Calendar of Events
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.
The City’s Neighborhood Matching Grant program is now accepting applications for the 2024 calendar year. Neighborhood organizations can apply for up to $5,000 in funds to be matched with volunteer time, fundraising and in-kind donations.
The biggest change to the program in 2024 is a transition to rolling applications. Previously, neighborhoods had to meet a hard application deadline. Now, applications will be accepted throughout the calendar year or until a maximum of 14 projects are awarded.
What kinds of projects can the Neighborhood Matching Grant program fund?
The program supports a wide range of imaginative projects, giving neighborhood organizations an opportunity to improve the quality of life in their community in ways that are most important to them. Projects that address a neighborhood issue or need in one of the following categories are eligible. This list is not exhaustive.
-
Physical improvement
-
Neighborhood identity
-
Community building events
-
Public safety
-
Marketing and branding
-
Organizational development and capacity building
-
Programming (cannot be programming that is currently ongoing)
-
Kickstart funding for new neighborhood organizations
A snapshot of past projects is available in the Spotlight Projects Guide.
“The grant-funded improvements to our park have really improved our neighborhood’s sense of community,” says Rob Patete of Kenilworth Forest.
Want to learn more?
The City will host a drop-in workshop:
- February 19, 2024
- 4-6 p.m.
- Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Center.
Background
Established in 2021 by City Council, the Neighborhood Matching Grant program is designed to strengthen relationships between neighbors, cultivate the spirit of volunteerism, and help communities accomplish self-determined goals. The program has so far awarded 36 projects, resulting in $159,110 in City funds and an estimated 2,500 volunteer hours invested in Asheville’s neighborhoods.
The City’s Neighborhood Services Specialist, Meredith Friedheim, hopes to continue this impact with a few minor improvements in 2024. “We’ve had three years to see the potential that can be reached with this program as well as to understand how best to manage it on the back-end. Our neighborhoods have shown us that they are ready and willing to invest their time and resources in projects that are important to them. For me, there is exciting momentum going into this fourth year.”
The Neighborhood Matching Grant program is administered by the Community Engagement Division of the Communication and Public Engagement Department. To find out more about the Neighborhood Matching Grant Program and to apply, visit the program webpage.
Are you interested in doing business with Buncombe County or learning about outreach opportunities for your business? If so, Buncombe County’s new vendor portal has upgraded features so vendors can now self-register with a variety of new options. The new portal will also make it easier for all vendors to access information to bid on contracts, get updates, manage contract information, view existing contracts, and more. Additionally, updated commodity codes will allow vendors to identify what goods and services they provide, allowing the County to better determine who to solicit and increase participation in the bidding process.
In an effort to continually increase the County’s commitment to equity, one of its 2025 Strategic Plan priorities, vendors can self-identify as a Woman/Minority Business Enterprise (WMBE) or Historically Under Utilized Business (HUB).
You can visit Buncombe County’s new and improved vendor portal here. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].
At Whole Kids, we know that the more kids know and feel connected to their food, the more curious they become about how things grow or taste, and the more willing they are to try new foods. This is why we believe in edible garden learning spaces!
Our Garden Grant program provides a $3,000 monetary grant to support a new or existing edible educational garden located at either a:
- K–12 School
- Non-profit organization (501(c)(3) in the US/Registered Charity in Canada) that serves children in the K-12 grade range
ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible to apply for this grant, the school or organization must meet the below criteria:
- Be a charter or public school including tribally controlled and Bureau of Indian Education schools, non-profit private school, a non-profit organization or a tribal entity that serves children in the K-12 age range, or a government entity
- Engage at least 10 children on a regular basis
- Be growing edible plants in your garden
- Eligible to re-apply for a second grant if your previous funds were received in 2022 or earlier. Completion of Progress Report on previous grant required to apply again.
- Be located in the United States (including US controlled territories) or Canada
*Recipients can only receive a total of two Garden Grants.
TO PREPARE
You can find a copy of the 2024 Garden Grant application here. All final applications MUST be submitted online but we share the application PDF as a way for you to prepare and get started!
Mini-grant applications are available three times during the 2023-2024 school year. You may apply one time during this cycle. Mini-grants must be used within a year after receiving the funding.
Applications due by:
- November 30, 2023
- January 30, 2024
- March 30, 2024
If you have questions about your eligibility to apply for funding, please email us at [email protected] before submitting your application. We are unable to provide mini-grants to schools located outside of our 23-county service area or to folks who have received a grant from us within the past year. Learn more and apply here!
Hear what the experts predict for the economy in 2024.
Join us as we celebrate Optimum and their new retail space off of Main Street in Downtown Hendersonville!
Thank you to Duke Energy for being the Presenting Sponsor of 2024 Ribbon Cuttings!
Are you interested in doing business with Buncombe County or learning about outreach opportunities for your business? If so, Buncombe County’s new vendor portal has upgraded features so vendors can now self-register with a variety of new options. The new portal will also make it easier for all vendors to access information to bid on contracts, get updates, manage contract information, view existing contracts, and more. Additionally, updated commodity codes will allow vendors to identify what goods and services they provide, allowing the County to better determine who to solicit and increase participation in the bidding process.
In an effort to continually increase the County’s commitment to equity, one of its 2025 Strategic Plan priorities, vendors can self-identify as a Woman/Minority Business Enterprise (WMBE) or Historically Under Utilized Business (HUB).
You can visit Buncombe County’s new and improved vendor portal here. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].
At Whole Kids, we know that the more kids know and feel connected to their food, the more curious they become about how things grow or taste, and the more willing they are to try new foods. This is why we believe in edible garden learning spaces!
Our Garden Grant program provides a $3,000 monetary grant to support a new or existing edible educational garden located at either a:
- K–12 School
- Non-profit organization (501(c)(3) in the US/Registered Charity in Canada) that serves children in the K-12 grade range
ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible to apply for this grant, the school or organization must meet the below criteria:
- Be a charter or public school including tribally controlled and Bureau of Indian Education schools, non-profit private school, a non-profit organization or a tribal entity that serves children in the K-12 age range, or a government entity
- Engage at least 10 children on a regular basis
- Be growing edible plants in your garden
- Eligible to re-apply for a second grant if your previous funds were received in 2022 or earlier. Completion of Progress Report on previous grant required to apply again.
- Be located in the United States (including US controlled territories) or Canada
*Recipients can only receive a total of two Garden Grants.
TO PREPARE
You can find a copy of the 2024 Garden Grant application here. All final applications MUST be submitted online but we share the application PDF as a way for you to prepare and get started!
The City’s Neighborhood Matching Grant program is now accepting applications for the 2024 calendar year. Neighborhood organizations can apply for up to $5,000 in funds to be matched with volunteer time, fundraising and in-kind donations.
The biggest change to the program in 2024 is a transition to rolling applications. Previously, neighborhoods had to meet a hard application deadline. Now, applications will be accepted throughout the calendar year or until a maximum of 14 projects are awarded.
What kinds of projects can the Neighborhood Matching Grant program fund?
The program supports a wide range of imaginative projects, giving neighborhood organizations an opportunity to improve the quality of life in their community in ways that are most important to them. Projects that address a neighborhood issue or need in one of the following categories are eligible. This list is not exhaustive.
-
Physical improvement
-
Neighborhood identity
-
Community building events
-
Public safety
-
Marketing and branding
-
Organizational development and capacity building
-
Programming (cannot be programming that is currently ongoing)
-
Kickstart funding for new neighborhood organizations
A snapshot of past projects is available in the Spotlight Projects Guide.
“The grant-funded improvements to our park have really improved our neighborhood’s sense of community,” says Rob Patete of Kenilworth Forest.
Want to learn more?
The City will host a drop-in workshop:
- February 19, 2024
- 4-6 p.m.
- Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Center.
Background
Established in 2021 by City Council, the Neighborhood Matching Grant program is designed to strengthen relationships between neighbors, cultivate the spirit of volunteerism, and help communities accomplish self-determined goals. The program has so far awarded 36 projects, resulting in $159,110 in City funds and an estimated 2,500 volunteer hours invested in Asheville’s neighborhoods.
The City’s Neighborhood Services Specialist, Meredith Friedheim, hopes to continue this impact with a few minor improvements in 2024. “We’ve had three years to see the potential that can be reached with this program as well as to understand how best to manage it on the back-end. Our neighborhoods have shown us that they are ready and willing to invest their time and resources in projects that are important to them. For me, there is exciting momentum going into this fourth year.”
The Neighborhood Matching Grant program is administered by the Community Engagement Division of the Communication and Public Engagement Department. To find out more about the Neighborhood Matching Grant Program and to apply, visit the program webpage.
Mini-grant applications are available three times during the 2023-2024 school year. You may apply one time during this cycle. Mini-grants must be used within a year after receiving the funding.
Applications due by:
- November 30, 2023
- January 30, 2024
- March 30, 2024
If you have questions about your eligibility to apply for funding, please email us at [email protected] before submitting your application. We are unable to provide mini-grants to schools located outside of our 23-county service area or to folks who have received a grant from us within the past year. Learn more and apply here!
Sherwin-Williams goes to Candler! They are an industry leader of architectural coatings, celebrating their newest location covering the Candler and Canton areas. They are happy to supply both retail DIY and wholesale contractors with paint, painting supplies, and expert advice for any project.
This is their retail Grand Opening week! They want to kick off their new store, ahead of their March 2nd retail/DIY grand opening sale. (Wholesale/contractor Grand Opening expo to come in April!)
At the February 28th ribbon-cutting, they will be offering store tours, expert advice, and discounted paint samples. They welcome anyone to come check out their new location, eat some Chick-fil-a lunch, and learn what Sherwin-Williams can do for you. Start a business relationship with them to get access to their Pro+ discounts and resources, or come take advantage of their discounted paint samples to prep for a personal painting project.
PROpel AVL is your partner for professional success, offering exclusive workshops, mentors, job opportunities, and a community of ambitious young professionals. Our GROW Series – an integral part of our commitment to nurturing the growth and development of young professionals, is an exciting opportunity for dynamic presenters to share their expertise. This professional development initiative is designed to provide young professionals with valuable insights, skills, and strategies to propel their careers forward.
The GROW Series focuses on offering a diverse range of educational topics tailored specifically to the needs of young professionals. We aim to inspire participants by helping them build essential skill sets and set meaningful goals for career advancement. The series seeks proposals from experienced presenters who can contribute unique perspectives and deliver actionable information that young professionals can apply in their work environments.
And celebrate excellence with PROpel AVL Awards, recognizing outstanding professionals in community/public service, leadership, innovation, and mentorship. Nominate individuals making a difference in our community.
Register for an upcoming GROW program through our event calendar.
2024 Dates:
Wed. Feb. 28th
Tues. March 26th
Wed. April 24th
Tues. May 21st
Thurs. June 20th
Tues. July 16th
Thurs. Aug. 22nd
Tues. Sept. 10th
Tues. Oct. 8th
Join us as we celebrate new members, Hendersonville Acupuncture and Wellness with a Ribbon Cutting!
Are you interested in doing business with Buncombe County or learning about outreach opportunities for your business? If so, Buncombe County’s new vendor portal has upgraded features so vendors can now self-register with a variety of new options. The new portal will also make it easier for all vendors to access information to bid on contracts, get updates, manage contract information, view existing contracts, and more. Additionally, updated commodity codes will allow vendors to identify what goods and services they provide, allowing the County to better determine who to solicit and increase participation in the bidding process.
In an effort to continually increase the County’s commitment to equity, one of its 2025 Strategic Plan priorities, vendors can self-identify as a Woman/Minority Business Enterprise (WMBE) or Historically Under Utilized Business (HUB).
You can visit Buncombe County’s new and improved vendor portal here. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].
At Whole Kids, we know that the more kids know and feel connected to their food, the more curious they become about how things grow or taste, and the more willing they are to try new foods. This is why we believe in edible garden learning spaces!
Our Garden Grant program provides a $3,000 monetary grant to support a new or existing edible educational garden located at either a:
- K–12 School
- Non-profit organization (501(c)(3) in the US/Registered Charity in Canada) that serves children in the K-12 grade range
ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible to apply for this grant, the school or organization must meet the below criteria:
- Be a charter or public school including tribally controlled and Bureau of Indian Education schools, non-profit private school, a non-profit organization or a tribal entity that serves children in the K-12 age range, or a government entity
- Engage at least 10 children on a regular basis
- Be growing edible plants in your garden
- Eligible to re-apply for a second grant if your previous funds were received in 2022 or earlier. Completion of Progress Report on previous grant required to apply again.
- Be located in the United States (including US controlled territories) or Canada
*Recipients can only receive a total of two Garden Grants.
TO PREPARE
You can find a copy of the 2024 Garden Grant application here. All final applications MUST be submitted online but we share the application PDF as a way for you to prepare and get started!
Mini-grant applications are available three times during the 2023-2024 school year. You may apply one time during this cycle. Mini-grants must be used within a year after receiving the funding.
Applications due by:
- November 30, 2023
- January 30, 2024
- March 30, 2024
If you have questions about your eligibility to apply for funding, please email us at [email protected] before submitting your application. We are unable to provide mini-grants to schools located outside of our 23-county service area or to folks who have received a grant from us within the past year. Learn more and apply here!
Are you interested in doing business with Buncombe County or learning about outreach opportunities for your business? If so, Buncombe County’s new vendor portal has upgraded features so vendors can now self-register with a variety of new options. The new portal will also make it easier for all vendors to access information to bid on contracts, get updates, manage contract information, view existing contracts, and more. Additionally, updated commodity codes will allow vendors to identify what goods and services they provide, allowing the County to better determine who to solicit and increase participation in the bidding process.
In an effort to continually increase the County’s commitment to equity, one of its 2025 Strategic Plan priorities, vendors can self-identify as a Woman/Minority Business Enterprise (WMBE) or Historically Under Utilized Business (HUB).
You can visit Buncombe County’s new and improved vendor portal here. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].
At Whole Kids, we know that the more kids know and feel connected to their food, the more curious they become about how things grow or taste, and the more willing they are to try new foods. This is why we believe in edible garden learning spaces!
Our Garden Grant program provides a $3,000 monetary grant to support a new or existing edible educational garden located at either a:
- K–12 School
- Non-profit organization (501(c)(3) in the US/Registered Charity in Canada) that serves children in the K-12 grade range
ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible to apply for this grant, the school or organization must meet the below criteria:
- Be a charter or public school including tribally controlled and Bureau of Indian Education schools, non-profit private school, a non-profit organization or a tribal entity that serves children in the K-12 age range, or a government entity
- Engage at least 10 children on a regular basis
- Be growing edible plants in your garden
- Eligible to re-apply for a second grant if your previous funds were received in 2022 or earlier. Completion of Progress Report on previous grant required to apply again.
- Be located in the United States (including US controlled territories) or Canada
*Recipients can only receive a total of two Garden Grants.
TO PREPARE
You can find a copy of the 2024 Garden Grant application here. All final applications MUST be submitted online but we share the application PDF as a way for you to prepare and get started!
Mini-grant applications are available three times during the 2023-2024 school year. You may apply one time during this cycle. Mini-grants must be used within a year after receiving the funding.
Applications due by:
- November 30, 2023
- January 30, 2024
- March 30, 2024
If you have questions about your eligibility to apply for funding, please email us at [email protected] before submitting your application. We are unable to provide mini-grants to schools located outside of our 23-county service area or to folks who have received a grant from us within the past year. Learn more and apply here!
Are you interested in doing business with Buncombe County or learning about outreach opportunities for your business? If so, Buncombe County’s new vendor portal has upgraded features so vendors can now self-register with a variety of new options. The new portal will also make it easier for all vendors to access information to bid on contracts, get updates, manage contract information, view existing contracts, and more. Additionally, updated commodity codes will allow vendors to identify what goods and services they provide, allowing the County to better determine who to solicit and increase participation in the bidding process.
In an effort to continually increase the County’s commitment to equity, one of its 2025 Strategic Plan priorities, vendors can self-identify as a Woman/Minority Business Enterprise (WMBE) or Historically Under Utilized Business (HUB).
You can visit Buncombe County’s new and improved vendor portal here. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].
Are you interested in doing business with Buncombe County or learning about outreach opportunities for your business? If so, Buncombe County’s new vendor portal has upgraded features so vendors can now self-register with a variety of new options. The new portal will also make it easier for all vendors to access information to bid on contracts, get updates, manage contract information, view existing contracts, and more. Additionally, updated commodity codes will allow vendors to identify what goods and services they provide, allowing the County to better determine who to solicit and increase participation in the bidding process.
In an effort to continually increase the County’s commitment to equity, one of its 2025 Strategic Plan priorities, vendors can self-identify as a Woman/Minority Business Enterprise (WMBE) or Historically Under Utilized Business (HUB).
You can visit Buncombe County’s new and improved vendor portal here. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].
Are you interested in doing business with Buncombe County or learning about outreach opportunities for your business? If so, Buncombe County’s new vendor portal has upgraded features so vendors can now self-register with a variety of new options. The new portal will also make it easier for all vendors to access information to bid on contracts, get updates, manage contract information, view existing contracts, and more. Additionally, updated commodity codes will allow vendors to identify what goods and services they provide, allowing the County to better determine who to solicit and increase participation in the bidding process.
In an effort to continually increase the County’s commitment to equity, one of its 2025 Strategic Plan priorities, vendors can self-identify as a Woman/Minority Business Enterprise (WMBE) or Historically Under Utilized Business (HUB).
You can visit Buncombe County’s new and improved vendor portal here. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].
Are you interested in doing business with Buncombe County or learning about outreach opportunities for your business? If so, Buncombe County’s new vendor portal has upgraded features so vendors can now self-register with a variety of new options. The new portal will also make it easier for all vendors to access information to bid on contracts, get updates, manage contract information, view existing contracts, and more. Additionally, updated commodity codes will allow vendors to identify what goods and services they provide, allowing the County to better determine who to solicit and increase participation in the bidding process.
In an effort to continually increase the County’s commitment to equity, one of its 2025 Strategic Plan priorities, vendors can self-identify as a Woman/Minority Business Enterprise (WMBE) or Historically Under Utilized Business (HUB).
You can visit Buncombe County’s new and improved vendor portal here. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].
Mini-grant applications are available three times during the 2023-2024 school year. You may apply one time during this cycle. Mini-grants must be used within a year after receiving the funding.
Applications due by:
- November 30, 2023
- January 30, 2024
- March 30, 2024
If you have questions about your eligibility to apply for funding, please email us at [email protected] before submitting your application. We are unable to provide mini-grants to schools located outside of our 23-county service area or to folks who have received a grant from us within the past year. Learn more and apply here!
– NC 191
– Laurel Park Roundabouts
– White Street
– Highland Lake Rd
– and more.
With insights from our Speakers Chuck McGrady (NCDot Region Board Member), and Troy Wilson (NCDot District Engineer), you’ll have the opportunity to engage in a Q&A session, explore specific projects, and actively participate in the discussion.
Register Here
Incredible Towns of WNC invites you to WNC’s largest free and independent Business Networking group, Incredible Business Networking (IBN) for IBN Biz Lunch – Asheville, on the first Tuesday of each month, at Suwana Asian Cuisine, 45 Tunnel Rd., beginning at 11:30.
IBN Biz Lunch – Asheville is open to all. Never any dues, fees, restrictions, exclusions, or membership requirements. Just buy your lunch if you are hungry and support our host restaurant.
Bring a stack of business cards, and if you like, a door prize to add to our drawing at the end of the meeting.
The meeting will consist of 1 minute introductions by every guest, a discussion of future networking opportunities in the area, a roundtable business needs and solutions segment, a time for gratitude and testimonials, door prizes, and some open networking before and after the meeting.
Our meetings are free because of the generosity and support of our IBN Sponsors:
The Super Signguy
Biz Radio US
Mr. Rooter Plumbing WNC
One Health Direct Primary Care
Southern Quality Company
Are you interested in doing business with Buncombe County or learning about outreach opportunities for your business? If so, Buncombe County’s new vendor portal has upgraded features so vendors can now self-register with a variety of new options. The new portal will also make it easier for all vendors to access information to bid on contracts, get updates, manage contract information, view existing contracts, and more. Additionally, updated commodity codes will allow vendors to identify what goods and services they provide, allowing the County to better determine who to solicit and increase participation in the bidding process.
In an effort to continually increase the County’s commitment to equity, one of its 2025 Strategic Plan priorities, vendors can self-identify as a Woman/Minority Business Enterprise (WMBE) or Historically Under Utilized Business (HUB).
You can visit Buncombe County’s new and improved vendor portal here. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].