & Orchard Tour will run from May 22 – 25, Friday through Monday of Memorial Day Weekend. This year’s Garden Jubilee Nurseries & Orchard Tour will be sending the public out to the local nurseries and orchards throughout Henderson County to prevent the gathering of the usual large crowds experienced on Main Street. Gardening is one of America’s favorite pastimes and the Blue Ridge Mountains provide a healthy environment for growing a vast variety of flowers and plants.
For detailed info; Goto:
https://www.visithendersonvillenc.org/garden-jubilee

Blooms & Brews: The North Carolina Arboretum POSTPONED
May 23 @ 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Tip a glass to the plants that make your home, house – and beer – unique! The North Carolina Arboretum is excited to host its first annual “Blooms & Brews” floral and beer festival, which will be held on Saturday, May 23, and Sunday, May 24, from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.. Participants can visit various beer tasting stations, featuring botanically-influenced craft brews placed throughout the Arboretum’s gardens, create botanical wearables and attend educational programs. Visitors can also experience live floral demonstrations and exhibits, including the Asheville-Blue Ridge Rose Society’s annual Rose Show.

Admission into Blooms & Brews is free; however, standard parking fees apply to non-members. Separate beer tasting packages can be purchased on-site.

Sunday, May 24, 2020
12-Month, Farmer-Led Training Program Organic Growers School
May 24 all-day
 Southwestern Community College

Want to farm?

12-Month, Farmer-Led Training Program

Many skills are required to start and expand a successful farm business: passion, clear goals, production experience, financial and marketing know-how, and more. Farm Beginnings® will help you build these skills through one year of farmer-led training, mentoring, and networking. Using a holistic management frame, farmer-led classroom sessions, on-farm tours, and an extensive farmer network, Farm Beginnings® will help you clarify your goals and strengths, establish a strong enterprise plan, and start building a profitable and sustainable operation. Although students do not need to own land, some farming or production experience is required to get the most out of the program. As we know, farming is more critical than ever. Apply to this program and be prepared when crisis hits!

200+ Hours of Training


Curriculum & Schedule

Farm Beginnings® Course Schedule & Descriptions 2020-2021


Location of Winter Whole-Farm Business Planning Courses 2020-2021

The locations for the 2020-2021 class will be at the Small Business Center at We will keep our website updated if we shift to online classes.

 

Downtown Asheville Arts District (DAAD) FEST 2020
May 24 all-day
online

With over 30 members, Downtown Asheville Arts District (DAAD) is comprised of cultural centers, festivals, galleries, museums, retail shops, theatres, and tours — all located within a mile radius of historic downtown Asheville. Our mission is to promote visual and performing arts in all its forms.

We welcome you to our first virtual festival! Please enjoy a holiday weekend full of music, art, and theatre, and get to know the various arts businesses and organizations who bring inspiration to every corner of Asheville.

For more information about DAAD and its members, please visit https://www.downtownavlarts.com/

GreenWorks: Plant of the Month is Sweetshrub (Calycanthus floridus)
May 24 all-day
online

Plant of the Month

Our plant of the month is Sweetshrub (Calycanthus floridus), a beautiful, native shrub that can reach 6-9 feet in height. Sweetshrub is also known as Spicebush and Carolina Allspice, due to its fragrant leaves, twigs and flowers. This beautiful shrub is a good choice for planting along stream banks that are prone to erosion. The roots help keep soil in place and the characteristics of the plant make it well suited to most soil types, as well as partial shade to full sun. Sweetshrub is in bloom right now in our area, so keep your eyes out for these stunning, sweet smelling flowers!

Asheville-Blue Ridge Rose Society Exhibition POSTPONED
May 24 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

 

This annual exhibition features award-winning roses of every color and size. Experts from the Asheville-Blue Ridge Rose Society will be on hand to answer questions and provide information about the selection, care, and history of roses. Educational programs will be offered throughout the weekend.

Garden Jubilee Tour
May 24 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Henderson County

A New Twist on Garden Jubilee: a county-wide tour instead of Main St crowds.
We will NOT participate as a group, but you may participate with your level of conscientious caution. (smile).

The brochure/map, that is mentioned, is the following links:
https://www.visithendersonvillenc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020-Garden-Jubilee-NurseriesOrchard-Tour.pdf
https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1oJcvwJQXxO-5pnjpIAVQQLLKn5LJEhgp&ll=35.31185148226706%2C-82.49178584999999&z=12

The Garden Jubilee 2020 Nurseries & Orchard Tour will run from May 22 – 25, Friday through Monday of Memorial Day Weekend. This year’s Garden Jubilee Nurseries & Orchard Tour will be sending the public out to the local nurseries and orchards throughout Henderson County to prevent the gathering of the usual large crowds experienced on Main Street. Gardening is one of America’s favorite pastimes and the Blue Ridge Mountains provide a healthy environment for growing a vast variety of flowers and plants.
For detailed info; Goto:
https://www.visithendersonvillenc.org/garden-jubilee

Blooms & Brews: The North Carolina Arboretum POSTPONED
May 24 @ 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Tip a glass to the plants that make your home, house – and beer – unique! The North Carolina Arboretum is excited to host its first annual “Blooms & Brews” floral and beer festival, which will be held on Saturday, May 23, and Sunday, May 24, from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.. Participants can visit various beer tasting stations, featuring botanically-influenced craft brews placed throughout the Arboretum’s gardens, create botanical wearables and attend educational programs. Visitors can also experience live floral demonstrations and exhibits, including the Asheville-Blue Ridge Rose Society’s annual Rose Show.

Admission into Blooms & Brews is free; however, standard parking fees apply to non-members. Separate beer tasting packages can be purchased on-site.

Monday, May 25, 2020
Downtown Asheville Arts District (DAAD) FEST 2020
May 25 all-day
online

With over 30 members, Downtown Asheville Arts District (DAAD) is comprised of cultural centers, festivals, galleries, museums, retail shops, theatres, and tours — all located within a mile radius of historic downtown Asheville. Our mission is to promote visual and performing arts in all its forms.

We welcome you to our first virtual festival! Please enjoy a holiday weekend full of music, art, and theatre, and get to know the various arts businesses and organizations who bring inspiration to every corner of Asheville.

For more information about DAAD and its members, please visit https://www.downtownavlarts.com/

Garden Jubilee Tour
May 25 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Henderson County

A New Twist on Garden Jubilee: a county-wide tour instead of Main St crowds.
We will NOT participate as a group, but you may participate with your level of conscientious caution. (smile).

The brochure/map, that is mentioned, is the following links:
https://www.visithendersonvillenc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020-Garden-Jubilee-NurseriesOrchard-Tour.pdf
https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1oJcvwJQXxO-5pnjpIAVQQLLKn5LJEhgp&ll=35.31185148226706%2C-82.49178584999999&z=12

The Garden Jubilee 2020 Nurseries & Orchard Tour will run from May 22 – 25, Friday through Monday of Memorial Day Weekend. This year’s Garden Jubilee Nurseries & Orchard Tour will be sending the public out to the local nurseries and orchards throughout Henderson County to prevent the gathering of the usual large crowds experienced on Main Street. Gardening is one of America’s favorite pastimes and the Blue Ridge Mountains provide a healthy environment for growing a vast variety of flowers and plants.
For detailed info; Goto:
https://www.visithendersonvillenc.org/garden-jubilee

Sandburg Home: 34th Annual Folk Music Festival Memorial Day
May 25 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Carl Sandburg Home

 

Jamie Laval performs at Sandburg Folk Fest
Jamie Laval Performs at Sandburg Folk Fest 2013

NPS Photo

On Memorial Day folk musicians from across the region will share a day of toe-tapping fun and music. Just as Carl Sandburg’s family enjoyed sitting on the porch while he played a guitar and sang for them, you can experience the joy of music at Connemara. All performances take place in the amphitheater, unless otherwise specified, and signs will direct festival goers.

2020 Performers include:

  • Pretty Little Goat Band
  • Jon Shain
  • Kat Williams
  • Amanda Anne Platt and the Honeycutters
This event is free and open to the public. Snacks will be available for sale in the bookstore and tours of the Sandburg home will be available throughout the day for a small fee.

Parking
Keep in mind that our parking lots fill up quickly. We will run a courtesy shuttle from satellite parking lots at the Flat Rock Playhouse (located across the street) and from the Flat Rock Village Offices (110 Village Center Drive) to the park entrance, throughout the day. It is a short walk from the park entrance to the amphitheater. There will be also be a shuttle operating inside the park to take visitors from the entrance to the amphitheater, Sandburg Home and barn area.

The event will be held at the new amphitheater located near the park entrance. Bench seating is available and visitors are also welcome to bring lawn chairs and blankets as seating is expected to fill quickly. Come prepared for warm weather, with sun protection, water and snacks. Dogs are not permitted in the seating areas for the festival.

Thursday, May 28, 2020
ASAP Farmers Markets: AB Tech’s Main Campus
May 28 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
AB Tech's Main Campus

ASAP Farmers Market map

Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to noon, beginning March 21.

The market will operate for as long as necessary, possibly expanding to other locations and days of the week as opportunity and demand allows.

Market Rules

  • No customers or vendors exhibiting symptoms may enter the market.
  • Maintain 6 feet of social distance at all times.
  • One customer at a time for each vendor table.
  • Only handle product you are purchasing. Products will be pre-packaged or bunched.
  • Children, if they must attend with adult shoppers, must be closely supervised.

Anyone failing to comply with these conditions will be directed to leave the market.

Friday, May 29, 2020
12-Month, Farmer-Led Training Program Organic Growers School
May 29 all-day
 Southwestern Community College

Want to farm?

12-Month, Farmer-Led Training Program

Many skills are required to start and expand a successful farm business: passion, clear goals, production experience, financial and marketing know-how, and more. Farm Beginnings® will help you build these skills through one year of farmer-led training, mentoring, and networking. Using a holistic management frame, farmer-led classroom sessions, on-farm tours, and an extensive farmer network, Farm Beginnings® will help you clarify your goals and strengths, establish a strong enterprise plan, and start building a profitable and sustainable operation. Although students do not need to own land, some farming or production experience is required to get the most out of the program. As we know, farming is more critical than ever. Apply to this program and be prepared when crisis hits!

200+ Hours of Training


Curriculum & Schedule

Farm Beginnings® Course Schedule & Descriptions 2020-2021


Location of Winter Whole-Farm Business Planning Courses 2020-2021

The locations for the 2020-2021 class will be at the Small Business Center at We will keep our website updated if we shift to online classes.

 

Cold Mountain Music Festival Rescheduled August 14-15
May 29 all-day
Cold Mountain Music Festival at Lake Logan 25 Wormy Chestnut Lane

A message from the founders of Cold Mountain Music Festival:

To our Cold Mountain Music Festival, Lake Logan, and Camp Henry families,

In recent weeks, we have stood alongside our nationwide cohort of festival organizers to witness the unfolding of the COVID-19 pandemic and assess how it would impact our 2020 event schedule. While we originally hoped the situation would be subdued in time for our June gathering, we have also kept a watchful eye on the trajectory of this outbreak and have learned that the likelihood of this occurrence is slim.

In the interest of public safety, the 4th Annual Cold Mountain Music Festival will be postponed until August 14-15, 2020. While we can not yet reveal the exact lineup details, rest assured that we have been able to preserve the majority of originally scheduled artists. The talent team is working diligently to put the finishing touches on the new bill and will be ready to announce next week.

All previously-reserved tickets will be valid for the new festival date. In the event that you are unable to attend this August, you may contact ([email protected]) to secure a refund on your ticket purchase. All refund requests must be made before May 15.

Cold Mountain Music Festival is proud to announce the lineup for its 4th annual event happening June 5-6, 2020 at the picturesque Lake Logan Conference Center in Canton, NC. GRAMMY-winning newgrass pioneer Sam Bush Band will headline the weekend-long retreat, with additional appearances by fast-rising alt-country sensation Charley Crockett, West Coast folk-rock outfit Blitzen Trapper, critically acclaimed troubadour Amythyst Kiah, plus regional powerhouses Futurebirds, Sierra Ferrell, and more.

With less than half a decade of programming under its belt, Cold Mountain Music Festival has already been recognized as one of the Southeast’s best goldmines for live music, outdoor recreation, and family-oriented activities. Located just outside of Asheville in one of Western North Carolina’s most pristine stretches of land, Cold Mountain utilizes the vibrant Pisgah National Forest as its playground, and encourages exploration throughout the two-day immersive experience. At the heart of the festival site is the glistening Lake Logan, which boasts plenty of swimming, paddle-boarding, and fishing. Paired with performances by some of live music’s leading forces on the scene and plenty of kid-friendly offerings, the upcoming Cold Mountain Music Festival will offer the trifecta of rustic summer experiences.

Weekend passes are on sale now on the Cold Mountain Music website. General admission passes are available for $75, and youth passes for those aged 12-17 can be purchased for $40 apiece. Overnight camping spots and catered breakfast meal tickets are also available for $75 (per site) and $12-$15 (per person), respectively. Group discounts may be applied for parties of 15 or more. Enter the code DioWNC at checkout to purchase each pass (minimum 15) for $60 each. Cold Mountain Music Festival is presented by Ingles Markets, with partners iHeartMedia and Haywood County Tourism Development Authority. For more information, visit www.coldmountainmusic.org. A complete lineup can be found below.

GreenWorks: Plant of the Month is Sweetshrub (Calycanthus floridus)
May 29 all-day
online

Plant of the Month

Our plant of the month is Sweetshrub (Calycanthus floridus), a beautiful, native shrub that can reach 6-9 feet in height. Sweetshrub is also known as Spicebush and Carolina Allspice, due to its fragrant leaves, twigs and flowers. This beautiful shrub is a good choice for planting along stream banks that are prone to erosion. The roots help keep soil in place and the characteristics of the plant make it well suited to most soil types, as well as partial shade to full sun. Sweetshrub is in bloom right now in our area, so keep your eyes out for these stunning, sweet smelling flowers!

Saturday, May 30, 2020
12-Month, Farmer-Led Training Program Organic Growers School
May 30 all-day
 Southwestern Community College

Want to farm?

12-Month, Farmer-Led Training Program

Many skills are required to start and expand a successful farm business: passion, clear goals, production experience, financial and marketing know-how, and more. Farm Beginnings® will help you build these skills through one year of farmer-led training, mentoring, and networking. Using a holistic management frame, farmer-led classroom sessions, on-farm tours, and an extensive farmer network, Farm Beginnings® will help you clarify your goals and strengths, establish a strong enterprise plan, and start building a profitable and sustainable operation. Although students do not need to own land, some farming or production experience is required to get the most out of the program. As we know, farming is more critical than ever. Apply to this program and be prepared when crisis hits!

200+ Hours of Training


Curriculum & Schedule

Farm Beginnings® Course Schedule & Descriptions 2020-2021


Location of Winter Whole-Farm Business Planning Courses 2020-2021

The locations for the 2020-2021 class will be at the Small Business Center at We will keep our website updated if we shift to online classes.

 

Application Open for Farm Beginnings 2020/2021
May 30 all-day
Organic growers School

 

Organic Growers School’s Farm Beginnings® Farmer Training is entering its sixth year offering a year long farmer training. Organic Growers School has graduated 61 farmers in the last 5 years and will graduate 76  by September 2020.  Farm Beginnings® is a 12-month training that uses a mix of farmer-led classroom sessions, on-farm tours, mentorship, and an extensive farmer network, tapping into the  knowledge of the most innovative & skilled farmers in Western NC. During this current pandemic, the role of farmers and how food gets to our tables has been more at the forefront of conversations. Many individuals right now are expressing interest in growing their own food and developing more self sufficiency and land based skills. If you want to farm, it has never been easy and if you want to get into farming now, it is time to do so with the right support and training on how to be adaptive and resilient, like our Farm Beginnings training.

Cold Mountain Music Festival Rescheduled August 14-15
May 30 all-day
Cold Mountain Music Festival at Lake Logan 25 Wormy Chestnut Lane

A message from the founders of Cold Mountain Music Festival:

To our Cold Mountain Music Festival, Lake Logan, and Camp Henry families,

In recent weeks, we have stood alongside our nationwide cohort of festival organizers to witness the unfolding of the COVID-19 pandemic and assess how it would impact our 2020 event schedule. While we originally hoped the situation would be subdued in time for our June gathering, we have also kept a watchful eye on the trajectory of this outbreak and have learned that the likelihood of this occurrence is slim.

In the interest of public safety, the 4th Annual Cold Mountain Music Festival will be postponed until August 14-15, 2020. While we can not yet reveal the exact lineup details, rest assured that we have been able to preserve the majority of originally scheduled artists. The talent team is working diligently to put the finishing touches on the new bill and will be ready to announce next week.

All previously-reserved tickets will be valid for the new festival date. In the event that you are unable to attend this August, you may contact ([email protected]) to secure a refund on your ticket purchase. All refund requests must be made before May 15.

Cold Mountain Music Festival is proud to announce the lineup for its 4th annual event happening June 5-6, 2020 at the picturesque Lake Logan Conference Center in Canton, NC. GRAMMY-winning newgrass pioneer Sam Bush Band will headline the weekend-long retreat, with additional appearances by fast-rising alt-country sensation Charley Crockett, West Coast folk-rock outfit Blitzen Trapper, critically acclaimed troubadour Amythyst Kiah, plus regional powerhouses Futurebirds, Sierra Ferrell, and more.

With less than half a decade of programming under its belt, Cold Mountain Music Festival has already been recognized as one of the Southeast’s best goldmines for live music, outdoor recreation, and family-oriented activities. Located just outside of Asheville in one of Western North Carolina’s most pristine stretches of land, Cold Mountain utilizes the vibrant Pisgah National Forest as its playground, and encourages exploration throughout the two-day immersive experience. At the heart of the festival site is the glistening Lake Logan, which boasts plenty of swimming, paddle-boarding, and fishing. Paired with performances by some of live music’s leading forces on the scene and plenty of kid-friendly offerings, the upcoming Cold Mountain Music Festival will offer the trifecta of rustic summer experiences.

Weekend passes are on sale now on the Cold Mountain Music website. General admission passes are available for $75, and youth passes for those aged 12-17 can be purchased for $40 apiece. Overnight camping spots and catered breakfast meal tickets are also available for $75 (per site) and $12-$15 (per person), respectively. Group discounts may be applied for parties of 15 or more. Enter the code DioWNC at checkout to purchase each pass (minimum 15) for $60 each. Cold Mountain Music Festival is presented by Ingles Markets, with partners iHeartMedia and Haywood County Tourism Development Authority. For more information, visit www.coldmountainmusic.org. A complete lineup can be found below.

GreenWorks: Plant of the Month is Sweetshrub (Calycanthus floridus)
May 30 all-day
online

Plant of the Month

Our plant of the month is Sweetshrub (Calycanthus floridus), a beautiful, native shrub that can reach 6-9 feet in height. Sweetshrub is also known as Spicebush and Carolina Allspice, due to its fragrant leaves, twigs and flowers. This beautiful shrub is a good choice for planting along stream banks that are prone to erosion. The roots help keep soil in place and the characteristics of the plant make it well suited to most soil types, as well as partial shade to full sun. Sweetshrub is in bloom right now in our area, so keep your eyes out for these stunning, sweet smelling flowers!

ASAP Farmers Markets: AB Tech’s Main Campus
May 30 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
AB Tech's Main Campus

ASAP Farmers Market map

Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to noon, beginning March 21.

The market will operate for as long as necessary, possibly expanding to other locations and days of the week as opportunity and demand allows.

Market Rules

  • No customers or vendors exhibiting symptoms may enter the market.
  • Maintain 6 feet of social distance at all times.
  • One customer at a time for each vendor table.
  • Only handle product you are purchasing. Products will be pre-packaged or bunched.
  • Children, if they must attend with adult shoppers, must be closely supervised.

Anyone failing to comply with these conditions will be directed to leave the market.

17th Annual Montford Music and Arts Festival RESCHEDULED
May 30 @ 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Historic Montford District

Great food, artist displays and fun activities while mingling with their neighbors.”

 

Perhaps the most family friendly street festival in western North Carolina, the Montford Music & Arts Festival features a special children’s area for face painting, interactive displays, sidewalk chalk art contest and other fun activities.

 

Located on Montford Ave. between Chestnut and Waneta Streets just down the street from downtown Asheville, the Asheville Visitors Center and Chamber of the Commerce, the all-day event will also feature a music stage with another attractive lineup in 2020.   Comprised solely of local musicians, the performing schedule will be announced shortly.

 

Attendees will also be treated to a wide variety of specialty cuisine, courtesy of food booths and food trucks.  In addition, more than 100 booth vendors will be on hand, with various artists, crafts people and nursery plant purveyors selling their merchandise.

 

Featuring turn-of-the-century “Victorian” homes and several bed-and-breakfast inns, a portion of Montford is proclaimed a National Register Historic District.  Many of today’s Montford historic homes were designed by the same architect hired by the Vanderbilt Family to create the Biltmore Estate.

 

World famous authors Thomas Wolfe and O. Henry are buried in Montford at the nearby Riverside Cemetery, while the community’s rich history also dates back to the once thriving African-American community of Stumptown, which ended in the 1960’s.

 

The very first Montford festival was presented as strictly an arts event in 2004, held inside of Pyper’s Place, which is now Nine Mile Restaurant, and Sweet Heaven Ice Cream Shop, now a real estate office.

 

Sunday, May 31, 2020
12-Month, Farmer-Led Training Program Organic Growers School
May 31 all-day
 Southwestern Community College

Want to farm?

12-Month, Farmer-Led Training Program

Many skills are required to start and expand a successful farm business: passion, clear goals, production experience, financial and marketing know-how, and more. Farm Beginnings® will help you build these skills through one year of farmer-led training, mentoring, and networking. Using a holistic management frame, farmer-led classroom sessions, on-farm tours, and an extensive farmer network, Farm Beginnings® will help you clarify your goals and strengths, establish a strong enterprise plan, and start building a profitable and sustainable operation. Although students do not need to own land, some farming or production experience is required to get the most out of the program. As we know, farming is more critical than ever. Apply to this program and be prepared when crisis hits!

200+ Hours of Training


Curriculum & Schedule

Farm Beginnings® Course Schedule & Descriptions 2020-2021


Location of Winter Whole-Farm Business Planning Courses 2020-2021

The locations for the 2020-2021 class will be at the Small Business Center at We will keep our website updated if we shift to online classes.

 

Application Open for Farm Beginnings 2020/2021
May 31 all-day
Organic growers School

 

Organic Growers School’s Farm Beginnings® Farmer Training is entering its sixth year offering a year long farmer training. Organic Growers School has graduated 61 farmers in the last 5 years and will graduate 76  by September 2020.  Farm Beginnings® is a 12-month training that uses a mix of farmer-led classroom sessions, on-farm tours, mentorship, and an extensive farmer network, tapping into the  knowledge of the most innovative & skilled farmers in Western NC. During this current pandemic, the role of farmers and how food gets to our tables has been more at the forefront of conversations. Many individuals right now are expressing interest in growing their own food and developing more self sufficiency and land based skills. If you want to farm, it has never been easy and if you want to get into farming now, it is time to do so with the right support and training on how to be adaptive and resilient, like our Farm Beginnings training.

GreenWorks: Plant of the Month is Sweetshrub (Calycanthus floridus)
May 31 all-day
online

Plant of the Month

Our plant of the month is Sweetshrub (Calycanthus floridus), a beautiful, native shrub that can reach 6-9 feet in height. Sweetshrub is also known as Spicebush and Carolina Allspice, due to its fragrant leaves, twigs and flowers. This beautiful shrub is a good choice for planting along stream banks that are prone to erosion. The roots help keep soil in place and the characteristics of the plant make it well suited to most soil types, as well as partial shade to full sun. Sweetshrub is in bloom right now in our area, so keep your eyes out for these stunning, sweet smelling flowers!

Thursday, June 4, 2020
Application Open for Farm Beginnings 2020/2021
Jun 4 all-day
Organic growers School

 

Organic Growers School’s Farm Beginnings® Farmer Training is entering its sixth year offering a year long farmer training. Organic Growers School has graduated 61 farmers in the last 5 years and will graduate 76  by September 2020.  Farm Beginnings® is a 12-month training that uses a mix of farmer-led classroom sessions, on-farm tours, mentorship, and an extensive farmer network, tapping into the  knowledge of the most innovative & skilled farmers in Western NC. During this current pandemic, the role of farmers and how food gets to our tables has been more at the forefront of conversations. Many individuals right now are expressing interest in growing their own food and developing more self sufficiency and land based skills. If you want to farm, it has never been easy and if you want to get into farming now, it is time to do so with the right support and training on how to be adaptive and resilient, like our Farm Beginnings training.