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, June 7, 2020
Women’s Paddlefest Nantahala Outdoor Center
Jun 7 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

Time: See Schedule for Details https://noc.com/events/womens-paddlefest

Age: All Ages

Women’s Paddlefest at NOC!!

The Ladies Southeast Paddling Series has moved to Nantahala Outdoor Center for a three-day paddle festival, hosted by inspirational paddler Anna Levesque! This festival is all about creating community by connecting, sharing, paddling, and supporting each other on the river. Trips will be offered on the Tuckaseegee River (Class I-II), the Nantahala River (Class II-III), and the Ocoee River (Class II-IV) representing a range of skill levels, and is open to all women in all water craft!

Donations and registration fees benefit the Shannon Christy Memorial Fund, an organization that supports non-profits focused on women’s empowerment.

Registration: Registration is $45 and Includes an event t-shirt, dinner, and one raffle ticket. Registration is available from January 1, 2020 to May 15, 2020. Our sponsors have donated a Dagger Kayak of choice, a Werner Paddle, and NRS gear among other awesome prizes for a raffle on Saturday! Additional raffle tickets can be purchased on site.

Tuesday, June 9, 2020
Black Mountain Poems: An Anthology by Jonathan C. Creasy
Jun 9 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
zoom
Black Mountain College had an explosive influence on American poetry, music, art, craft, dance, and thought; it is hard to imagine any other institution that was so utopian, rebellious, and experimental. This anthology begins with the well-known Black Mountain Poets―Charles Olson, Robert Creeley, Robert Duncan, and Denise Levertov―but also includes artist Josef Albers and musician John Cage, as well as the often overlooked women associated with the college, M.C. Richards and Hilda Morley.

Books are available via Malaprop’s for a 10% discount.

This free program will take place virtually via Zoom. Space is limited.

Curbside Hold Pick Up Now Available at the Library
Jun 9 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Buncombe County Libraries

Curbside hold pickup is now available at the library. You can pick up your holds on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 1-5 p.m. at the North Asheville Library, West Asheville Library, South Buncombe/Skyland Library, and the Black Mountain Library. Park in the library parking lot, have your library card handy, and call the phone number on the sign posted at your parking space. A librarian will bring your books out to the hold table and leave them for you to pick up. Your books will be checked out to you and ready to go.

You can place holds online using the library catalog link on the library webpage. You can also call (828) 250-4700 or email [email protected] for assistance placing or transferring holds.

Bookdrops are open

All library book drops are open. You may return your materials to any library book drop.  No fines will be charged while the library is closed.

If you need a library card, email [email protected].

We look forward to seeing you at the library!

While library programs are on hold, our Children’s Librarians are hosting online storytimes for kids of all ages on all library Facebook pages and YouTube. We also have a collection of stories you can listen to anytime on our StoryLine. Just call (828) 250-KIDS (5437) and hear a story read by your favorite librarian.

Since you can’t come to us while the libraries are closed, we are bringing some of our programs to you using Facebook live and ZOOM broadcasts.

Buncombe County Public Libraries have free wifi hotspots available outside any library building. To use the wifi, look for the LibraryGuest network and use the password readmore.

While the libraries are closed, you can call Ask-A-Librarian at 828-250-4700 with any questions you may have about library materials, digital services, or reference assistance. Librarians will be staffing the phones Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. to connect you with all the resources we have available.

Thursday, June 11, 2020
Falconry at the Biltmore Estate
Jun 11 @ 9:00 am
Biltmore Estate

Falconry

Discover the ancient art of falconry on Biltmore’s historic grounds. Learn how to handle a trained hawk or falcon, then experience the inimitable thrill of a raptor flying to and landing upon your gloved hand. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind opportunity to interact with one of these majestic birds of prey.

Two-guest minimum, Four-guest maximum

*Price is in addition to estate admission and subject to change. Must be 8 years of age or older to participate. Guests under 17 years of age must be accompanied by a paying adult. Guests encouraged to dress for the weather and wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes.
Passholders and guests of The Inn and Village Hotel receive a 10% discount.

Cost$125 per person plus tax
Falconry at the Biltmore Estate
Jun 11 @ 12:00 pm
Biltmore Estate

Falconry

Discover the ancient art of falconry on Biltmore’s historic grounds. Learn how to handle a trained hawk or falcon, then experience the inimitable thrill of a raptor flying to and landing upon your gloved hand. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind opportunity to interact with one of these majestic birds of prey.

Two-guest minimum, Four-guest maximum

*Price is in addition to estate admission and subject to change. Must be 8 years of age or older to participate. Guests under 17 years of age must be accompanied by a paying adult. Guests encouraged to dress for the weather and wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes.
Passholders and guests of The Inn and Village Hotel receive a 10% discount.

Cost$125 per person plus tax
Curbside Hold Pick Up Now Available at the Library
Jun 11 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Buncombe County Libraries

Curbside hold pickup is now available at the library. You can pick up your holds on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 1-5 p.m. at the North Asheville Library, West Asheville Library, South Buncombe/Skyland Library, and the Black Mountain Library. Park in the library parking lot, have your library card handy, and call the phone number on the sign posted at your parking space. A librarian will bring your books out to the hold table and leave them for you to pick up. Your books will be checked out to you and ready to go.

You can place holds online using the library catalog link on the library webpage. You can also call (828) 250-4700 or email [email protected] for assistance placing or transferring holds.

Bookdrops are open

All library book drops are open. You may return your materials to any library book drop.  No fines will be charged while the library is closed.

If you need a library card, email [email protected].

We look forward to seeing you at the library!

While library programs are on hold, our Children’s Librarians are hosting online storytimes for kids of all ages on all library Facebook pages and YouTube. We also have a collection of stories you can listen to anytime on our StoryLine. Just call (828) 250-KIDS (5437) and hear a story read by your favorite librarian.

Since you can’t come to us while the libraries are closed, we are bringing some of our programs to you using Facebook live and ZOOM broadcasts.

Buncombe County Public Libraries have free wifi hotspots available outside any library building. To use the wifi, look for the LibraryGuest network and use the password readmore.

While the libraries are closed, you can call Ask-A-Librarian at 828-250-4700 with any questions you may have about library materials, digital services, or reference assistance. Librarians will be staffing the phones Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. to connect you with all the resources we have available.

Falconry at the Biltmore Estate
Jun 11 @ 2:30 pm
Biltmore Estate

Falconry

Discover the ancient art of falconry on Biltmore’s historic grounds. Learn how to handle a trained hawk or falcon, then experience the inimitable thrill of a raptor flying to and landing upon your gloved hand. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind opportunity to interact with one of these majestic birds of prey.

Two-guest minimum, Four-guest maximum

*Price is in addition to estate admission and subject to change. Must be 8 years of age or older to participate. Guests under 17 years of age must be accompanied by a paying adult. Guests encouraged to dress for the weather and wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes.
Passholders and guests of The Inn and Village Hotel receive a 10% discount.

Cost$125 per person plus tax
Saturday, June 13, 2020
Official Statement: Asheville Tourists
Jun 13 all-day
Online
Resources to help us find our way to social justice and equity Literacy Council
Jun 13 all-day
Online

Racism, white privilege

and what it all means

Recognizing and understanding racism, and actively unlearning the everyday, built-in mechanisms of systemic racism is an ongoing effort that must be made by every single one of us. It can be difficult to navigate issues, origins, and solutions surrounding systemic racism, especially with so many different angles portrayed by the media.
There are countless truthful resources to help us find our way to social justice and equity. Here are just a few educational resources and ways to help our Black communities:
Educational reading:
The above photo has an excellent list of books!
Community:
Media:
Follow Black activists and voices on social media! Please reach out to us if you’d like suggestions on whom to follow.
Falconry at the Biltmore Estate
Jun 13 @ 9:00 am
Biltmore Estate

Falconry

Discover the ancient art of falconry on Biltmore’s historic grounds. Learn how to handle a trained hawk or falcon, then experience the inimitable thrill of a raptor flying to and landing upon your gloved hand. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind opportunity to interact with one of these majestic birds of prey.

Two-guest minimum, Four-guest maximum

*Price is in addition to estate admission and subject to change. Must be 8 years of age or older to participate. Guests under 17 years of age must be accompanied by a paying adult. Guests encouraged to dress for the weather and wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes.
Passholders and guests of The Inn and Village Hotel receive a 10% discount.

Cost$125 per person plus tax
Falconry at the Biltmore Estate
Jun 13 @ 12:00 pm
Biltmore Estate

Falconry

Discover the ancient art of falconry on Biltmore’s historic grounds. Learn how to handle a trained hawk or falcon, then experience the inimitable thrill of a raptor flying to and landing upon your gloved hand. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind opportunity to interact with one of these majestic birds of prey.

Two-guest minimum, Four-guest maximum

*Price is in addition to estate admission and subject to change. Must be 8 years of age or older to participate. Guests under 17 years of age must be accompanied by a paying adult. Guests encouraged to dress for the weather and wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes.
Passholders and guests of The Inn and Village Hotel receive a 10% discount.

Cost$125 per person plus tax
Curbside Hold Pick Up Now Available at the Library
Jun 13 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Buncombe County Libraries

Curbside hold pickup is now available at the library. You can pick up your holds on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 1-5 p.m. at the North Asheville Library, West Asheville Library, South Buncombe/Skyland Library, and the Black Mountain Library. Park in the library parking lot, have your library card handy, and call the phone number on the sign posted at your parking space. A librarian will bring your books out to the hold table and leave them for you to pick up. Your books will be checked out to you and ready to go.

You can place holds online using the library catalog link on the library webpage. You can also call (828) 250-4700 or email [email protected] for assistance placing or transferring holds.

Bookdrops are open

All library book drops are open. You may return your materials to any library book drop.  No fines will be charged while the library is closed.

If you need a library card, email [email protected].

We look forward to seeing you at the library!

While library programs are on hold, our Children’s Librarians are hosting online storytimes for kids of all ages on all library Facebook pages and YouTube. We also have a collection of stories you can listen to anytime on our StoryLine. Just call (828) 250-KIDS (5437) and hear a story read by your favorite librarian.

Since you can’t come to us while the libraries are closed, we are bringing some of our programs to you using Facebook live and ZOOM broadcasts.

Buncombe County Public Libraries have free wifi hotspots available outside any library building. To use the wifi, look for the LibraryGuest network and use the password readmore.

While the libraries are closed, you can call Ask-A-Librarian at 828-250-4700 with any questions you may have about library materials, digital services, or reference assistance. Librarians will be staffing the phones Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. to connect you with all the resources we have available.

Falconry at the Biltmore Estate
Jun 13 @ 2:30 pm
Biltmore Estate

Falconry

Discover the ancient art of falconry on Biltmore’s historic grounds. Learn how to handle a trained hawk or falcon, then experience the inimitable thrill of a raptor flying to and landing upon your gloved hand. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind opportunity to interact with one of these majestic birds of prey.

Two-guest minimum, Four-guest maximum

*Price is in addition to estate admission and subject to change. Must be 8 years of age or older to participate. Guests under 17 years of age must be accompanied by a paying adult. Guests encouraged to dress for the weather and wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes.
Passholders and guests of The Inn and Village Hotel receive a 10% discount.

Cost$125 per person plus tax
Sunday, June 14, 2020
Official Statement: Asheville Tourists
Jun 14 all-day
Online
Resources to help us find our way to social justice and equity Literacy Council
Jun 14 all-day
Online

Racism, white privilege

and what it all means

Recognizing and understanding racism, and actively unlearning the everyday, built-in mechanisms of systemic racism is an ongoing effort that must be made by every single one of us. It can be difficult to navigate issues, origins, and solutions surrounding systemic racism, especially with so many different angles portrayed by the media.
There are countless truthful resources to help us find our way to social justice and equity. Here are just a few educational resources and ways to help our Black communities:
Educational reading:
The above photo has an excellent list of books!
Community:
Media:
Follow Black activists and voices on social media! Please reach out to us if you’d like suggestions on whom to follow.
Monday, June 15, 2020
Official Statement: Asheville Tourists
Jun 15 all-day
Online
Resources to help us find our way to social justice and equity Literacy Council
Jun 15 all-day
Online

Racism, white privilege

and what it all means

Recognizing and understanding racism, and actively unlearning the everyday, built-in mechanisms of systemic racism is an ongoing effort that must be made by every single one of us. It can be difficult to navigate issues, origins, and solutions surrounding systemic racism, especially with so many different angles portrayed by the media.
There are countless truthful resources to help us find our way to social justice and equity. Here are just a few educational resources and ways to help our Black communities:
Educational reading:
The above photo has an excellent list of books!
Community:
Media:
Follow Black activists and voices on social media! Please reach out to us if you’d like suggestions on whom to follow.
Paddle Grapple
Jun 15 @ 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Tsali Recreation Area

Registration Opens June 2020

 

Age: All Ages

Join us Saturday, August 1st at the Tsali Recreational Area for the 2020 Paddle Grapple, a 3 or 6 mile flatwater kayak, canoe and SUP race on beautiful Fontana Lake, which is nestled at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, just a few miles from the Nantahala Outdoor Center. This popular event will take participants on a beautiful loop on Fontana Lake that will give you incredible views of the highest peaks in the National Park. Come enjoy the cool water, and hot competition at the 2020 Paddle Grapple.

Event Information

Distance: 3 or 6 miles
Course Map: Click HERE
For more information please visit Nantahala Racing Club’s Website.

Pre-Registration: Online Registration will open June 15, 2020 and close at 11:59AM on Wednesday, July 29th. Cost is $40 for each class.
Onsite Registration: A $10 Late Fee applies. You may register from 8-9:30AM at the NRC Event Tent next to the boat ramp.

2020 Schedule of Events | Tsali Recreation Area Boat Ramp

Saturday, August 1st Time
Onsite Registration 8-9:30AM
Vendor Demos 9AM
Competitor’s Meeting 9:30AM
Race START 10AM
Awards Ceremony 1PM
Tuesday, June 16, 2020
Fontana Lake Open Water Races
Jun 16 all-day
Fontana Lake

 

Nestled in the Smoky Mountains, the Fontana Lake “Best Dammed Lake” 5K-10K-15K open water swim race takes place in the beautiful Fontana Lake. The 17-mile long lake borders the Great Smoky Mountain National Park offering spectacular views during the 5K loop swim course. With three race distances offered, there is something for everyone, so come for a spectacular open water swim in the mountains and stay for all of the other adventures that await!

Registration is Open!

5K Solo Swim | $75
10K Solo Swim | $125
15K Solo Swim | $200

Your entry fee provides:

  • Safety boats and kayakers for course monitoring
  • Feeding, drink, and aid stations on the course
  • Entry to the post-race social with food and drinks on NOC’s campus, including live music
  • Fontana Lake official race T-Shirt
  • Finishers medal for all swimmers who complete the swim
  • Swag bag from our sponsors

Online registration only – racers MUST pre-register. For more information, visit the official race website.

Official Statement: Asheville Tourists
Jun 16 all-day
Online
Resources to help us find our way to social justice and equity Literacy Council
Jun 16 all-day
Online

Racism, white privilege

and what it all means

Recognizing and understanding racism, and actively unlearning the everyday, built-in mechanisms of systemic racism is an ongoing effort that must be made by every single one of us. It can be difficult to navigate issues, origins, and solutions surrounding systemic racism, especially with so many different angles portrayed by the media.
There are countless truthful resources to help us find our way to social justice and equity. Here are just a few educational resources and ways to help our Black communities:
Educational reading:
The above photo has an excellent list of books!
Community:
Media:
Follow Black activists and voices on social media! Please reach out to us if you’d like suggestions on whom to follow.
Curbside Hold Pick Up Now Available at the Library
Jun 16 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Buncombe County Libraries

Curbside hold pickup is now available at the library. You can pick up your holds on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 1-5 p.m. at the North Asheville Library, West Asheville Library, South Buncombe/Skyland Library, and the Black Mountain Library. Park in the library parking lot, have your library card handy, and call the phone number on the sign posted at your parking space. A librarian will bring your books out to the hold table and leave them for you to pick up. Your books will be checked out to you and ready to go.

You can place holds online using the library catalog link on the library webpage. You can also call (828) 250-4700 or email [email protected] for assistance placing or transferring holds.

Bookdrops are open

All library book drops are open. You may return your materials to any library book drop.  No fines will be charged while the library is closed.

If you need a library card, email [email protected].

We look forward to seeing you at the library!

While library programs are on hold, our Children’s Librarians are hosting online storytimes for kids of all ages on all library Facebook pages and YouTube. We also have a collection of stories you can listen to anytime on our StoryLine. Just call (828) 250-KIDS (5437) and hear a story read by your favorite librarian.

Since you can’t come to us while the libraries are closed, we are bringing some of our programs to you using Facebook live and ZOOM broadcasts.

Buncombe County Public Libraries have free wifi hotspots available outside any library building. To use the wifi, look for the LibraryGuest network and use the password readmore.

While the libraries are closed, you can call Ask-A-Librarian at 828-250-4700 with any questions you may have about library materials, digital services, or reference assistance. Librarians will be staffing the phones Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. to connect you with all the resources we have available.

Wednesday, June 17, 2020
Official Statement: Asheville Tourists
Jun 17 all-day
Online
Resources to help us find our way to social justice and equity Literacy Council
Jun 17 all-day
Online

Racism, white privilege

and what it all means

Recognizing and understanding racism, and actively unlearning the everyday, built-in mechanisms of systemic racism is an ongoing effort that must be made by every single one of us. It can be difficult to navigate issues, origins, and solutions surrounding systemic racism, especially with so many different angles portrayed by the media.
There are countless truthful resources to help us find our way to social justice and equity. Here are just a few educational resources and ways to help our Black communities:
Educational reading:
The above photo has an excellent list of books!
Community:
Media:
Follow Black activists and voices on social media! Please reach out to us if you’d like suggestions on whom to follow.
A Conversation with Marilyn Chase on Ruth Asawa, BMC Artist
Jun 17 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Online

 

Live on Zoom

Join us for a live conversation with Marilyn Chase, author of the newly published biography of artist and BMC alumna Ruth Asawa Everything She Touched: The Life of Ruth Asawa. 

Everything She Touched recounts the incredible life of American sculptor Ruth Asawa (1926–2013), a woman who wielded imagination and hope in the face of intolerance and who transformed everything she touched into art. This lively and compelling new book by journalist and author Marilyn Chase is the first biography of this major American artist.

RSVP to receive the Zoom login information

Marilyn Chase is a journalist, author, and teacher. She spent over two decades at the Wall Street Journal, and her previous books include The Barbary Plague: The Black Death in Victorian San Francisco. As a continuing lecturer at U.C. Berkeley’s Graduate School of Journalism, Chase now teaches reporting and writing to a new generation of journalists. She lives in San Francisco.

Thursday, June 18, 2020
Official Statement: Asheville Tourists
Jun 18 all-day
Online
Resources to help us find our way to social justice and equity Literacy Council
Jun 18 all-day
Online

Racism, white privilege

and what it all means

Recognizing and understanding racism, and actively unlearning the everyday, built-in mechanisms of systemic racism is an ongoing effort that must be made by every single one of us. It can be difficult to navigate issues, origins, and solutions surrounding systemic racism, especially with so many different angles portrayed by the media.
There are countless truthful resources to help us find our way to social justice and equity. Here are just a few educational resources and ways to help our Black communities:
Educational reading:
The above photo has an excellent list of books!
Community:
Media:
Follow Black activists and voices on social media! Please reach out to us if you’d like suggestions on whom to follow.
Falconry at the Biltmore Estate
Jun 18 @ 9:00 am
Biltmore Estate

Falconry

Discover the ancient art of falconry on Biltmore’s historic grounds. Learn how to handle a trained hawk or falcon, then experience the inimitable thrill of a raptor flying to and landing upon your gloved hand. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind opportunity to interact with one of these majestic birds of prey.

Two-guest minimum, Four-guest maximum

*Price is in addition to estate admission and subject to change. Must be 8 years of age or older to participate. Guests under 17 years of age must be accompanied by a paying adult. Guests encouraged to dress for the weather and wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes.
Passholders and guests of The Inn and Village Hotel receive a 10% discount.

Cost$125 per person plus tax
Falconry at the Biltmore Estate
Jun 18 @ 12:00 pm
Biltmore Estate

Falconry

Discover the ancient art of falconry on Biltmore’s historic grounds. Learn how to handle a trained hawk or falcon, then experience the inimitable thrill of a raptor flying to and landing upon your gloved hand. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind opportunity to interact with one of these majestic birds of prey.

Two-guest minimum, Four-guest maximum

*Price is in addition to estate admission and subject to change. Must be 8 years of age or older to participate. Guests under 17 years of age must be accompanied by a paying adult. Guests encouraged to dress for the weather and wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes.
Passholders and guests of The Inn and Village Hotel receive a 10% discount.

Cost$125 per person plus tax
Curbside Hold Pick Up Now Available at the Library
Jun 18 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Buncombe County Libraries

Curbside hold pickup is now available at the library. You can pick up your holds on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 1-5 p.m. at the North Asheville Library, West Asheville Library, South Buncombe/Skyland Library, and the Black Mountain Library. Park in the library parking lot, have your library card handy, and call the phone number on the sign posted at your parking space. A librarian will bring your books out to the hold table and leave them for you to pick up. Your books will be checked out to you and ready to go.

You can place holds online using the library catalog link on the library webpage. You can also call (828) 250-4700 or email [email protected] for assistance placing or transferring holds.

Bookdrops are open

All library book drops are open. You may return your materials to any library book drop.  No fines will be charged while the library is closed.

If you need a library card, email [email protected].

We look forward to seeing you at the library!

While library programs are on hold, our Children’s Librarians are hosting online storytimes for kids of all ages on all library Facebook pages and YouTube. We also have a collection of stories you can listen to anytime on our StoryLine. Just call (828) 250-KIDS (5437) and hear a story read by your favorite librarian.

Since you can’t come to us while the libraries are closed, we are bringing some of our programs to you using Facebook live and ZOOM broadcasts.

Buncombe County Public Libraries have free wifi hotspots available outside any library building. To use the wifi, look for the LibraryGuest network and use the password readmore.

While the libraries are closed, you can call Ask-A-Librarian at 828-250-4700 with any questions you may have about library materials, digital services, or reference assistance. Librarians will be staffing the phones Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. to connect you with all the resources we have available.