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.

Wednesday, February 19, 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
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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.  

The Comedy Show ft. Mia Jackson
Feb 20 @ 8:00 pm
YMI Cultural Center

The Comedy Show will see the historic YMI Cultural Center expand its program offerings to include a monthly night of gut-wrenching laughter featuring comedians of color. Presented in partnership with JAWBREAKING.xyz and Modelface Comedy & Events, The Comedy Show will be a night of comedy on the YMI’s main stage, featuring rising comedy stars from all over the country.

February’s show will be hosted by Asheville comic Petey Smith-McDowell and feature Tiffany Anderson, Kourtlyn Wiggins and Comedy Central’s Mia Jackson.

Mia Jackson is a bonafide Georgia peach (that’s Georgian for “native”) and self proclaimed know-it-all. After graduating from the University of Georgia she hit the local comedy scene and has thrilled audiences since day one. To her credit she has appeared on NickMom’s Night Out, Viceland and was a semi-finalist on Season 9 of NBC’s Last Comic Standing. She has appeared on Inside Amy Schumer and the movie Mother’s Day. In 2017, she was named a New Face at the Just for Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal and Atlanta’s Creative Loafing named her the city’s Best Stand-Up. Her Comedy Central Half Hour special premiered this past fall. Smart, funny, and versatile, Mia entertains all types of crowds.

ages 18+
Tickets $20 advance, $25 day of
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-comedy-show-tickets-89938018033

Friday, February 21, 2020
Apply for a Preservation Grant Today!
Feb 21 all-day
Preservation Society of Asheville & Buncombe County
We are accepting grant applications until March 6th.  Grants from $500 – $5000 will be offered to the public in three categories:
  1. Bricks-And-Mortar
Rehabilitation, restoration and repair of structures that are 50 years of age or older
  1. Public Education
Development of educational materials and programs that advance knowledge of our shared history
  1. Planning, Survey and Designation
Planning and design for building rehabilitation and restoration projects, historic resource surveys and local or national designations
Natural Impressions: Prints from the Asheville Printmakers CANCELLED
Feb 21 @ 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 21 @ 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.

Breastfeeding Support Groups YWCA
Feb 21 @ 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
YWCA of Asheville

Breastfeeding Support Groups

Join YWCA and Sistas Caring 4 Sistas for breastfeeding support for mothers at all stages! Share and learn from other breastfeeding mothers. Pregnant mothers welcome! Facilitated by a certified lactation specialist through SC4S.

BURNED: Are Trees the New Coal?
Feb 21 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
The Collider

You’re invited to The Collider’s Monthly Movie Night! For our first movie night, we’re excited to partner with Dogwood Alliance to bring you the award-winning documentary, Burned: Are Trees the New Coal?, an exposé of the biomass electric power industry. Come ready to learn about the threats forests across the South are facing from the biomass industry, and the people and policies responsible for its greenwashing. We’ll have snacks, drinks, and  a Q+A with Dogwood Alliance’s Conservation Scientist, Sam Davis.

A life-long treehugger, Sam earned a Ph.D. in Environmental Science in 2015 at Wright State University and completed a postdoc at University of California Merced before leaving academia for greener forests. They are thrilled to be translating science into action with Dogwood Alliance.

The award-winning documentary tells the story of the accelerating destruction of our forests for fuel and probes the policy loopholes, huge subsidies, and blatant green washing of the biomass power industry. A dedicated group of forest activists, ecologists, climate scientists, and concerned citizens fight to establish the enormous value of our forests, protect their communities, debunk this false solution to climate change, and alter energy policy both in the US and abroad.

This film is more relevant to North Carolinians than ever before, with Enviva — the world’s largest wood pellet manufacturer — rapidly expanding its polluting, forest-destroying facilities across the state.

 

Annual Alumni Awards and Homecoming Celebrations
Feb 21 @ 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
UNCA Highsmith Student Union, Blue Ridge Room.

Homecoming 2020: February 17 – 22

We aim to celebrate Homecoming traditions and instill Bulldog pride in all members of the University of North Carolina Asheville community through community engagement with students, staff, faculty, alumni, and the Asheville region.  Homecoming at UNC Asheville is special time of the year, providing us an opportunity to reflect on the storied history of UNC Asheville, celebrate the present moment and the impact it has on our university community, and look to the future as we honor the Bulldog way of the liberal arts experience. Promoting Bulldog spirit sits at the heart of our Homecoming celebration, with events open to all members of our community. We hope to see you back on the mountain as we continue to grow Bulldog pride in all near and far!

Student Events  Alumni Events

Saturday, February 22, 2020
Apply for a Preservation Grant Today!
Feb 22 all-day
Preservation Society of Asheville & Buncombe County
We are accepting grant applications until March 6th.  Grants from $500 – $5000 will be offered to the public in three categories:
  1. Bricks-And-Mortar
Rehabilitation, restoration and repair of structures that are 50 years of age or older
  1. Public Education
Development of educational materials and programs that advance knowledge of our shared history
  1. Planning, Survey and Designation
Planning and design for building rehabilitation and restoration projects, historic resource surveys and local or national designations
Asheville Police Department: New Junior Police Academy
Feb 22 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

 

 

 

Coach Needed at Hominy Valley Elementary Girls on the Run!
Feb 22 all-day
Hominy Valley Elementary
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We are in URGENT need of two assistant coaches at Hominy Valley Elementary on one or both program days (greater need on Wednesdays). The team practices on Mondays and Wednesdays from 2:15 pm to 3:45 pm.

With your support, 15 girls will grow their confidence, learn to stand up for themselves and others, and realize their voices matter. You don’t even need to like running!

Early Bird Registration Open for Senior Games and Silver Arts 2020
Feb 22 all-day
Buncombe County NC

Each spring, hundreds of locals 50+ years-old enjoy participating in the Asheville-Buncombe Senior Games and Silver Arts. This year’s program will be held at locations throughout Buncombe County from Tuesday, April 14-Friday, May 15. Registration is $5 before March 9 or $10 after that date. Military veterans may register for free.

To register, fill out a registration form (see documents below) or register online at ncseniorgames.org. Archery and pickleball have registration deadline dates.

Sports include basketball, bocce, croquet, football throw, softball throw, golf, cycling, track and field, archery, cheerleading, bowling, swimming, billiards, badminton, cornhole, horseshoes, pickleball, racquetball, shuffleboard, tennis, and table tennis. Miniature golf, rowing, and team softball and basketball are new this year. Age categories start at 50 and increase at five year intervals.

Silver Arts categories are classified as Heritage (quilting, woodwork, crochet, basket weaving, jewelry, needlework, tole painting, weaving, knitting, pottery, stained glass, woodcarving, and woodturning), Visual (solo, small group, and large group), Performing, Literary (poem, short story, essay, and life experience), and Contemporary. Art pieces will be displayed at Buncombe County Libraries in April and May.

A full schedule can be accessed below as a PDF.

Follow Buncombe County Recreation on Facebook and Instagram.

Table: News Item Documents
File Name Size Type Date & Time Added
Registration 209 KB 02/04/2020 7:52 AM
Schedule 45 KB 02/04/2020 7:52 AM
Hands on Asheville Volunteer Drive
Feb 22 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:
Late Nite Mardi Gras Kick-Off Party
Feb 22 all-day
Rosetta's Kitchen & Buchi Bar

Rosetta’s Kitchen presents Late Nite, an after-hours monthly pop-up!

In February, we’ll kick off the year with a Mardi Gras Kick-Off Party. 

Friday, February 21st
10:30pm – 2:30am

Live Music
Late Nite Munchie Menu
Full Bar & $5 Cocktail Specials
Costumes if ya wanna!
FREE!

Come party with us!

LEAF Volunteers is now LEAF WeX
Feb 22 all-day
LEAF
We’ve opted to shift the name and give some different benefits.
WHAT is changing? The name, WeX Star Crew benefit, & Festival HQ
– Regular Volunteers are now WeX. Work 10 hours in exchange for Weekend (Fri to Sun) Ticket
– Plus Volunteers are now WeX Plus. Work 15 hours in exchange for a Weekend Plus (Thu to Sun) Ticket
– Star Volunteers are now WeX Star. Work 20 hours in exchange for a Weekend Plus (Thu to Sun) Ticket AND a Culinary Passport -OR- a Star Guest Pass Ticket (Thu to Sun). Guest passes are LIMITED.

We’ll update our Auto-Reply as well as make a note on the website when the guest pass is no longer an available option. Those who have submitted completed applications prior to the cut off will have the guest pass option.

WeX Headquarters (HQ) will now be located under the Ship with a designated lounging area for WeXs. Make sure to come by and say hello!! You’ll pick up official schedule cards and culinary passes here as well.

RiverLink’s Art & Poetry Contest Grades PreK-12
Feb 22 all-day
online
Tax Help at Libraries Runs Feb. 1-April 15
Feb 22 all-day
Buncombe County Libraries

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, in cooperation with the I.R.S, N.C. Dept. of Revenue, Buncombe County Library System and Council on Aging, Inc. will again offer free tax Preparations for low and moderate income taxpayers, with special attention to those age 60 and older. Both Federal and N.C. State tax returns will be electronically filed for safe and accurate preparation with faster refunds.

This service will be available from Feb. 1-April 15, at sites listed below. Please note that some locations have different start dates as several libraries will be hosting early voting for the Presidential primaries in February.

Tax help for Weaverville will be held at the Brookstone Baptist Church and tax help for West Asheville will be held at the West Asheville Presbyterian Church. All tax help locations can be found at irs.gov.