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, February 16, 2020
RiverLink’s Art & Poetry Contest Grades PreK-12
Feb 16 all-day
online
50th Upstate SC Coin Show
Feb 16 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
SPARTANBURG MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM

 

YOUTH PROGRAM STARTS AT 11:00AM SATURDAY!

THIS IS THE 50th UPSTATE SC COIN SHOW. WE HAVE OVER 50 DEALERS SETUP.  IF YOU WANT TO BUY OR SELL SILVER, GOLD, RAW OR CERTIFIED COINS, THIS IS THE PLACE!

Grading Services

ANACS WILL BE AT THE SHOW

********* NO ADMISSION CHARGE AND FREE PARKING FOR ALL VISITORS ***********

 

UNC Asheville’s 2020 Pi(e) Run
Feb 16 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
UNCA starting on the Main Quad

Pi symbol, event basic information with running track in the background

Registration is open for UNC Asheville’s 2020 Pi(e) Run, an annual fun run that celebrates all things Pi(e). This year’s event will be held on Pi Day, Saturday, March 14, at Pi time, 3:14 p.m. Runners will run 3.14 miles around UNC Asheville’s campus and celebrate with pie at the finish line. The event is open to the public with an early-bird rate of $15 before Feb. 15. Runners who sign up before March 1 will receive a t-shirt and swag bag, and registration continues through March 14 at a cost of $20, with on-site registration and check-in starting at 2 p.m. the day of the race. Visit unca.edu/pi-run to sign up.

The 2020 Pi Day Run will start from UNC Asheville’s Quad and circle University Heights three times, via campus sidewalks, concluding with pie at the finish line. The fun run includes a pie baking contest, judged by Math Leaders from the Marvelous Math Club, with prizes awarded, and this year will feature a raffle. Registration includes a raffle entry for each runner. Registration also is available for the pie contest, without the run, by filling out the interest form at unca.edu/pi-run.

Proceeds from the annual Pi(e) Run will benefit the Asheville Initiative for Math at UNC Asheville and its Marvelous Math Club at Pisgah View Community Center. Marvelous Math Club is a partnership between UNC Asheville, Asheville Housing Authority, and Asheville City Schools. The Club uses math as a catalyst to build leadership skills, create community and provide a space for individualized academic support and social-emotional growth.

 

Free Funday Dodgeball Pickup Games
Feb 16 @ 3:45 pm – 6:00 pm
Stephens Lee Recreation Center

Want to learn about Stonewall Sports, stay active during winter, and meet new people? Dodge, duck, dip, and dive (best described as a party on the dodgeball court) at Stephens Lee Recreation Center in downtown Asheville. Your rise to dodgeball superstardom begins on Sundays through March 15 (except February 2). Come as an individual, small group, or full team of 12-15 dodgers. Join every week or only when you can!

Remember the hard rubber you got pummeled with during recess? We don’t use those. We use soft-centered balls to keep the hard impacts and injuries to a minimum. Balls start flying at 3:45 p.m. Sweat bands encouraged!

There is no charge for this community event that is open to all adults 21 and older. Stonewall Sports is a low-cost, high FUN adult recreational and philanthropic nonprofit organization for members of the LGBTQAI+ community and allies.

Monday, February 17, 2020
Itch to Stitch Weaverville Library CANCELLED
Feb 17 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Weaverville Library

Itch to Stitch

Bring your current needle project and work while socializing with other like-minded crafters

Community invited: View Haywood and Page Avenue Design Concepts
Feb 17 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Center for Craft

haywood street panorama view

The Feb. 17 presentation will highlight how the design team built on the foundational work from the Haywood and Page Vision Report, their own site research and analysis, and input collected over the past four months to develop draft design concepts for the site. The work-session will be a time for the public to ask questions about the concepts and provide feedback.

The public is encouraged to attend. Online materials and a survey will also be available later in February.

The design team intends to present a conceptual master plan to the City Council in May. The feedback collected from the community during this time period will be used to help create that plan.

Tuesday, Feb. 18 – Drop-in Hours

10 to 11:30 a.m. and

2 to 3:30 p.m.

 

 

Free parking will be available for attendees at HomeTrust Bank, 10 Woodfin St. Passes must be printed before and displayed in car windows, click here to  print a pass. For more information, please visit this link on the City of Asheville website.

 

Tuesday, February 18, 2020
Asheville Police Department: New Junior Police Academy
Feb 18 all-day
Municipal Building

The deadline for applications will be March 6. Applications can be downloaded by visiting this link.

The Asheville Police Department is excited to announce the first offering of a Junior Police Academy. This new program is designed for youth ages 14-19 who have a serious interest in pursuing a career in law enforcement.

 

Topics will include criminal law, investigations, narcotics, patrol/arrest techniques, and physical training. All classes are designed to incorporate both an academic and hands-on setting.

 

The Junior Police Academy will be offered at no cost to the participants. The Academy begins on March 30 and runs through April 11. Classes will be held at the Municipal Building, 100 Court Plaza, in downtown Asheville, from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings; and from noon to 3 p.m. two Saturdays. Successful completion of the Junior Police Academy is a requirement for participating in the Asheville Police Department’s Explorer program.

 

There is limited space available for participants. The first 15 approved applicants will be accepted. Applicants who live within the city limits of Asheville will have priority selection. Applicant requirements include:

  • GPA of 2.0 or higher
  • Must pass a criminal background check
  • Must provide at least three references and have parent/guardian approval
  • Must have a full physical completed by a physician

 

 

 

Girls on the Run Spring 2020 Program Registration in Full Swing!
Feb 18 all-day
Participating Buncombe County Schools
Image

 

It’s time to lace up for the Spring 2020 season! Girls on the Run of WNC is beyond excited to welcome over 40 schools/sites this season. We have 34 Girls on the Run (3rd – 5th grade) teams, eight Heart & Sole (6th – 8th grade) teams, and six 2nd grade pilot program teams!

 

Lottery registration window CLOSES on Thursday, February 20th. If there are spots remaining on teams after February 20th, then teams will be filled on a first come, first serve basis. Financial assistance is available!

 

Wondering if your school offers Girls are the Run and want to sign up? Visit Girls on the Run of WNC Locations to find out. Don’t see your school listed on our registration site? Contact Stephanie to find out how you can launch Girls on the Run (3rd-5th grade) or Heart & Sole (6th-8th grade) at your school for Fall 2020!

Leadership Asheville Winter Buzz Breakfast – Social Resilience
Feb 18 @ 8:00 am
Crowne Plaza, Expo Center

Leadership Asheville, a program of UNC Asheville, will host its 2020 Winter Buzz Breakfast series with the theme, “How Resilient Are We as a Community?” The breakfasts on Jan. 28, Feb.18 and March 25 at the Crowne Plaza Resort Asheville are open to the public and provide a chance to network with a broad array of community leaders, including Leadership Asheville alumni, and hear thoughtful panel discussions. The moderator will be Jim Fox, director of UNC Asheville’s National Environmental Modeling and Analysis Center (NEMAC).

The breakfasts will begin at 8 a.m. and the programs begin at 8:30 a.m. in the Expo Center of the Crowne Plaza, 1 Resort Dr., Asheville. Tickets are $25; $15 for students, available online only. Reserve seats by noon on Feb. 17!

Tuesday, Feb. 18 – Social Resilience
Quentin Miller – Sheriff, Buncombe County
Jan Sheppard – Director, Buncombe County Health and Human Services
Brian Myers – Chief Strategy Officer, Dogwood Health Trust

Listening Session hosted by WNC Bridge Foundation
Feb 18 @ 9:00 am – 10:30 am
Henderson County Public Library

WNC Bridge Foundation wants to hear from non-profits about the needs and
challenges they will face in 2020. We will also provide information regarding
our 2020 Impact Grant process, which will make awards in the focus areas
of Elder Care, Emergency Wellness, and Youth Development.

Natural Impressions: Prints from the Asheville Printmakers CANCELLED
Feb 18 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

On display daily January 18 – April 19, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the upstairs gallery of the Education Center, the Asheville Printmakers’ newest exhibit, Natural Impressions, will feature a variety of two- and three-dimensional print pieces utilizing numerous printmaking processes. Works will inspire visitors to think about the beauty and fragility of plants and the natural world through various perspectives and printmaking techniques. All pieces are available for purchase and a portion of the sales will benefit The North Carolina Arboretum Society.

Founded in 2013, the Asheville Printmakers is an energetic group of artists dedicated to expressing ideas and imagery through the medium of print. The group encompasses a wide range of processes and content, including traditional methods, such as lithography, woodcut and screen printing, and contemporary photographic printing processes, such as carbon printing, platinum-palladium and photopolymer etching. 

Parking Fees

  • Members: Free
  • Personal Vehicles: $14
  • Motorhomes / Vehicles (21’ or larger): $50
  • Buses: $100

There are no other admission charges required for visitors to access the Arboretum’s grounds and facilities during the day beyond the standard parking fees listed above.

Arts Education Advocacy 101
Feb 18 @ 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Center for Craft

This lecture is part of the new Creative Sector Talks series.

Nate McGaha, Executive Director of Arts North Carolina, discusses arts education advocacy and the role it plays in public policy and funding for comprehensive arts education. This presentation will include updates on state and federal policy and funding as it relates to the arts and arts education and provide tools and strategies to engage with elected officials to have a positive impact on the creative education of our students. In addition to training about what individuals can do in their own community, this talk will cover basic organization of advocacy campaigns and how to effectively unite behind a singular message of strengthening the arts in our school. Attendees will also learn more about Arts North Carolina, the only arts and arts education advocacy organization in the state, and how they have been instrumental in advancing government policy and investment in the arts for decades.

Arts North Carolina is the statewide advocacy organization for the arts; a 501(c)(3) organization governed by a statewide Board of Directors. ARTS North Carolina calls for equity and access to the arts for all North Carolinians, unifies and connects North Carolina’s arts communities, and fosters arts leadership.

Creative Sector Talk: Arts Education Advocacy 101
Feb 18 @ 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Center for Crafts

Creative Sector Talk: Arts Education Advocacy 101

Nate McGaha, Executive Director of Arts North Carolina, discusses arts education advocacy and the role it plays in public policy and funding for comprehensive arts education. This presentation will include updates on state and federal policy and funding as it relates to the arts and arts education and provide tools and strategies to engage with elected officials to have a positive impact on the creative education of our students. In addition to training about what individuals can do in their own community, this talk will cover basic organization of advocacy campaigns and how to effectively unite behind a singular message of strengthening the arts in our school. Attendees will also learn more about Arts North Carolina, the only arts and arts education advocacy organization in the state, and how they have been instrumental in advancing government policy and investment in the arts for decades.

Speaker: Nate McGaha, Executive Director of Art NC

Arts North Carolina is the statewide advocacy organization for the arts; a 501(c)(3) organization governed by a statewide Board of Directors. ARTS North Carolina calls for equity and access to the arts for all North Carolinians, unifies and connects North Carolina’s arts communities, and fosters arts leadership.

 

Awakening Support Group
Feb 18 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Appalachia School of Holistic Herbalism

This group is dedicated to the growing number of people interested in Awakening to their True Nature. We explore the experience of simply Being through:

| Self-Inquiry | Presence | Surrender | Gratitude | Meditation |

• Transcend egoic mind patterns
• See the gift in challenging situations
• Live your Life’s Purpose
• Find lasting Inner Peace

Group meetings consist of Meditation, Video Satsang (watching videos of spiritual teachers) and a Sharing Circle (optional).

Donations of any amount are welcomed. No one will be turned away due to lack of funds. (Donate online at https://tinyurl.com/awakeningsupport)

About the Facilitator:

Trey Carland, author of “A Seeker’s Guide to Inner Peace: Notes to Self,” has been hosting Awakening group meetings since 2007. “My passion is sharing the gift of Awakening with the World.”

Comments:

“Trey Carland embodies perfectly the quote, “still waters run deep.” I happened upon Trey several years ago through his spiritual awakening group. From this experience, Trey appeared to me as a wise Sage. Trey is accepting and patient with people. His demeanor is calm and loving. For me, it was evident that the stillness of Trey’s soul, is like a shimmering river that runs endlessly, with much depth. With celebration, I am blessed for having him as a friend. ” ~ John K.

(Read More at http://www.treycarland.com)

Just Economics’ First General Meeting of 2020
Feb 18 @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County

Join us for our first Bi-monthly General Meeting of 2020.  This is a great time to learn about and engage in the work of Just Economics with some wonderful people.  We will have food and meet all together from 6:30-7 and then divide into committees.  You are welcome to join in on any committee discussion (Policy Advocacy, Grassroots Education & Engagement, and Certification).  Everyone Welcome!

Wednesday, February 19, 2020
Girls on the Run Spring 2020 Program Registration in Full Swing!
Feb 19 all-day
Participating Buncombe County Schools
Image

 

It’s time to lace up for the Spring 2020 season! Girls on the Run of WNC is beyond excited to welcome over 40 schools/sites this season. We have 34 Girls on the Run (3rd – 5th grade) teams, eight Heart & Sole (6th – 8th grade) teams, and six 2nd grade pilot program teams!

 

Lottery registration window CLOSES on Thursday, February 20th. If there are spots remaining on teams after February 20th, then teams will be filled on a first come, first serve basis. Financial assistance is available!

 

Wondering if your school offers Girls are the Run and want to sign up? Visit Girls on the Run of WNC Locations to find out. Don’t see your school listed on our registration site? Contact Stephanie to find out how you can launch Girls on the Run (3rd-5th grade) or Heart & Sole (6th-8th grade) at your school for Fall 2020!

Hands on Asheville Volunteer Drive
Feb 19 all-day
Buncombe County

The role a caring adult can play in the life of a student cannot be overstated. We are recruiting volunteers to help middle grade students understand the importance of budgeting and finances as well as choosing a career path. Click the links below for more information:
10th Annual Battle of the Badges Blood Drive
Feb 19 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
First Baptist Church

Buncombe County and Asheville first responders are facing off for a lifesaving cause. Local heroes are rolling up their sleeves – and encouraging the community to do the same – as they vie for the most pints donated at the Annual Battle of the Badges Blood Drive. Congratulations to the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office for once again taking the award home last year.

All donors that day will receive a special T-shirt. Help save a life, and show your support for our local unsung heroes, your emergency first responders.

For more information on donating blood or to make an appointment, you can call 1-800-RED-CROSS, or visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code avlbattleofbadges. You can also download the Blood Donor App on the Apple App Store or Google Play to schedule your appointment today.

10th Annual Battle of the Badges Blood Drive
Feb 19 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
First Baptist Church

Buncombe County and Asheville first responders are facing off for a lifesaving cause. Local heroes are rolling up their sleeves – and encouraging the community to do the same – as they vie for the most pints donated at the Annual Battle of the Badges Blood Drive. Congratulations to the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office for once again taking the award home last year.

The Blood Drive takes place on Wednesday, Feb. 19 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at the  All donors that day will receive a special T-shirt. Help save a life, and show your support for our local unsung heroes, your emergency first responders.

For more information on donating blood or to make an appointment, you can call , or visit and enter sponsor code avlbattleofbadges. You can also download the Blood Donor App on the Apple App Store or Google Play to schedule your appointment today.

Natural Impressions: Prints from the Asheville Printmakers CANCELLED
Feb 19 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

On display daily January 18 – April 19, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the upstairs gallery of the Education Center, the Asheville Printmakers’ newest exhibit, Natural Impressions, will feature a variety of two- and three-dimensional print pieces utilizing numerous printmaking processes. Works will inspire visitors to think about the beauty and fragility of plants and the natural world through various perspectives and printmaking techniques. All pieces are available for purchase and a portion of the sales will benefit The North Carolina Arboretum Society.

Founded in 2013, the Asheville Printmakers is an energetic group of artists dedicated to expressing ideas and imagery through the medium of print. The group encompasses a wide range of processes and content, including traditional methods, such as lithography, woodcut and screen printing, and contemporary photographic printing processes, such as carbon printing, platinum-palladium and photopolymer etching. 

Parking Fees

  • Members: Free
  • Personal Vehicles: $14
  • Motorhomes / Vehicles (21’ or larger): $50
  • Buses: $100

There are no other admission charges required for visitors to access the Arboretum’s grounds and facilities during the day beyond the standard parking fees listed above.

North Carolina in the Great War Exhibit
Feb 19 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Smith-McDowell House

The exhibit is on loan from the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources and has been supplemented with artifacts from the Smith-McDowell House collection. Entrance to the exhibit is included with Smith-McDowell House admission – and is always free for members – and runs through May 16, 2020.

The exhibit seeks to put the local men and women who served in context with the larger events happening in North Carolina, the United States, and the world. In the exhibit, visitors will find displays and interactive elements telling the stories of just a few of our hometown heroes.

Thursday, February 20, 2020
Asheville Police Department: New Junior Police Academy
Feb 20 all-day
Municipal Building

The deadline for applications will be March 6. Applications can be downloaded by visiting this link.

The Asheville Police Department is excited to announce the first offering of a Junior Police Academy. This new program is designed for youth ages 14-19 who have a serious interest in pursuing a career in law enforcement.

 

Topics will include criminal law, investigations, narcotics, patrol/arrest techniques, and physical training. All classes are designed to incorporate both an academic and hands-on setting.

 

The Junior Police Academy will be offered at no cost to the participants. The Academy begins on March 30 and runs through April 11. Classes will be held at the Municipal Building, 100 Court Plaza, in downtown Asheville, from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings; and from noon to 3 p.m. two Saturdays. Successful completion of the Junior Police Academy is a requirement for participating in the Asheville Police Department’s Explorer program.

 

There is limited space available for participants. The first 15 approved applicants will be accepted. Applicants who live within the city limits of Asheville will have priority selection. Applicant requirements include:

  • GPA of 2.0 or higher
  • Must pass a criminal background check
  • Must provide at least three references and have parent/guardian approval
  • Must have a full physical completed by a physician

 

 

 

Girls on the Run Spring 2020 Program Registration in Full Swing!
Feb 20 all-day
Participating Buncombe County Schools
Image

 

It’s time to lace up for the Spring 2020 season! Girls on the Run of WNC is beyond excited to welcome over 40 schools/sites this season. We have 34 Girls on the Run (3rd – 5th grade) teams, eight Heart & Sole (6th – 8th grade) teams, and six 2nd grade pilot program teams!

 

Lottery registration window CLOSES on Thursday, February 20th. If there are spots remaining on teams after February 20th, then teams will be filled on a first come, first serve basis. Financial assistance is available!

 

Wondering if your school offers Girls are the Run and want to sign up? Visit Girls on the Run of WNC Locations to find out. Don’t see your school listed on our registration site? Contact Stephanie to find out how you can launch Girls on the Run (3rd-5th grade) or Heart & Sole (6th-8th grade) at your school for Fall 2020!

Natural Impressions: Prints from the Asheville Printmakers CANCELLED
Feb 20 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

On display daily January 18 – April 19, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the upstairs gallery of the Education Center, the Asheville Printmakers’ newest exhibit, Natural Impressions, will feature a variety of two- and three-dimensional print pieces utilizing numerous printmaking processes. Works will inspire visitors to think about the beauty and fragility of plants and the natural world through various perspectives and printmaking techniques. All pieces are available for purchase and a portion of the sales will benefit The North Carolina Arboretum Society.

Founded in 2013, the Asheville Printmakers is an energetic group of artists dedicated to expressing ideas and imagery through the medium of print. The group encompasses a wide range of processes and content, including traditional methods, such as lithography, woodcut and screen printing, and contemporary photographic printing processes, such as carbon printing, platinum-palladium and photopolymer etching. 

Parking Fees

  • Members: Free
  • Personal Vehicles: $14
  • Motorhomes / Vehicles (21’ or larger): $50
  • Buses: $100

There are no other admission charges required for visitors to access the Arboretum’s grounds and facilities during the day beyond the standard parking fees listed above.

North Carolina in the Great War Exhibit
Feb 20 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Smith-McDowell House

The exhibit is on loan from the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources and has been supplemented with artifacts from the Smith-McDowell House collection. Entrance to the exhibit is included with Smith-McDowell House admission – and is always free for members – and runs through May 16, 2020.

The exhibit seeks to put the local men and women who served in context with the larger events happening in North Carolina, the United States, and the world. In the exhibit, visitors will find displays and interactive elements telling the stories of just a few of our hometown heroes.

Women’s Rights Celebration Luncheon
Feb 20 @ 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Daphne at Twisted Laurel
Join Sterling Real Estate Partners as we celebrate 100 years of women’s suffrage and its ties to Asheville. Our keynote speaker is Ann Sharpsteen, a best-selling author, international speaker, and consultant who has dedicated herself to empowering women to live their best lives.
In her talk, Ann will give a rollicking discussion about the bold and colorful life of Victoria Woodhull, the first woman to advocate for equal rights for women.
Admission to this event is $15, lunch will be provided and proceeds will be used to benefit fellow agents with medical expenses that cannot be met due to the high cost of healthcare for the self employed.
The meal will include a meat or vegetable lasagna option, garlic bread and salad.
For questions please email [email protected]. Please RSVP by 2/16/20, only 50 tickets are available and can be purchased through Eventbrite.
Thank you to our sponsors!
Downtown Open Office Hours: The Haywood Streetscape Project
Feb 20 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Asheville Downtown Association
Haywood Streetscape Project Open Office Hours Thursday
Please join us for Downtown Open Office Hours held between 3 and 5pm Thursday, Feb 20 at the Asheville Downtown Association office located at 29 Haywood Street.

This is a dedicated time for community members and business owners to ask questions, offer feedback and share ideas about the project.

Haywood Street is getting a major makeover. The Haywood Streetscape Project, funded by the 2016 Transportation Bond Referendum, will include new sidewalks, street resurfacing, sewer and water improvements, and new amenities like street trees and benches.

You can find more about the project here including the construction phasing schedule and community meeting notes. For more information about the Haywood Street Streetscape project, contact Capital Projects Program Manager Dustin Clemens at [email protected] or 828-232-4580, or Downtown Development Specialist Dana Frankel at [email protected] or 828-251-4051.

League of Women Voters 100th Birthday and Candidate Meet & Greet
Feb 20 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Archetype Brewing Downtown

The League of Women Voters celebrates our 100th Anniversary and hosts candidates for for Asheville City Council, Buncombe County Commissioner, and NC Senate 48 & 49 for a meet & greet event.

Leauge of Women Voters 100th Birthday Party and Candidate Meet and Greet
Feb 20 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Archetype Brewing Tap Lounge and Venue

The League of Women Voters of Asheville-Buncombe County will celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the founding of the League of Women Voters by hosting a Candidate Meet.

All candidates for Asheville City Council, Buncombe County Commissioner, and NC Senate 48 & 49 have been invited and the public is welcome to come and meet them in a relaxed setting.

 

This event is free and open to the public. The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan volunteer organization and we never endorse a particular candidate or political party.

Soul Food Supper Celebrating Black History Month
Feb 20 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Stephens-Lee Community Center

Enjoy a Soul Food supper prepared by the Stephens-Lee Teen Leadership participants with help from the East End Valley Street Neighborhood and Stephens-Lee Alumni.