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.

Monday, September 20, 2021
YMI Cultural Center Business Incubation
Sep 20 all-day
online

_MG_0157_edited.jpg

YMICC is committed to economic development and entrepreneurship for Black individuals and communities. Through this program entrepreneurs will receive six (6) months to one (1) year of business incubation support that will include business development training, startup and capacity building funding, as well as, mentorship opportunities. We are interested in you and your business ideas.

YMI Cultural Center Workforce Development Program
Sep 20 all-day
online

The “HMMM” (Hospitality, Medical, Manufacturing, Municipality) workforce training initiative and business development program is designed to support participants with training to build technical and workforce skills. The expansion of this program is “Operation Gateway” which provides a “circle of support” that addresses barriers to successful employment.  In this program participants will receive wraparound services along their pathway to the workplace. This circle of services includes childcare, transportation, financial support, guidance, and re-entry skill development (e.g., resume-building and interviewing).

A Deeper Dive Into Canva
Sep 20 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
online

Small Business Center at Blue Ridge Community College offers FREE Seminars/Workshops to support Small Business

If you’re obsessed with Canva, you’re not alone! This session is for the small business owner who has started using canva, but wants a deeper dive to learn more fun tools you can use to promote your business. In this workshop you will learn advanced techniques on the Canva platform, including creating designs from scratch, uploading your own graphics, Canva Pro features, presentations and much more.


Speaker(s): TenBiz

Co-Sponsor(s): Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, Brevard/Transylvania Chamber of Commerce

Webinar info will be emailed after registration

Energy Efficiency for Businesses and Nonprofits
Sep 20 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
online

https://www.facebook.com/bluehorizonsproject/photos/gm.4393792850687791/2398464666964759/?type=3

 

Want to be more energy efficient to help save money and our planet
at your business or nonprofit? Don’t know where to start?

Join Blue Horizons Project, Southface Institute, Land of Sky Waste Reduction Partners, and Duke Energy for a virtual session on how businesses and nonprofits can save energy and money in support of 100% renewable energy here in Buncombe County.

This informational session will cover available programs, rebates, free energy audits, and practical and effective strategies for energy savings.

This work is being performed for the residents of the City of Asheville and Buncombe County in partnership with the City of Asheville and Buncombe County.

Tuesday, September 21, 2021
Asheville Area Arts Council JOB BOARD
Sep 21 all-day
online

Job Board

Make sure to check out all the great job postings and arts opportunities listed on the arts council’s website.

Do you have a job opening you would like us to share? Please email us a link to your listing at [email protected].

Festivals + Cultural Events Grant Opportunity
Sep 21 all-day
Online

Background and Goals of the Festivals & Cultural Events Program

The Festivals & Cultural Events Support Fund Grant Program was launched in 2016 by the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) and is designed to provide financial support for events that both serve the residents of Buncombe County and the visitors who travel to the Asheville area for the sense of authenticity and welcoming spirit that the destination exudes.

The primary purposes of this fund are to:

  • Support and preserve cultural identity within Buncombe County;
  • Stimulate the creation of new, or expansion of existing, festivals and cultural events; and
  • Contribute to the financial viability and long-term sustainability of the area’s festivals and cultural events.

Explore Asheville CVB is offering grants for Festivals & Cultural Events ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, not to exceed 50% of the total event budget. Application deadline is Sept 29th at 5 pm.

LEAF Announces Fall LINE UP Global Citizen
Sep 21 all-day
online
New Benefits for Arts Businesses!
Sep 21 all-day
online

Add your arts business and upcoming events to the Asheville Area Arts Council website by becoming an Arts Business Member! Benefits include:

  • Login access to the arts council’s website to edit your directory listing and add events (new perk!)
  • Submit jobs and calls for artists to be shared on AAAC’s website
  • Ability for you and your staff to serve on the Arts Coalition
  • Discounted rates for you and your staff on tickets to the Creative Sector Summit (happening Nov. 2021)
  • Option to add something to the Creative Sector Summit swag bag
  • Local arts sector representation & advocacy
  • And so much more!
YMI Cultural Center Business Incubation
Sep 21 all-day
online

_MG_0157_edited.jpg

YMICC is committed to economic development and entrepreneurship for Black individuals and communities. Through this program entrepreneurs will receive six (6) months to one (1) year of business incubation support that will include business development training, startup and capacity building funding, as well as, mentorship opportunities. We are interested in you and your business ideas.

YMI Cultural Center Workforce Development Program
Sep 21 all-day
online

The “HMMM” (Hospitality, Medical, Manufacturing, Municipality) workforce training initiative and business development program is designed to support participants with training to build technical and workforce skills. The expansion of this program is “Operation Gateway” which provides a “circle of support” that addresses barriers to successful employment.  In this program participants will receive wraparound services along their pathway to the workplace. This circle of services includes childcare, transportation, financial support, guidance, and re-entry skill development (e.g., resume-building and interviewing).

AVL Arts Town Hall
Sep 21 @ 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
online

 

Local venue operators discuss live event health and safety protocols

Photos (left to right): Liz Whalen Tallent (The Orange Peel/ Rabbit Rabbit), Fletcher Tove (BCDHHS), Jon Fillman (City of Asheville), Rae Geoffrey (Wortham Center), Russ Keith (The Grey Eagle), Katie Hild (Salvage Station), Bob Hinkle (White Horse), Chris Corl (Harrah’s Cherokee Center), and Jeff Santiago (The Orange Peel/ Rabbit Rabbit).

The Asheville Area Arts Council will host a virtual AVL Arts Town Hall on September 21 at 12 pm on implementing health and safety protocols at local live events.

Liz Whalen Tallent– arts council board member and special events director for The Orange Peel and Rabbit Rabbit– will moderate the webinar. Panelists include representatives from Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, The Grey Eagle, Salvage Station, White Horse Black Mountain, Harrah’s Cherokee Center- Asheville, The Orange Peel. and Rabbit Rabbit.

The discussion will focus on pandemic related health and safety protocols currently in place at these venues, the lessons these venue operators have learned, and their current challenges.

“I’m so grateful the arts council is able to facilitate this conversation amongst Asheville’s public facing arts-organizations,” said Tallent. “This has been an incredibly challenging time for all of us, and it’s so valuable to share conversation and learn from our mutual experiences.”

Buncombe County Health Preparedness Director Fletcher Tove and City of Asheville Community Event Manager Jon Fillman will also be on hand to help answer questions.

“We are still in the middle of a global pandemic and we are currently seeing surges around the country more aggressive than anything we saw in 2020,” said Buncombe County Public Health Preparedness Director Fletcher Tove. “Each one of us has a role to play in safeguarding our community and that starts with getting vaccinated and wearing masks indoors.”

To register go to ashevillearts.com/town-hall.

Wednesday, September 22, 2021
Asheville Area Arts Council JOB BOARD
Sep 22 all-day
online

Job Board

Make sure to check out all the great job postings and arts opportunities listed on the arts council’s website.

Do you have a job opening you would like us to share? Please email us a link to your listing at [email protected].

Festivals + Cultural Events Grant Opportunity
Sep 22 all-day
Online

Background and Goals of the Festivals & Cultural Events Program

The Festivals & Cultural Events Support Fund Grant Program was launched in 2016 by the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) and is designed to provide financial support for events that both serve the residents of Buncombe County and the visitors who travel to the Asheville area for the sense of authenticity and welcoming spirit that the destination exudes.

The primary purposes of this fund are to:

  • Support and preserve cultural identity within Buncombe County;
  • Stimulate the creation of new, or expansion of existing, festivals and cultural events; and
  • Contribute to the financial viability and long-term sustainability of the area’s festivals and cultural events.

Explore Asheville CVB is offering grants for Festivals & Cultural Events ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, not to exceed 50% of the total event budget. Application deadline is Sept 29th at 5 pm.

LEAF Announces Fall LINE UP Global Citizen
Sep 22 all-day
online
New Benefits for Arts Businesses!
Sep 22 all-day
online

Add your arts business and upcoming events to the Asheville Area Arts Council website by becoming an Arts Business Member! Benefits include:

  • Login access to the arts council’s website to edit your directory listing and add events (new perk!)
  • Submit jobs and calls for artists to be shared on AAAC’s website
  • Ability for you and your staff to serve on the Arts Coalition
  • Discounted rates for you and your staff on tickets to the Creative Sector Summit (happening Nov. 2021)
  • Option to add something to the Creative Sector Summit swag bag
  • Local arts sector representation & advocacy
  • And so much more!
YMI Cultural Center Business Incubation
Sep 22 all-day
online

_MG_0157_edited.jpg

YMICC is committed to economic development and entrepreneurship for Black individuals and communities. Through this program entrepreneurs will receive six (6) months to one (1) year of business incubation support that will include business development training, startup and capacity building funding, as well as, mentorship opportunities. We are interested in you and your business ideas.

YMI Cultural Center Workforce Development Program
Sep 22 all-day
online

The “HMMM” (Hospitality, Medical, Manufacturing, Municipality) workforce training initiative and business development program is designed to support participants with training to build technical and workforce skills. The expansion of this program is “Operation Gateway” which provides a “circle of support” that addresses barriers to successful employment.  In this program participants will receive wraparound services along their pathway to the workplace. This circle of services includes childcare, transportation, financial support, guidance, and re-entry skill development (e.g., resume-building and interviewing).

Craft Your Business workshop series: Contracts for Creatives
Sep 22 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
online

Guest Presenter: Dr. Katherine de Vos DeVine

Join lawyer Dr. Katherine de Vos Devine to explore the how, when, where, and why of contracts for creative businesses.

Contracts help us establish expectations when sharing our work and collaborating with others. A good contract can help you form lucrative partnerships, license your artwork, hire your first employee, negotiate a gig, or publish your book. But contracts can be so hard to understand. What is a “force majeure” clause? Why is “choice of law” important? What does “indemnification” mean, anyway?

Join lawyer Dr. Katherine de Vos Devine to explore the how, when, where, and why of contracts for creative businesses. This presentation will help you understand the elements of a good contract, know when you need a contract, and improve your contract negotiation skills.

The Contracts for Creatives panel discussion is part of the Craft Your Commerce Workshop Series Beyond the Studio: Financials and Operations.

Foundations Business Planning Class
Sep 22 @ 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
online

Our Foundations business planning class helps guide ideas from concept to reality in a participatory, supportive learning environment.

Join a cohort of aspiring and existing entrepreneurs to gain an aerial perspective of your vision and the comprehensive business skills necessary to help bring your visions into reality. Participants will gain a clear aerial perspective of their business operations, financials, research and development, and marketing strategies. They will leave the course with a comprehensive business plan, a clear vision for their business, and concrete tasks for future work.

Throughout the class, emphasis will be placed on developing the social capital of the group. Participants will be encouraged to gather feedback from their peers, creating a strong network of deep support and synergy. For more info, visit the Foundations Business Planning overview page.

 

Registration

Complete our online registration form to hold your seat in the class of your choice.  We will follow up with you within a few days. You are welcome to contact us with any follow-up questions or ask about the status of your request.

The course fee is $375; however, we offer a modest discount for virtual classes and needs-based scholarships are available (see below). If you are not applying for a scholarship, a minimum deposit of 50% of the total is due upon enrollment to reserve your seat and will be followed by an email confirmation of your placement within a few business days.  A pay link will be included in your email confirmation for submitting any remaining class balances.

Class Schedule

Some classes have a built-in make up class for holidays or inclement weather. Attendance for all classes is recommended to not fall behind in any of the material.  Week 1 is required, but if you have a scheduling conflict where you would miss any other classes, please let us know. Additional support may be available for any missed class material.

Thursday, September 23, 2021
Asheville Area Arts Council JOB BOARD
Sep 23 all-day
online

Job Board

Make sure to check out all the great job postings and arts opportunities listed on the arts council’s website.

Do you have a job opening you would like us to share? Please email us a link to your listing at [email protected].

Festivals + Cultural Events Grant Opportunity
Sep 23 all-day
Online

Background and Goals of the Festivals & Cultural Events Program

The Festivals & Cultural Events Support Fund Grant Program was launched in 2016 by the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) and is designed to provide financial support for events that both serve the residents of Buncombe County and the visitors who travel to the Asheville area for the sense of authenticity and welcoming spirit that the destination exudes.

The primary purposes of this fund are to:

  • Support and preserve cultural identity within Buncombe County;
  • Stimulate the creation of new, or expansion of existing, festivals and cultural events; and
  • Contribute to the financial viability and long-term sustainability of the area’s festivals and cultural events.

Explore Asheville CVB is offering grants for Festivals & Cultural Events ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, not to exceed 50% of the total event budget. Application deadline is Sept 29th at 5 pm.

LEAF Announces Fall LINE UP Global Citizen
Sep 23 all-day
online
New Benefits for Arts Businesses!
Sep 23 all-day
online

Add your arts business and upcoming events to the Asheville Area Arts Council website by becoming an Arts Business Member! Benefits include:

  • Login access to the arts council’s website to edit your directory listing and add events (new perk!)
  • Submit jobs and calls for artists to be shared on AAAC’s website
  • Ability for you and your staff to serve on the Arts Coalition
  • Discounted rates for you and your staff on tickets to the Creative Sector Summit (happening Nov. 2021)
  • Option to add something to the Creative Sector Summit swag bag
  • Local arts sector representation & advocacy
  • And so much more!
YMI Cultural Center Business Incubation
Sep 23 all-day
online

_MG_0157_edited.jpg

YMICC is committed to economic development and entrepreneurship for Black individuals and communities. Through this program entrepreneurs will receive six (6) months to one (1) year of business incubation support that will include business development training, startup and capacity building funding, as well as, mentorship opportunities. We are interested in you and your business ideas.

YMI Cultural Center Workforce Development Program
Sep 23 all-day
online

The “HMMM” (Hospitality, Medical, Manufacturing, Municipality) workforce training initiative and business development program is designed to support participants with training to build technical and workforce skills. The expansion of this program is “Operation Gateway” which provides a “circle of support” that addresses barriers to successful employment.  In this program participants will receive wraparound services along their pathway to the workplace. This circle of services includes childcare, transportation, financial support, guidance, and re-entry skill development (e.g., resume-building and interviewing).

DIGITAL MARKETING CERTIFICATE
Sep 23 @ 9:00 am – 3:30 pm
WCU Biltmore Park, Asheville
September-November 2021 (6 Thursdays/Fridays)

Digital Marketing and Public RelationsCreate an online marketing communications strategy and powerhouse digital toolbox by completing six, full-day workshops taught by expert marketing and public relations professionals. Gain new insights into PR & marketing strategy, branding, budgeting, online content creation, video creation and use and social media.

Hendersonville Racquet Club Ribbon Cutting
Sep 23 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Hendersonville Racquet Club
Thursday, September 23rd at 10:30 AM
Join us in celebration of Hendersonville Racquet Club!
Join us in celebrating the grand opening of the pickle ball courts at Hendersonville Racquet Club with a Chamber Ribbon Cutting! The celebration begins at 10 am with the ribbon cutting taking place at 10:30 am. Please RSVP, so we know that you plan to attend.
2021 NC CCIM State Conference
Sep 23 @ 3:00 pm – 9:00 pm
DoubleTree by Hilton Asheville-Biltmore
Invested Course: An Investment Crowdfunding Learning Journey
Sep 23 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
online

The State of North Carolina recently passed legislation (NC PACES) making it possible to take on non-accredited investors for your small business. This allows you to raise funds from your friends, family, and broader community and to offer them a stake in – and a return on – the success that they are helping you to build.

Invested: An Investment Crowdfunding Learning Journey will assist a small cohort of interested business owners who are currently experiencing growth opportunities in preparing for, designing, and launching an investment crowdfunding campaign. The full course will entail five 2.5-hour sessions starting Thursday, September 23rd and running through October 21st.

The 7th Cohort of our Invested Course is coming up! The 5-session VIRTUAL COURSE will take place on the following dates:

  • Sep 23 – Session 1: 3-5pm
  • Sep 30 – Session 2: 3-5pm
  • Oct 07 – Session 3: 3-5pm
  • Oct 14 – Session 4: 3-5pm
  • Oct 21 – Session 5: 3-5pm

In between classes, the Invested program includes several one on one technical sessions with facilitators. Following the course, those that decide to execute investment crowdfunding campaigns will move into launch with the assistance of our BizWorks team and specialist partners.

Add your name to the Cohort 7 Interest Formand we will follow up with a brief consultation and informative call on specifications for the course. The course fee is $100 and $25 for additional participants from the same company. We also have an interest list for potential investors (those of us that may want to participate in a local crowdfunding campaign and attend one of the Invested course pitch events) that you can sign up for here.

A big thanks to our partners Jake Farrar (Van Winkle Law Firm), Annie Milroy Price (Birds Eye), and Jeffrey Scott (Metamorphic) who have assisted in developing and delivering this course.

Chow Chow Culinary Festival: RECIPES FROM RABBIT’S MOTEL
Sep 23 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Smoky Park Supper Club

Opened in 1948 by Fred “Rabbit” Simpson, Rabbit’s Motel was a crown jewel of Black-owned
Tourist Courts for African-American travelers in the segregation-era South, and provided
lodging and soul-food dining for many Black travelers. Rabbit’s Motel sat in the heart of
Southside, a flourishing African-American community that was one of many early-Asheville
vibrant Black communities in Asheville. SoundSpace@Rabbit’s, opened in 2020, will create a
creative arts hub in Asheville including music rehearsal studio space, soul food kitchen and
artist studios, and will promote historic pride while embracing a model of diversity in the most
authentic way possible, through music, art, community, and food. Join us for a lively event
featuring music, drinks and bites inspired by the original Rabbit’s Motel and Cafe