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.

Sunday, August 28, 2022
The Free Clinics’s 20th Anniversary Homecoming
Aug 28 @ 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Camp Tekoa

The Free Clinics invites you to join us at this unforgettable lakeside bash, as we remember our humble beginnings and look forward to our future! Come ring in 20 years of caring for our neighbors in need…with a splash!

Wear your swimsuit for a dip in the lake, or simply enjoy the spacious covered pavilion and indoor dining hall to sit with friends old and new to look back on your collective memories of TFC over the years.

A boxed lunch and beverages are included for all guests, with a later sweet treat of cupcakes as we all wish ‘Happy Birthday!” to the Clinics!

Wednesday, August 31, 2022
INTRODUCTION TO TAI CHI *New Course*
Aug 31 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
YWCA Asheville

This 10-week course will introduce basic principles that are foundational to all Tai Chi movements. Tai Chi is proven to be effective in decreasing pain, stiffness, and risk for falls while improving balance, postural stability, strength, cognitive focus, immune system function, and more. Wednesdays noon -1 pm; August 24th-October 26th. This course has a general public cost of $60. There is no additional cost for members, the course is included.
Register before September 31st on our YWCA App, by calling (828) 254-7206 ext. 213 or emailing [email protected].

Saturday, September 3, 2022
Myofascial Release Monthly Course
Sep 3 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
YWCA
Wednesday, September 7, 2022
INTRODUCTION TO TAI CHI *New Course*
Sep 7 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
YWCA Asheville

This 10-week course will introduce basic principles that are foundational to all Tai Chi movements. Tai Chi is proven to be effective in decreasing pain, stiffness, and risk for falls while improving balance, postural stability, strength, cognitive focus, immune system function, and more. Wednesdays noon -1 pm; August 24th-October 26th. This course has a general public cost of $60. There is no additional cost for members, the course is included.
Register before September 31st on our YWCA App, by calling (828) 254-7206 ext. 213 or emailing [email protected].

Wednesday, September 14, 2022
INTRODUCTION TO TAI CHI *New Course*
Sep 14 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
YWCA Asheville

This 10-week course will introduce basic principles that are foundational to all Tai Chi movements. Tai Chi is proven to be effective in decreasing pain, stiffness, and risk for falls while improving balance, postural stability, strength, cognitive focus, immune system function, and more. Wednesdays noon -1 pm; August 24th-October 26th. This course has a general public cost of $60. There is no additional cost for members, the course is included.
Register before September 31st on our YWCA App, by calling (828) 254-7206 ext. 213 or emailing [email protected].

Thursday, September 15, 2022
THE MOTH Presents: Asheville StorySLAM – “Juggle”
Sep 15 @ 7:30 pm
The Grey Eagle

Saturday, September 17, 2022
Mindful Self-Compassion 9-Session Class Outdoors Near Warren Wilson
Sep 17 all-day
Charles D. Owen Park

MSC is an empirically-supported 9-session program that helps participants develop and deepen the skills of self-compassion. Activities include meditation, talks, discussion, and experiential exercises. This class will be held rain or shine outdoors in a beautiful setting over nine Saturdays, 9/17-11/19, skipping 10/15.

We will meet from 10:30AM-2PM with a 30-minute break for lunch midway through each session. Each class participant will receive a copy of The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook.

Register at mindfulselfcompassionasheville.com by 8/30 for early-bird pricing.

14th Annual Flock to the Rock
Sep 17 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Chimney Rock State Park

Grab your binoculars and get ready for our annual feathered frenzy. This event was designed so birders of all skill sets can enjoy one of the country’s fastest growing hobbies – bird watching! Live bird demos, guided walks, activities for kids and our annual hawk watch are just a few of the reasons this event is perfect for the whole family.

Check out the full schedule below.

Flock to the Rock 2022 Schedule of Events

Saturday September 17th 

7:30am Early Bird Walk*

10am – 3pm Birding Activities begin

10am – 10:30am Who gives a Hoot (live bird program)

10:30am – 11:00am Intro to Family Birding

11am – 3pm Hawk Watch on the Chimney

12pm – 12:45pm  Wings to S.O.A.R presentation (live bird program)

1:00pm – 1:30pm Intro to Family Birding

2pm – 2:45pm Wings to S.O.A.R presentation (live bird program)

Sunday September 18th

7:30am Early Bird Walk*

10am – 3pm Birding Activities begin

10:30am – 11:00am Intro to Family Birding

11am – 3pm Hawk Watch on the Chimney

11:30am – 12:00pm Radical Raptors (live bird program)

1:00pm – 1:30pm Intro to Family Birding

2pm – 2:30pm Radical Raptors (live bird program)

*pre-registered event

Sunday, September 18, 2022
14th Annual Flock to the Rock
Sep 18 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Chimney Rock State Park

Grab your binoculars and get ready for our annual feathered frenzy. This event was designed so birders of all skill sets can enjoy one of the country’s fastest growing hobbies – bird watching! Live bird demos, guided walks, activities for kids and our annual hawk watch are just a few of the reasons this event is perfect for the whole family.

Check out the full schedule below.

Flock to the Rock 2022 Schedule of Events

Saturday September 17th 

7:30am Early Bird Walk*

10am – 3pm Birding Activities begin

10am – 10:30am Who gives a Hoot (live bird program)

10:30am – 11:00am Intro to Family Birding

11am – 3pm Hawk Watch on the Chimney

12pm – 12:45pm  Wings to S.O.A.R presentation (live bird program)

1:00pm – 1:30pm Intro to Family Birding

2pm – 2:45pm Wings to S.O.A.R presentation (live bird program)

Sunday September 18th

7:30am Early Bird Walk*

10am – 3pm Birding Activities begin

10:30am – 11:00am Intro to Family Birding

11am – 3pm Hawk Watch on the Chimney

11:30am – 12:00pm Radical Raptors (live bird program)

1:00pm – 1:30pm Intro to Family Birding

2pm – 2:30pm Radical Raptors (live bird program)

*pre-registered event

Wednesday, September 21, 2022
INTRODUCTION TO TAI CHI *New Course*
Sep 21 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
YWCA Asheville

This 10-week course will introduce basic principles that are foundational to all Tai Chi movements. Tai Chi is proven to be effective in decreasing pain, stiffness, and risk for falls while improving balance, postural stability, strength, cognitive focus, immune system function, and more. Wednesdays noon -1 pm; August 24th-October 26th. This course has a general public cost of $60. There is no additional cost for members, the course is included.
Register before September 31st on our YWCA App, by calling (828) 254-7206 ext. 213 or emailing [email protected].

7-week Self Defense Course
Sep 21 @ 5:30 pm – 6:45 pm
YWCA

Back by popular demand, we will be offering a new cohort of our Empowered Self-Defense course that was designed as a partnership with the YWCA of Asheville and OurVoice. This course is a holistic approach to personal safety which teaches tools to combat the whole spectrum of violence, from verbal harassment to physical violence. We teach individuals how to interrupt violence by listening to their intuition, asserting boundaries, using de-escalation strategies, and providing tools for a range of mental, verbal, and physical responses. Register today and don’t let this opportunity pass by.

Register on our YWCA App, by calling (828) 254-7206 ext. 213 or emailing [email protected].

Thursday, September 22, 2022
Women’s Fall Equinox Sacred Sound Journey
Sep 22 @ 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Bullington Gardens (in the multipurpose room)

It’s time to transition to Fall! Sacred Sound helps us recalibrate our energy and prepare for the change of seasons. We’ll use this gathering to ease any concerns about what we see happening in our world, shake off fear and anxiety, and claim our peace and calming in this seasonal transition. Join us for a deeply replenishing guided sound healing journey of Tibetan and Crystal bowls, chimes, tank drums and tuning forks. WOMEN only, no children please. ADVANCE TICKETS ONLY available on website through 5 pm Sept 16. Because there is limited space, NO tickets will be available at the event, no exceptions. Please arrive on time. Bring a yoga mat and blanket. All details on website.

Saturday, September 24, 2022
Mindful Self-Compassion 9-Session Class Outdoors Near Warren Wilson
Sep 24 all-day
Charles D. Owen Park

MSC is an empirically-supported 9-session program that helps participants develop and deepen the skills of self-compassion. Activities include meditation, talks, discussion, and experiential exercises. This class will be held rain or shine outdoors in a beautiful setting over nine Saturdays, 9/17-11/19, skipping 10/15.

We will meet from 10:30AM-2PM with a 30-minute break for lunch midway through each session. Each class participant will receive a copy of The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook.

Register at mindfulselfcompassionasheville.com by 8/30 for early-bird pricing.

Wednesday, September 28, 2022
INTRODUCTION TO TAI CHI *New Course*
Sep 28 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
YWCA Asheville

This 10-week course will introduce basic principles that are foundational to all Tai Chi movements. Tai Chi is proven to be effective in decreasing pain, stiffness, and risk for falls while improving balance, postural stability, strength, cognitive focus, immune system function, and more. Wednesdays noon -1 pm; August 24th-October 26th. This course has a general public cost of $60. There is no additional cost for members, the course is included.
Register before September 31st on our YWCA App, by calling (828) 254-7206 ext. 213 or emailing [email protected].

Friday, September 30, 2022
Grand Opening: Love and Respect Community for Recovery + Wellness
Sep 30 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Love and Respect

Love and Respect Logo Mark Full Color

We Are a Peer Support Recovery Community Rooted in Respect

Love and Respect exists to assist any person seeking recovery from substance use, mental health struggles, and/or reentering society after incarceration through authentic Peer Support. We humanize these challenges with love and respect for the individual. We encourage, advocate, and instill hope, meeting people right where they are with person-centered, strength-based support. Our hope is to support the wellbeing of the whole person through the sharing of our lived experiences.

WNC’s first African American lead Recovery Community Center in Hendersonville, NC with a passion to serve the Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) population.

The vision of a single African American father with nearly 18 years of total and complete abstinence from all mood mind altering substances, a North Carolina Certified Peer Support Specialist (NCPSS) for 12 years,  was Lead Peer Support on Henderson County Post Overdose Response Team (PORT), Certified Recovery Coach, North Carolina Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), Community Healthcare Worker (CHW), Shaw University graduate, BA in Sociology Cum Laude (class of 2013)
Saturday, October 1, 2022
Mindful Self-Compassion 9-Session Class Outdoors Near Warren Wilson
Oct 1 all-day
Charles D. Owen Park

MSC is an empirically-supported 9-session program that helps participants develop and deepen the skills of self-compassion. Activities include meditation, talks, discussion, and experiential exercises. This class will be held rain or shine outdoors in a beautiful setting over nine Saturdays, 9/17-11/19, skipping 10/15.

We will meet from 10:30AM-2PM with a 30-minute break for lunch midway through each session. Each class participant will receive a copy of The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook.

Register at mindfulselfcompassionasheville.com by 8/30 for early-bird pricing.

Myofascial Release Monthly Course
Oct 1 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
YWCA
Wednesday, October 5, 2022
INTRODUCTION TO TAI CHI *New Course*
Oct 5 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
YWCA Asheville

This 10-week course will introduce basic principles that are foundational to all Tai Chi movements. Tai Chi is proven to be effective in decreasing pain, stiffness, and risk for falls while improving balance, postural stability, strength, cognitive focus, immune system function, and more. Wednesdays noon -1 pm; August 24th-October 26th. This course has a general public cost of $60. There is no additional cost for members, the course is included.
Register before September 31st on our YWCA App, by calling (828) 254-7206 ext. 213 or emailing [email protected].

Saturday, October 8, 2022
Mindful Self-Compassion 9-Session Class Outdoors Near Warren Wilson
Oct 8 all-day
Charles D. Owen Park

MSC is an empirically-supported 9-session program that helps participants develop and deepen the skills of self-compassion. Activities include meditation, talks, discussion, and experiential exercises. This class will be held rain or shine outdoors in a beautiful setting over nine Saturdays, 9/17-11/19, skipping 10/15.

We will meet from 10:30AM-2PM with a 30-minute break for lunch midway through each session. Each class participant will receive a copy of The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook.

Register at mindfulselfcompassionasheville.com by 8/30 for early-bird pricing.

Monday, October 10, 2022
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Class
Oct 10 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center
Three people carrying a person in a stretcher

BECOME AN E.M.T.

If you’re ready to get started in an exciting and rewarding career that doesn’t require years of higher education, you may be interested in our Emergency Medical Technician Course at SOLO Southeast. Sign up for our September course before the registration closes!

EMTs play a vital role in both public safety and healthcare by caring for and transporting sick and injured people during emergencies. Our intensive EMT program is designed to offer students a streamlined pathway into the world of Emergency Medical Services (EMS). The course is fast-paced and taught by our accredited and highly experienced instructors. If learning more about anatomy, patient assessment, life-saving medical interventions, and pre-hospital patient care click on the link above to learn more.

Earn your EMT in 3 weeks!

SOLO Southeast’s intensive EMT program is designed to offer students a streamlined pathway into the world of Emergency Medical Services (EMS). The course is fast-paced and taught by our highly experienced instructors. Students learn anatomy, patient assessment, life-saving medical interventions, and pre-hospital patient care.

Wednesday, October 12, 2022
INTRODUCTION TO TAI CHI *New Course*
Oct 12 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
YWCA Asheville

This 10-week course will introduce basic principles that are foundational to all Tai Chi movements. Tai Chi is proven to be effective in decreasing pain, stiffness, and risk for falls while improving balance, postural stability, strength, cognitive focus, immune system function, and more. Wednesdays noon -1 pm; August 24th-October 26th. This course has a general public cost of $60. There is no additional cost for members, the course is included.
Register before September 31st on our YWCA App, by calling (828) 254-7206 ext. 213 or emailing [email protected].

Award-Winning author and former Asheville resident, Chloe Kemp, presents her book, WISDOM KEEPER: My Extraordinary Journey to Unlock the Sacred Within
Oct 12 @ 8:30 pm
Sovereign Kava

Chloe lived in Asheville for 12 years and is now residing in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Much of her book takes place in Asheville. Chloe’s spiritual memoir reveals the Divine pathway to a more peaceful, happy, fulfilled, and healthy life. Come meet Chloe and find out why her book is changing lives.

GOLD WINNER Memoir by a female—2022 Living Now Book Awards — Books for Better Living

FINALIST New Age Nonfiction: 2022 International Book Awards

SOVEREIGN KAVA hosting Author Event: Wed, OCT. 12, @ 8:30 pm
268 Biltmore Ave.

🌻 Book Discussion 🌻 Reading Excerpts from the book 🌻 Q & A session 🌻 Autographed English & Spanish books available to purchase

For more information about Chloe and her WISDOM KEEPER spiritual memoir: www.ChloeKempWisdomKeeper.com

Friday, October 14, 2022
Hike at Scott’s Ridge
Oct 14 @ 12:00 pm
Scott’s Ridge

https://appalachian.org/event/2022-scotts-ridge-hike/?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=See+Scott+s+Ridge+-+guided+hike+of+new+nature+preserve&utm_campaign=Upcoming+events%2C+Scott+s+Ridge+Conservation%2C+Strawberry+Gap+Trail+Opening

Join Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy on October 14th for a hike at Scott’s Ridge, a recently-protected 139-acre tract adjoining Pisgah National Forest. Participants will hike a moderately strenuous 3 mile loop through a heavily forested area. This loop will give participants a chance to marvel at the beautiful fall foliage while walking through a series of moderately sloped trails throughout the property.

Cost – $10 or Free to Members. Pre-registration is required.

If you have any questions, please reach out to [email protected].

Thank you for taking interest in our outing with Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy!

I am sorry to say that our outing is currently full and we cannot accept any more attendees at this time. However, if you are still interested in the hike, please contact me at [email protected] and your name and email will be put on a wait-list. I will contact you if a spot becomes available.  If you have any questions, you can contact me at emily@appalachian.org. 

Thank you for your interest in hiking with SAHC!

Award-winning author, Chloe Kemp, presents her spiritual memoir, WISDOM KEEPER: My Extraordinary Journey to Unlock the Sacred Within
Oct 14 @ 6:00 pm
Asheville Yoga Center

Chloe lived in Asheville for 12 years and is now residing in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Much of her book takes place in Asheville. Chloe’s spiritual memoir reveals the Divine pathway to a more peaceful, happy, fulfilled, and healthy life. Come meet Chloe and find out why her book is changing lives.

GOLD WINNER Memoir by a female—2022 Living Now Book Awards — Books for Better Living

FINALIST New Age Nonfiction: 2022 International Book Awards

ASHEVILLE YOGA CENTER hosting Author Event: Friday, OCT. 14, @ 6 pm
211 S. Liberty St — arrive early; space for 50 people

🌻 Book Discussion 🌻 Reading Excerpts from the book 🌻 Q & A session 🌻 Autographed English & Spanish books available to purchase

For more information about Chloe and her WISDOM KEEPER spiritual memoir: www.ChloeKempWisdomKeeper.com

Saturday, October 15, 2022
Award-winning author, Chloe Kemp, presents her spiritual memoir, WISDOM KEEPER: My Extraordinary Journey to Unlock the Sacred Within
Oct 15 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
West Asheville Yoga

Chloe lived in Asheville for 12 years and is now residing in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Much of her book takes place in Asheville. Chloe’s spiritual memoir reveals the Divine pathway to a more peaceful, happy, fulfilled, and healthy life. Come meet Chloe and find out why her book is changing lives.

GOLD WINNER Memoir by a female—2022 Living Now Book Awards — Books for Better Living

FINALIST New Age Nonfiction: 2022 International Book Awards

WEST ASHEVILLE YOGA hosting Author Event: Saturday, Oct. 15, at 1 pm; 602 Haywood Rd.

🌻 Book Discussion 🌻 Reading Excerpts from the book 🌻 Q & A session 🌻 Autographed English & Spanish books available to purchase

For more information about Chloe and her WISDOM KEEPER spiritual memoir: www.ChloeKempWisdomKeeper.com

Wednesday, October 19, 2022
INTRODUCTION TO TAI CHI *New Course*
Oct 19 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
YWCA Asheville

This 10-week course will introduce basic principles that are foundational to all Tai Chi movements. Tai Chi is proven to be effective in decreasing pain, stiffness, and risk for falls while improving balance, postural stability, strength, cognitive focus, immune system function, and more. Wednesdays noon -1 pm; August 24th-October 26th. This course has a general public cost of $60. There is no additional cost for members, the course is included.
Register before September 31st on our YWCA App, by calling (828) 254-7206 ext. 213 or emailing [email protected].

Cozy Up For Fall Virtual Spiritual Retreat
Oct 19 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Soul Kyst

🍂Registration is now open for October’s Cozy Up for Fall Retreat!🍂

RELAX, RECHARGE & BE INSPIRED with our 2-hour live spiritual retreat.
Wednesday, October 19th 7 pm to 9 pm ET

https://soulkyst.com/virtual-spiritual-retreats/

Opening Meditation and Closing Visualization
Facilitated by Randi Botnick

EFT Pro Tapping Workshop
Facilitated by Karen Berzanski

During this retreat, you’ll learn how to use the mind-body tool, Pro EFT™ Tapping to:

Look at the past year and identify what you want to release and let go of
Get super clear on what you want and don’t want moving into the final months of the year
Leave with inspired ideas on how to create the most luxurious and pleasurable holiday season you’ve ever experienced.
Take these 2 hours of well-deserved relaxation time to slow down and reset, and experience personal breakthroughs.

For more details and to register: https://soulkyst.com/virtual-spiritual-retreats/

Thursday, October 20, 2022
Poetry Reading: Jeffery Beam
Oct 20 @ 7:00 pm
Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center

Reminiscent of Eastern Bhakti love poetry, and Western Troubadour and Green Man traditions, Verdant recounts a mid-life passage within a shadowed natural landscape of intense physical and spiritual longing.

At the age of 42, queer poet Jeffery Beam fell in love with a younger man, threatening his then 15-year relationship. These poems were born of that spiritual alchemical blaze, and its substantial healing power. The poet-lover’s sacred quest through heartbreak, suffering, grief, and regret, progresses ultimately to a joyful ecstatic reunion with the Beloved Divine. A mini-essay, “Don’t Forget Love: Sacred Longing’s Dark Project”, further illuminates the actual, mythological, and spiritual origins of the poems, and describes the poet’s lifetime search through experience, teachings, and literature, to a condition in which Desire and Love enrich instead of subsume the Self.

What could be more important than a love poem? These by Jeffery Beam are gorgeous, rich, and wise. I’m reminded how the thinnest membrane separates rapture from heartbreak, how both the human realm and the insect kingdom are awash with love. Beam’s poems flicker between Mirabai and the evening cricket, between Rilke and the night-clad firefly. Look close. Look close again!

-Andrew Schelling, author of Love and the Turning Seasons: India’s Poetry of Spiritual and Erotic Longing

Jeffery Beam’s work hailed for its “transcendent, lush beauty, its minimal sacrament, simplicity and physicality” fuses through Gnostic intention the physical and spiritual worlds, creating a conversation between the natural world, the body, and the spirit.
Friday, October 21, 2022
Halloween Skate Spooktacular
Oct 21 @ 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Carrier Park

FREE | All ages (under 14 must be with adult)

Lace up your skates and roll-bounce to a soundtrack of Halloween favorites. Skates not provided; bring your own.

Saturday, October 22, 2022
Mindful Self-Compassion 9-Session Class Outdoors Near Warren Wilson
Oct 22 all-day
Charles D. Owen Park

MSC is an empirically-supported 9-session program that helps participants develop and deepen the skills of self-compassion. Activities include meditation, talks, discussion, and experiential exercises. This class will be held rain or shine outdoors in a beautiful setting over nine Saturdays, 9/17-11/19, skipping 10/15.

We will meet from 10:30AM-2PM with a 30-minute break for lunch midway through each session. Each class participant will receive a copy of The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook.

Register at mindfulselfcompassionasheville.com by 8/30 for early-bird pricing.