In addition to her work with LREDI, Adams is a serial entrepreneur. She is the founder and CEO of the Aisha Adams Media Group and partner organization Equity Over Everything, which advances equity by closing gaps in entrepreneurship and homeownership in low-resource communities. Her other ventures include the Asheville View, a daytime-style talk show that addresses hot button issues in Asheville, and Nappy Thoughts, a personal blog followed by thousands of people on social media. She also manages the Entrepreneurial Accelerator, a business bootcamp that ties fledgling businesses to community resources.
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.
Join the Asheville Museum of History Thursday, October 26 at 6pm live in the Reuter Center at UNCA or via Zoom. This event airs live and will be recorded.
Arts and Crafts historian Bruce E. Johnson will share the history behind his book Biltmore Industries and Tryon Toy-Makers and Wood-Carvers: The Lives and Works of Eleanor Vance and Charlotte Yale. Fresh from the Moody Bible College, young Eleanor Vance and Charlotte Yale arrived in Biltmore Village in 1901 and soon were deeply involved with All Souls’ Church. Drawing upon her extensive training as a woodworker, Vance began teaching young men and women how to construct and carved exquisite walnut serving trays, bookends, bowls, picture frames, hearth brushes, and fireplace bellows.
Edith and George Vanderbilt provided the fledgling Arts and Crafts industry with the workshop space, encouragement, and support necessary for Vance and Yale to open and manage Biltmore Estate Industries in 1905. They soon added the weaving of wool homespun cloth to their inventory in their shop across from the railway depot.
But George Vanderbilt’s unexpected death in 1914 left his widow Edith unprepared to manage their 125,000-acre estate, 250-room house, and all of Biltmore Village. Sensing their time at Biltmore Estate Industries was about to end, in 1915 Vance and Yale moved to Tryon. Two years later, Edith Vanderbilt sold the Industries to Fred L. Seely, president of the Grove Park Inn. In 1917, he began moving the woodworkers and weavers into the five buildings he constructed in what is now Grovewood Village, adjacent to the grounds of the Grove Park Inn.
In Tryon, Vance and Yale again began teaching young men and women not only how to carve walnut bowls, frames, and bookends, but also to make colorful children’s toys. From 1915 until their retirement in 1943, the women led Tryon Toy-Makers and Wood-Carvers, creating hundreds of carved items and painted toys which have become collectors’ items today.
About the Speaker:
Bruce Johnson moved to North Carolina in 1985 and soon founded the annual National Arts and Crafts Conference and Shows at the historic 1913 Grove Park Inn. In 1910, he was recognized with the Thomas Wolfe Memorial Literary Award. For the past ten years he has been gathering research material for his new 200-page, hardback book, which features 239 vintage and color photographs, descriptions of nearly 500 of their works, and fourteen of the identification shopmarks used at Biltmore Estate Industries, Biltmore Industries, and Tryon Toy-Makers and Wood-Carvers.
Additional information is available on Facebook at Biltmore Industries & Tryon Toy-Makers and Wood-Carvers
Tickets: $5 for AMoH/OLLI members/ $10 for General Admission. We also have no-cost, community-funded tickets available. We want our events to be accessible to as many people as possible. If you are able please consider making a donation along with your ticket purchase. These donations are placed in our Community Fund, which allows us to offer tickets at no cost to those who would not be able to attend otherwise.
Viewing: Registrants will receive a confirmation email with Zoom link with which to view the program. For those attending in person, no further steps are required. This event is held in the Reuter Center at UNCA (300 Campus View Rd, Asheville).
(Images: Biltmore Industries and Tryon Toy-Makers and Wood-Carvers: The Lives and Works of Eleanor Vance and Charlotte Yale, courtesy Bruce Johnson)
For questions, email Trevor Freeman at [email protected]
In this 8-week session, teen artists will learn from industry experts in acting, character development, scene work, and more! In their weekly acting class students will explore the nuances of theatre technique and provide a framework approaching scenes and monologues. This session is ideal for students who are passionate about theatre, excited to collaborate in a pre-professional environment with peers and industry experts, and looking to grow and develop as artists.With new material every semester, this class can (and should) be taken multiple times. We will end the semester with a taped video performance that will be emailed out to all families!
Adam Rothman, professor of History at Georgetown University, will be speaking on Georgetown’s history of enslavement and his current research on Thursday, October 26 at 7 p.m. at the UNC Asheville Reuter Center, Manheimer Room.
Rothman is the director of the Center for the Study of Slavery and Its Legacies and co-editor of the recent book “Facing Georgetown’s History: A Reader on Slavery, Memory, and Reconciliation” which details the university’s history of enslavement and its recent efforts to confront its past.
In “I Came As a Shadow,” John Thompson writes about Georgetown’s slaveholding legacy, especially the sale of 272 enslaved people in 1883 that was made to save the financially struggling university. Aside from tracing the descendants of the 272 individuals, Rothman’s research explores how institutions and communities confront their shameful pasts.
This event is part of the Common Word Community Read series, a set of lectures and discussions centered around a shared text with the goal of engaging a collective educational experience. The program is curated by Wiley Cash, New York Times bestselling author, alumnus of the class of 2000, and UNC Asheville’s Executive Director of Literary Arts. The selection for fall 2023 is “I Came As a Shadow” an autobiography by the late John Thompson, the head basketball coach at Georgetown University from 1972 to 1999, where he won the NCAA championship in 1984.
Accessibility
UNC Asheville is committed to providing universal access to all of our events. If you have any questions about access or to request reasonable accommodations that will facilitate your full participation in this event, please contact the Event Organizer (see below). Advance notice is necessary to arrange for accessibility needs.
Visitor Parking
Visitors may park in faculty/staff and All Permit lots from 5:00 p.m. until 7:30 a.m., Monday through Friday, and on weekends, holidays, and campus breaks. Visitors are not permitted to park in resident student lots at any time.
Prior to 5pm, any visitor (regardless of their reason for visit) need to adhere to the current practices listed on the parking website. Get your visitor parking permit here

What is a Youth Production?
An ACT Youth Production is an immersive performance workshop that is specially tailored for young artists who aspire to learn and grow in the performing arts. This hands-on experience offers a unique opportunity for students to undergo a comprehensive exploration of the theatrical process. Starting with auditions, they are taught how to prepare and present their best selves, and throughout the rehearsal process, students collaborate with the cast in a dynamic and supportive environment. A distinctive feature of this program is the inclusion of choreography and voice training sessions that enable students to discover and improve their vocal prowess and dancing abilities, thus turning them into well-rounded performers. Every aspect is designed to nurture creativity, foster teamwork, and instill a genuine love for theatre. All students are encouraged to participate, regardless of their previous experience or exposure to theatre.
Interested in Technical Theatre classes?
If you’re interested in getting hands-on experience with technical theatre, our Tech & Run Crew class is tailored just for you. Whether you’re a beginner with a budding interest or a seasoned tech enthusiast aiming to sharpen your skills, you will get the opportunity to work on real productions in an education environment.
Local partners
As the only dedicated liberal arts institution in the University of North Carolina system, UNC Asheville kindles learning by offering students an intellectually rigorous education that builds critical thinking and workforce skills to last a lifetime. Small class size, award-winning faculty and a nationally acclaimed undergraduate research program foster innovation as well as recognition.
Join us on a journey into the world of butterflies and plants, and see the complex relationship between monarchs and milkweed. “Monarchs and Milkweed” explores how very survival of these majestic creatures has been shaped over time by one another, traveling through the seasons of a calendar year and revealing how both insect and plant grow and interact, culminating in a massive migration that crosses a continent.
A Deeper Dive into Wine Styles and Regions, Winemaking and Wine Tasting
Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday October 23rd/24th/25th: Part One, Two & Three – 9:30am – 4:00pm
Friday, October 27th: Exam – 9:30am – 11am
Course price: $850
Registration closes on October 6th
For individuals seeking a core understanding of a wide range of wines, this qualification explores the major grape varieties of the world and the regions in which they are grown. Through a combination of tasting and theory, you’ll explore the factors that impact style and quality and learn how to describe these wines with confidence. The course includes tastings of over 30 wines. It is intended as vocational training in product knowledge for those employed in the drinks industry. The qualification is suitable wherever a good level of product knowledge is required to underpin job skills and competencies. The WSET Level 2 Award in Wines course is also appropriate for those not employed in the drinks industry but who want a serious education in wine and wish to broaden their knowledge in a structured way., Successful candidates receive a certificate and lapel pin for the internationally-recognized WSET Level 2 Award in Wines. L2 is a pre-requisite for WSET Level 3 Award in Wines Link to course specification.
Perfect for Tasting Room and Restaurant Service Professionals, and Wine Enthusiasts
Registration closes October 11th
A beginner level introduction to wine suitable for those starting a wine career or pursuing an interest in wine. You’ll explore the main types and styles of wine through sight, smell, and taste, while also gaining the basic skills to describe wines accurately, and make food and wine pairings, as well as wine service and etiquette The WSET Level 1 Award in Wines is a suggested prerequisite for the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines course. The WSET L1 Award is a 6-hour course and includes an exam with 30 multiple-choice questions to be answered in 45 minutes, printed study guide, tasting of 10 wines, food pairing exercises, and exam fee. Successful candidates receive a certificate and lapel pin for the internationally-recognized WSET Level 1 Award in Wines.
Join us on a journey into the world of butterflies and plants, and see the complex relationship between monarchs and milkweed. “Monarchs and Milkweed” explores how very survival of these majestic creatures has been shaped over time by one another, traveling through the seasons of a calendar year and revealing how both insect and plant grow and interact, culminating in a massive migration that crosses a continent.
Class cost: $50
Min students: 8
Max students: 30
Class Dates: Saturday, October 28, 2023
Time: 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm
Ages: 13-18 (middle or high school student)
The last day to receive a full refund is September 28, 2023. After September 28, 2023, no refund will be issued.
Advance registration is required. Registration deadline is Friday, October 27 at 5 pm.
Need-based scholarships are available upon application.
Class Description:
Are you ready to hit the stage? This audition workshop is designed for teens who want to improve their auditioning and overall performing skills. This workshop will take you step-by-step through the audition process and give you pointers to make the whole experience more relaxing and familiar. The workshop will cover techniques for better auditioning, including cold reading skills, breaking down scenes, picking and preparing a monologue and a song, how to get a headshot and a resume, and how to find acting opportunities in our area. All actors, regardless of experience, ages 13 to 18, are eligible to attend.
Participants will have multiple opportunities to get up and perform during the workshop and will break off into groups several times during the day. Actors need to come prepared for a high-energy, action-filled afternoon.

French Broad River Park: Go to the parking lot off of Riverview Drive, which is off of Amboy Rd. Find the cobalt blue canopy tent!
We will be as close to as directly across the parking lot as we can, near the water, with the tent (go past the bathrooms and head to the water). So, you should be able to find us pretty easily if it’s your first time).
We’ll enjoy meditations/visualizations, psychic ability empowerment, chakra activations, and lively discussions about how we can participate in the evolution of the new earth… a world where truth and the ethos of love (e.g.: Law of One) are the guiding forces.
All who are interested in spiritual growth and evolution and getting to know others who are “on their wavelength” are welcome.
NOTE: Bring a chair, pillow, or towel to sit on, an open mind, and energies of love, receptivity, and curiosity.
We look forward to meeting you!
Join us on a journey into the world of butterflies and plants, and see the complex relationship between monarchs and milkweed. “Monarchs and Milkweed” explores how very survival of these majestic creatures has been shaped over time by one another, traveling through the seasons of a calendar year and revealing how both insect and plant grow and interact, culminating in a massive migration that crosses a continent.
Join us on a journey into the world of butterflies and plants, and see the complex relationship between monarchs and milkweed. “Monarchs and Milkweed” explores how very survival of these majestic creatures has been shaped over time by one another, traveling through the seasons of a calendar year and revealing how both insect and plant grow and interact, culminating in a massive migration that crosses a continent.
Back by popular demand! We are excited to offer an 8-week adult acting session this fall at Playhouse Jr.! Dive into scene work and learn the ins and outs of creating a character, acting in a scene, and dissecting the script. Taught by a seasoned professional actor, this is sure to be the hit of the fall! Space is limited so sign up today! There will be no performance at the end of the semester
Join us on a journey into the world of butterflies and plants, and see the complex relationship between monarchs and milkweed. “Monarchs and Milkweed” explores how very survival of these majestic creatures has been shaped over time by one another, traveling through the seasons of a calendar year and revealing how both insect and plant grow and interact, culminating in a massive migration that crosses a continent.
Join us on a journey into the world of butterflies and plants, and see the complex relationship between monarchs and milkweed. “Monarchs and Milkweed” explores how very survival of these majestic creatures has been shaped over time by one another, traveling through the seasons of a calendar year and revealing how both insect and plant grow and interact, culminating in a massive migration that crosses a continent.
Did you know you could take a course in the Cherokee language for free with your library card?
Buncombe County Public Libraries offers access to Transparent Languages for online language instruction from home computers, laptops and mobile devices. To log in, your ID is your library card number and your PIN is the last four digits of your phone number.
Transparent Languages partners with 7,000 Languages, a nonprofit organization working to empower communities around the world to sustain their endangered languages. As a result of this collaboration, the library can offer free instructional courses for over 25 indigenous languages, including Cherokee.
Cherokee is spoken by about 2,000 people mainly in Western North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. 7,000 Languages partnered with the Cherokee PINS Project Foundation to create two beginner Cherokee courses. The Cherokee Alphabet Course teaches the shapes, names, and pronunciation of the Cherokee syllabary. The Cherokee Beginner Course introduces learners to a common, practical language that they can hear, write, and speak throughout the course. Language learners can practice their listening and speaking skills with voice recognition software guided by native speakers.
Both of these courses, along with hundreds of other language courses, are available free with your library card. If you have any questions, let us know.
Join us on a journey into the world of butterflies and plants, and see the complex relationship between monarchs and milkweed. “Monarchs and Milkweed” explores how very survival of these majestic creatures has been shaped over time by one another, traveling through the seasons of a calendar year and revealing how both insect and plant grow and interact, culminating in a massive migration that crosses a continent.
Students will receive a solid foundation in beginner Ukulele skills for vocalists. Chords, Rhythm patterns, and basic theory will be introduced through songs with an uplifting message. Students will also learn to play the song that the Songwriting Class will be writing and get to record it in the One Mic Studio.
American Institute of Architects AIA – Asheville Section – continues its annual Where Building Science Meets Climate Science professional development series designed to build proficiencies related to climate change and architecture.
This year’s Theme: Defining Regenerative Design
Thursday November 2
Public reception and networking session at 5:15-6:00 pm followed at 6-7 pm with a presentation from conference Keynote Speaker, Jennifer Todd and Philip Donovan. Thursday evening’s public lecture is free, (donations accepted), and all community members are invited to attend.
One AIA HSW Continuing Education credit hour is expected.
Friday November 3
Friday, the conference continues at The Collider with a full day of in-depth presentations aimed at professional architects, designers, planners, construction experts, and regenerative design enthusiasts.
Registration and breakfast from 8:15 am to 8:45 am. A catered lunch is included in the registration fee. The program will wrap with a panel discussion and Q & A session with the speakers. The conference concludes at 4:30 pm.
Six AIA HSW Continuing Education credit hours expected.
Discounted Early Bird Registration now open until October 7th! To Register: https://case.simpletix.com/
For more information on speakers and the program, visit https://caseconsultantsinternational.com/events/f/9th-annual-climate-adaptive-design-symposium
The program has an on-line option for those who prefer a virtual experience. Virtual attendees will receive an email with a link to join prior to the event.
Queer Music Exploration – Students will explore guitar, bass, drums, singing and piano with a focus on learning music by artists from the LGBTQ+ community. Students will have the chance to interact with their peers and share their experiences through music.
Join us for a lecture, made possible by an Arthur Vining Davis Grant, that will change the way you think about business by reimagining the world we all want to live and work in. Could it be that good business is good for business? At some point in your life you will either work for someone or work for yourself and potentially employ others. How can we use business as a force for good in the world?
Certified B Corps are for-profit companies that lead with their values of sustainability, diversity, and community. They meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. These values align with the WWC Business Department’s Green Entrepreneurship focus. Our interdisciplinary business program integrates sustainability and social responsibility throughout a traditional business curriculum, rooted in the liberal arts.
Nathan Stuck of Board Chair of B Local Georgia, CEO and Founder of Profitable Purpose Consulting and
Adrianne Gordon, WWC ‘99 Alumna, Board Chair of B Local Asheville, COO at Big Path Capital and Founder of Practical Insight will guide us through a thought provoking evening that will shape the way you do business in the world.
Did you know you could take a course in the Cherokee language for free with your library card?
Buncombe County Public Libraries offers access to Transparent Languages for online language instruction from home computers, laptops and mobile devices. To log in, your ID is your library card number and your PIN is the last four digits of your phone number.
Transparent Languages partners with 7,000 Languages, a nonprofit organization working to empower communities around the world to sustain their endangered languages. As a result of this collaboration, the library can offer free instructional courses for over 25 indigenous languages, including Cherokee.
Cherokee is spoken by about 2,000 people mainly in Western North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. 7,000 Languages partnered with the Cherokee PINS Project Foundation to create two beginner Cherokee courses. The Cherokee Alphabet Course teaches the shapes, names, and pronunciation of the Cherokee syllabary. The Cherokee Beginner Course introduces learners to a common, practical language that they can hear, write, and speak throughout the course. Language learners can practice their listening and speaking skills with voice recognition software guided by native speakers.
Both of these courses, along with hundreds of other language courses, are available free with your library card. If you have any questions, let us know.
Join us on a journey into the world of butterflies and plants, and see the complex relationship between monarchs and milkweed. “Monarchs and Milkweed” explores how very survival of these majestic creatures has been shaped over time by one another, traveling through the seasons of a calendar year and revealing how both insect and plant grow and interact, culminating in a massive migration that crosses a continent.
Did you know you could take a course in the Cherokee language for free with your library card?
Buncombe County Public Libraries offers access to Transparent Languages for online language instruction from home computers, laptops and mobile devices. To log in, your ID is your library card number and your PIN is the last four digits of your phone number.
Transparent Languages partners with 7,000 Languages, a nonprofit organization working to empower communities around the world to sustain their endangered languages. As a result of this collaboration, the library can offer free instructional courses for over 25 indigenous languages, including Cherokee.
Cherokee is spoken by about 2,000 people mainly in Western North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. 7,000 Languages partnered with the Cherokee PINS Project Foundation to create two beginner Cherokee courses. The Cherokee Alphabet Course teaches the shapes, names, and pronunciation of the Cherokee syllabary. The Cherokee Beginner Course introduces learners to a common, practical language that they can hear, write, and speak throughout the course. Language learners can practice their listening and speaking skills with voice recognition software guided by native speakers.
Both of these courses, along with hundreds of other language courses, are available free with your library card. If you have any questions, let us know.
Join us on a journey into the world of butterflies and plants, and see the complex relationship between monarchs and milkweed. “Monarchs and Milkweed” explores how very survival of these majestic creatures has been shaped over time by one another, traveling through the seasons of a calendar year and revealing how both insect and plant grow and interact, culminating in a massive migration that crosses a continent.
Open House gives high school seniors, transfer students, and their families a chance to learn about the people and experiences that make UNC Asheville special. Throughout the day, you will connect with current students, interact with faculty, tour campus and learn about the application and financial aid process. Not to mention, you’ll get to check out Asheville – one of the coolest cities in the country!
Accessibility
UNC Asheville is committed to providing universal access to all of our events. If you have any questions about access or to request reasonable accommodations that will facilitate your full participation in this event, please contact the Event Organizer (see below). Advance notice is necessary to arrange for accessibility needs.
Visitor Parking
Visitors may park in faculty/staff and All Permit lots from 5:00 p.m. until 7:30 a.m., Monday through Friday, and on weekends, holidays, and campus breaks. Visitors are not permitted to park in resident student lots at any time.
Prior to 5pm, any visitor (regardless of their reason for visit) need to adhere to the current practices listed on the parking website. Get your visitor parking permit here
Have you ever wanted to try your hand at building audio or video files for a production? Magnetic’s Tech Director Abby Auman can help you get started! Join us for this engaging workshop, where you’ll learn how to use Audacity for audio file editing, and QLab, a powerful macOS program for designing and playing back sound, video, light, and show control cues (we’ll be focused on sound for this session).
*Note, you will be expected to download the free version of Audacity and the free version of QLab if you plan to bring your own macOS computer; for those who don’t have a macOS computer, you can still participate!
About the instructor: Abby is the Technical Director of The Magnetic Theatre. She also works as a lighting designer in theaters all over WNC.
Taught by Abby Auman
Have you ever wanted to try your hand at building audio or video files for a production? Magnetic’s Tech Director Abby Auman can help you get started! Join us for this engaging workshop, where you’ll learn how to use Audacity for audio file editing, and QLab, a powerful macOS program for designing and playing back sound, video, light, and show control cues (we’ll be focused on sound for this session).
*Note, you will be expected to download the free version of Audacity and the free version of QLab if you plan to bring your own macOS computer; for those who don’t have a macOS computer, you can still participate!
About the instructor:
Abby is the Technical Director of The Magnetic Theatre. She also works as a lighting designer in theaters all over WNC.
NOVEMBER 4 & 5 – Flat Rock, NC (AVL) at Blue Ridge College 10a-6p
49 E Campus Dr, Flat Rock, NC 28731, USA
THE PREMIER PSYCHIC & HOLISTIC EXPO OF THE SOUTHEAST! Join your spiritual community for a weekend of Aura Photography, Henna, Healing Therapists, Intuitive Consultants, Health Professionals, Psychics, plus an array of crystals, jewelry, & gifts! The perfect opportunity to experience it all!
CONVENIENTLY LOCATED TO ASHEVILLE, GREENVILLE & HENDERSONVILLE!
Daily admission is $6 cash (kids under 12 free) includes amazing lectures & free raffles!
Unlock the Secrets of Modern Day Alchemy: A Healing Experience:
Saturday, Nov. 4 @ 4:00pm
In this collective experience, you will immerse yourself in a deep understanding of each of the five pillars of modern alchemy. You will be guided, step-by-step, on how to apply these principles to your everyday life, empowering you to embark on your own journey of self-discovery, healing, and transformation. You will personally experience a healing activation in the Love Frequency.
The Love Frequency is a healing presence that draws you into an inward journey in remembrance that the greatest power within you is held within your heart. This combination of practical knowledge and energetic experience will serve as a compass for those who wish to unlock their inner potential and lead a more authentic and abundant life.
*Each presentation attendee will receive an Adora formulated essential oil for experiential and eBook: The 4 Tools for Spiritual Growth.
Visit our booth for other free goodies.
Bio:
Adora is a distinguished Modern Alchemist, author, visionary Founder of The Soul Institute, and co-author of “Detox Nourish Activate: Plant & Vibrational Medicine for Energy, Mood, and Love” and The Love Frequency:A Modern Alchemist Guide to Thriving in Sacred Purpose to be released Spring 2024
(Balboa Press) Having nearly three decades of experience as a facilitator, educator, formulator, and entrepreneur, she holds certifications in vibrational medicine and aromatherapy from the renowned Barbara Brennan School for Healing and Rutgers University.
