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.

Tuesday, September 7, 2021
Festivals + Cultural Events Grant Opportunity
Sep 7 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.

New Benefits for Arts Businesses!
Sep 7 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 7 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 7 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).

Magnetic in the Smoky Park OUTDOOR SHOW
Sep 7 @ 7:00 pm
Smoky Park Supper Club

OUTDOOR SHOW

Join us on Tuesday nights for Magnetic’s signature variety show. There will be an exciting mix of comedy, music, theatre, dance, magic and more! Smoky Park Supper Club is offering us their beautiful outdoor venue, and will be selling food and drinks. The event is BYOC (bring your own chair), and we will, of course, be following strict Covid safety protocols. We can’t wait to see you there!

Smoky Park Supper Club + Magnetic Theatre Outdoor Show
Sep 7 @ 7:00 pm
Smoky Park Supper Club

Join us Tuesday nights, beginning April 13th, as The Magnetic Theatre teams up with the wizards at Smoky Park Supper Club to host a live, outdoor variety show. We’ll be filling Smoky Park’s gorgeous, riverside outdoor space with comedy, theatre, music and so much more.

There will be food and beverages available for purchase.

  • This is a BYOC (Bring-Your-Own-Chair) event.
  • In accordance with safety guidelines this show will be staged outdoors, with mask and social distancing protocols enforced. There will also be temperature checks and COVID waivers that need to be signed by each attendee at the gate.
  • Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the 7pm showtime.
  • We do require that masks be worn at all times unless you are actively eating or drinking.
Wednesday, September 8, 2021
Asheville Area Arts Council JOB BOARD
Sep 8 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 8 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.

New Benefits for Arts Businesses!
Sep 8 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 8 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 8 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).

Business Morning Update
Sep 8 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 am
Online w/ Henderson County Chamber of Commerce
Financing Your Business
Sep 8 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
online

Small Business Center at Blue Ridge Community College offers FREE seminars/workshops to support Small Business

Financing continues to be a challenge for many small business owners. Questions such as: Who will give me money for my business idea and what do they need from me? What disaster assistance funds are available and how can they be utilized. How will this business make money and will it be enough to pay back a loan or attract an investor? Get to the heart of business financing in this seminar that answers your questions. Explore the advantages and disadvantages of the different types of funding sources and how to choose the right one for your needs. Discover the keys to financing success.


Speaker(s): TenBiz

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

Webinar info will be emailed after registration

Foundations Business Planning Class
Sep 8 @ 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.

Stand-Up Comedy Open Mic at The Asheville Music Hall
Sep 8 @ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Asheville Music Hall

Disclaimer Stand-up Lounge is the longest running comedy open mic in Asheville happening every Wednesday night

The show starts at 8:00, and there is no cover. Anyone wanting to perform needs to sign up by 8pm, and will get five minutes on stage. Local and not-so-local, professional and not-so-professional comics perform or just anyone wanting to get up in front of people and try to make them laugh. Always fun. Always free.

Anyone wanting to perform needs to sign up by 8pm, and will get five minutes on stage. The order of sign-up is not necessarily the order of the show.

Thursday, September 9, 2021
Asheville Area Arts Council JOB BOARD
Sep 9 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 9 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.

MANNA is Hiring!
Sep 9 all-day
Online w/ Manna FoodBank
MANNA is looking for passionate individuals who are eager to join our team and help create a food secure WNC!
Right now, we’re hiring a Benefits and Support Services Coordinator.
If you know of anyone who may be interested, please encourage them to regularly check our website for opportunities.
New Benefits for Arts Businesses!
Sep 9 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 9 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 9 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).

Turn Your Business Into a Marketing Machine
Sep 9 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
In-Person/Online Hybrid Blue Ridge Community College

No cost due to sponsor support

A successful marketing program must be aligned, ideally throughout all areas of your company – product/service development, promotional activities, sales, financing, logistics and customer support. This presentation will focus on promotion and sales but will address the need and mechanism for information flow to the other areas of the company.


Speaker(s): Bill West

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

Webinar info will be emailed after registration

Gluten-Free Comedy, open mic at Ginger’s Revenge
Sep 9 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Ginger's Revenge
Sunset Rooftop Comedy Show
Sep 9 @ 6:30 pm
Rabbit Rabbit

Slice of Life Comedy & Disclaimer Lounge present: Sunset Rooftop Standup Comedy by Local Professional Comics Every Thursday at Rabbit Rabbit

Come grab dinner and a show at Rabbit Rabbit, in Downtown Asheville Outside Theatre Space:
**Great Craft Rabbit-themed cocktails available
**AVL Pizza truck on-site & AVL Pizza full menu available
**Rooftop-seating, depending on weather
**Sanitized Headphones provided so you don’t miss a joke while getting your food & drinks, works anywhere around the venue

Hosted by: Cody Hughes
Featuring: Petey Smith McDowell, Hilliary Begely, Cary Goff, Morgan Bost, Blaine Perry, Marlene Thompson, Ben Sia Hian

 

 

Nate Bargatze: Good Problem to Have
Sep 9 @ 7:00 pm
Peace Center

Hailing from Old Hickory, Tennessee, rising stand-up star Nate Bargatze’s comedy is both clean and relatable. He has been featured as one of Esquire’s “Best New Comedians” by Jim Gaffigan, Rolling Stone’s “Comedians to Watch” by Marc Maron, Variety’s “10 Comics to Watch” for 2015, and as #1 on Vulture‘s “50 Comedians You Should Know” in 2015.

Following the showbiz footsteps of his dad, a former clown turned world-class magician, Bargatze’s debut TV special, Full Time Magic, and debut album, Yelled at By a Clown, came out in 2015. The album reached #1 on the iTunes Comedy Charts and remained on Billboard’s Top Ten Comedy Charts for weeks. His first half-hour Netflix special, The Standups, premiered in 2017, and his first solo one-hour Netflix special, The Tennessee Kid, came out this year. He currently has a deal with 20th Century Fox to develop his own TV show

NATE BARGATZE: THE RAINCHECK TOUR
Sep 9 @ 7:00 pm
Peace Concert Hall

nate bargatze

Hailing from Old Hickory, Tennessee, rising stand-up star Nate Bargatze’s comedy is both clean and relatable. He has been featured as one of Esquire’s “Best New Comedians” by Jim Gaffigan, Rolling Stone’s “Comedians to Watch” by Marc Maron, Variety’s “10 Comics to Watch” for 2015, and as #1 on Vulture‘s “50 Comedians You Should Know” in 2015.

Following the showbiz footsteps of his dad, a former clown turned world-class magician, Bargatze’s debut TV special, Full Time Magic, and debut album, Yelled at By a Clown, came out in 2015. The album reached #1 on the iTunes Comedy Charts and remained on Billboard’s Top Ten Comedy Charts for weeks. His first half-hour Netflix special, The Standups, premiered in 2017, and his first solo one-hour Netflix special, The Tennessee Kid, came out this year. He currently has a deal with 20th Century Fox to develop his own TV show.

Bargatze has made multiple appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy FallonLate Night with Jimmy FallonConan, and @midnight. Off-screen, he performed as part of Fallon’s Clean Cut Comedy Tour and Chris Rock’s Total Blackout Tour, along with live shows for the troops in Iraq and Kuwait. He regularly appears at Bonnaroo, SXSW, Oddball Comedy Festival, Sasquatch, Clusterfest, and the Just For Laughs Montreal Comedy Festival.

Official Website

Sunset Rooftop Comedy Shows in Downtown Asheville
Sep 9 @ 8:00 pm
Rabbit Rabbit

Come grab dinner and a show at Rabbit Rabbit, in Downtown Asheville Outside Theatre Space:
**Great Craft Rabbit-themed cocktails available
**AVL Pizza truck on-site & AVL Pizza full menu available
**Rooftop-seating, depending on weather, where we go to an awesome space below
**Sanitized Headphones provided so you don’t miss a joke while getting your food & drinks, works anywhere around the venue and Asheville Pizza

Featuring:
Asheville’s Hottest Standup Comics
What:
Weekly Outdoor & Rooftop*
Sunset Comedy Dinner Shows
When: :
Thursdays Sept 2,9,16, 23
8p (doors 7:30p)
Where:
Rabbit Rabbit,
Downtown Asheville, 75 Coxe Ave

Tickets at RabbitRabbitavl.com
More information or to inquire about performing, contact Michele Scheve at [email protected]
*Rooftop depends on weather, we have a great space under the roof too!

NATE BARGATZE: THE RAINCHECK TOUR
Sep 9 @ 9:30 pm
Peace Concert Hall

nate bargatze

Hailing from Old Hickory, Tennessee, rising stand-up star Nate Bargatze’s comedy is both clean and relatable. He has been featured as one of Esquire’s “Best New Comedians” by Jim Gaffigan, Rolling Stone’s “Comedians to Watch” by Marc Maron, Variety’s “10 Comics to Watch” for 2015, and as #1 on Vulture‘s “50 Comedians You Should Know” in 2015.

Following the showbiz footsteps of his dad, a former clown turned world-class magician, Bargatze’s debut TV special, Full Time Magic, and debut album, Yelled at By a Clown, came out in 2015. The album reached #1 on the iTunes Comedy Charts and remained on Billboard’s Top Ten Comedy Charts for weeks. His first half-hour Netflix special, The Standups, premiered in 2017, and his first solo one-hour Netflix special, The Tennessee Kid, came out this year. He currently has a deal with 20th Century Fox to develop his own TV show.

Bargatze has made multiple appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy FallonLate Night with Jimmy FallonConan, and @midnight. Off-screen, he performed as part of Fallon’s Clean Cut Comedy Tour and Chris Rock’s Total Blackout Tour, along with live shows for the troops in Iraq and Kuwait. He regularly appears at Bonnaroo, SXSW, Oddball Comedy Festival, Sasquatch, Clusterfest, and the Just For Laughs Montreal Comedy Festival.

Official Website

Friday, September 10, 2021
Asheville Area Arts Council JOB BOARD
Sep 10 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 10 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.