Calendar of Events
Upcoming events and things to do in Asheville, NC. Below is a list of events for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, group meetups and more.
Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.
The North Carolina Writers Network-West and The Brandy Bar + Cocktails presents H.R. (RANDY) SPENCER &
RICHARD ALLEN TAYLOR
as next in their series
“In the Company of Writers.”
The program offers a series of personal and conversational dialogues featuring guest writers/poets followed by an open mic forum. These inspirational gatherings will elucidate and entertain those attending. The guest author speaks from 7-8 PM with an open mic from 8 -9 PM. Sign-ups for the open mic will be located at the entrance to the reading.
For more info visit: https://www.facebook.com/TheBrandyBar/events
43 Town Square Blvd.
Asheville, NC 28803
Come join us for Business After Hours at Hilton Asheville – Biltmore Park!
The North Carolina Writers Network and The Brandy Bar + Cocktails present
JENNIFER McGAHA as next in their series “In the Company of Writers”
The program offers a series of personal and conversational dialogues featuring guest writers/poets, followed by an open-mic forum. These inspirational gatherings will both enlighten and entertain those in attendance. The guest author speaks from 7-8 PM with an open mic from 8 -9 PM. The original music of John Longbottom welcomes you, continues during intermission, and closes the evening. Sign-up for the open mic sheet is posted at the entry.
Jennifer McGaha is the author of three works of creative nonfiction, including The Joy Document, a collection of fifty essays celebrating midlife, Flat Broke with Two Goats, a 2018 OverDrive Big Library Read, and Bushwhacking: How to Get Lost in the Woods and Write Your Way Out, a Thomas Wolfe Memorial Literary Award finalist. Her work has also appeared in many magazines and literary journals including Image, The Huffington Post, The New Pioneer, Lumina, PANK, The Chronicle of Higher Education, Brevity, Bitter Southerner, Crab Creek Review, River Teeth, and others. An Appalachian native, Jennifer lives in a wooded North Carolina hollow with her husband, two cats, four unruly dogs, eight relatively tame dairy goats, and an ever-changing number of chickens
Co-sponsored by the North Carolina Writers Network and The Brandy Bar + Cocktails, the program, “In the Company of Writers” is featured the 2nd Wednesday of each month. https://www.facebook.com/events/581466841671943
🌟 You’re Invited! Experience the Power of BNI Networking 🌟
Looking to grow your business, expand your business referral network, and build long-lasting relationships with local professionals?
Join us at our next BNI Beaucatcher Visitor Event and discover how word-of-mouth marketing can help you take your business to the next level.
🔹 What to Expect:
• A room full of motivated, dynamic business professionals
• Opportunities to share what you do and who you’re looking to connect with
• A proven system for generating quality referrals
• A warm, supportive atmosphere focused on helping each other succeed through business growth
We are currently looking for the following businesses to join us!
Financial Advisor Psychotherapist Property Casualty Insurance
Handyman Estate Attorney Naturopathic Doctor, ND
Real Estate Attorney Marketing Agencies CPA
Whether you’re in finance, marketing, trades, wellness, or any other industry, there’s a seat at the table for you!
🎯 Bring plenty of business cards and be ready to make meaningful connections.
Spaces are limited, so RSVP today!
Rodney Craig, V.P. Beaucatcher Chapter BNI
Call or text: 414-334-9092 Email: [email protected]
We all know how to “turn on” our confidence for a big meeting. But what if that power wasn’t just a temporary performance? In this inspiring keynote, TV Host and Fundraising Auctioneer Erin Kienzle shares her powerful framework for “The Switch.”
Learn how to:
-Instantly command any room with a simple 3-step tool.
-Find the courage to stop performing and pivot toward your true purpose.
-Redefine success on your own terms by giving yourself three essential permissions.
Stop just playing a part. It’s time to unlock your authentic influence and realign your life.
WED 8/10/25 – 7-9 PM – The North Carolina Writers Network and The Brandy Bar + Cocktails present as next in their series “In the Company of Writers.” Kate Crawford
The program offers a series of personal and conversational dialogues featuring guest writers/poets, followed by an open mic forum. These inspirational gatherings will elucidate and entertain those attending. The guest author speaks from 7-8 PM with an open mic from 8 -9 PM. The Chicago blues music of “John Longbottom” welcomes you, continues during intermission, and closes the evening. You are welcome to sign up for the open mic with the sign-up sheet at the entrance.
Katherine Scott Crawford is the award-winning author of The Miniaturist’s Assistant and Keowee Valley. A former backpacking guide, adjunct professor, and recovering academic, her newspaper column appeared weekly across the country and abroad, including in USA Today, The Detroit Free Press, The Herald Scotland, and more. Winner of a North Carolina Arts Award in fiction, she holds an MFA in Writing from the Vermont College of Fine Arts. She’d rather be in the woods with her dog than anywhere else, enjoys curious people, adventure, and snow, and believes historical fiction the best way to time travel. An eleventh-generation Southerner, she directs writing retreats at a remote mountain lodge near Brevard, North Carolina, where she lives with her family.
For more info visit: https://www.facebook.com/TheBrandyBar/events
Join writers and storytellers from Western North Carolina to celebrate, cry, and connect through stories about bodily autonomy. Think stories of birth, abortion, miscarriage, transition, gender identity, race, and all their intersections—stories that center the essential nature of bodily autonomy to our humanity.
The Asheville Business Summit
Tues, Sept 23 2025 • 9 am – 4 pm
Forge the Future TOGETHER
This summit is more than an event—it’s a catalyst.
A place where entrepreneurs, innovators, and change-makers gather to learn, grow, and lead with purpose.
Together, we’ll rise to meet challenges, rebuild stronger post-crisis, and shape the future of business in our mountain region and beyond.
This October, elected officials from city, county, and state government, campaign strategists, nonprofit leaders, and political science experts from Western Carolina University will join Asheville’s young professionals for 828 Lead, a new civic leadership bootcamp created and hosted by Asheville’s Young Professionals (AYPROS).
The three-day intensive runs October 3 – 5 at Hatchworks Coworking and brings together 30 up-and-coming leaders who want to run for office, serve on boards and commissions, or just figure out how campaigns actually work. They’ll sit in on Government 101, dive into a campaign-building workshop, and even practice delivering stump speeches. By Sunday, participants walk out not only with a recognition of participation signed by elected officials, but also a mentor connection and a clearer path into Asheville’s civic life.
Coverage opportunities:
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Friday, Oct 3 (5:30–7:30 PM): Kickoff social with elected officials, hors d’oeuvres, beer, wine, and n/a drinks
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Saturday, Oct 4: Live campaign-building sessions, panels with elected leaders, and strategy coaching
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Sunday, Oct 5: Stump speech coaching and a closing ceremony
This is the first program of its kind in Asheville, pairing current elected leaders with the region’s rising talent. It’s a timely story about how our city is preparing its civic pipeline, and a visual one with speeches, panels, and live training.
We’d love to see you there and can coordinate interviews with participating officials or cohort members.
The North Carolina Writers Network and The Brandy Bar + Cocktails present VIVIAN I BIKULEDGE & MICHAEL HETTICH as next in their series “In the Company of Writers”
The program offers a series of personal and conversational dialogues featuring guest writers/poets followed by an open mic forum. These inspirational gatherings will elucidate and entertain those attending. The guest authors speak from 7-8 PM with an open mic from 8 -9 PM. The original music of Bob Sherrill welcomes you, continues during intermission, and closes the evening. Sign-ups for the open mic sheet are posted at the entry.
Vivian I. Bikulege is a poet and essayist. Her work has been nominated for the Pushcart Prize and has appeared in the North Carolina Literary Review, The Fourth River, and Broad River Review. A semi-finalist for the 2023 James Applewhite Prize, she also earned honorable mention in the 2022 Randall Jarrell Poetry Competition. Vivian was the 2022 Gilbert-Chappell emerging adult poet for western North Carolina under the mentorship of Ken Chamlee.
192 Haywood Street
Asheville, NC 28801
Making connections is key to meeting business goals and building brand awareness. Mega Networking lets you do just that in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. You’ll meet business contacts from a variety of industries, gain exposure for your company and learn about other local businesses.
Held just twice a year, Mega Networking’s structured, “round robin” approach allows you to make valuable connections in a small group. Each person has a chance to share about their business, and a table leader moderates to put you at ease and keep the group on track. As you rotate from table to table, you’ll interact with most of the attendees, allowing you to make numerous connections in just one morning.
You’ll leave with great leads, great ideas and positive energy to keep your business moving forward.
Helpful tips:
- * Practice your “elevator speech” ahead of time so you can share your most important information in one minute.
- * Bring a little something to help others remember you and your business (something visual yet simple, AND your business card).
- * Stay “portable” — you’ll be moving from table to table throughout the morning.
- * If you’re a newcomer to this event, arrive a little early so you can settle in comfortably at your first table and learn the flow of the event without being rushed.
- * Schedule time now on your calendar to follow up soon with those you meet.
Cost is $50 per Chamber member, $85 for other attendees.
The 44th annual Western North Carolina Parade of Homes, happening October 11-12 and 18-19, is a free, self-guided tour of new and remodeled homes by top builders throughout Asheville, Hendersonville, Black Mountain, Fairview, and beyond. Visitors can explore a wide variety of homes in person or take advantage of virtual tours. Whether you’re dreaming, designing, or actively building, the Parade offers inspiration at every price point. Sponsored by the Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains. For more information, visit wncparadeofhomes.com.
The 44th annual Western North Carolina Parade of Homes, happening October 11-12 and 18-19, is a free, self-guided tour of new and remodeled homes by top builders throughout Asheville, Hendersonville, Black Mountain, Fairview, and beyond. Visitors can explore a wide variety of homes in person or take advantage of virtual tours. Whether you’re dreaming, designing, or actively building, the Parade offers inspiration at every price point. Sponsored by the Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains. For more information, visit wncparadeofhomes.com.
Hear from Buncombe County Commission Chair Amanda Edwards and Buncombe County Manager Avril Pinder at this re-envisioned Legislative Update event. You’ll gain insights on Buncombe County’s progress towards rebuilding and recovery along with envisioning the future. In this intimate conversation moderated by Chamber VP of Public Policy Casey Gilbert, our panelists will discuss how planning initiatives underway (such as parks, small area plans, infrastructure, childcare, housing and economic mobility) intertwine to build back a stronger, more resilient community.
Please join us to celebrate how far we’ve come – and to hear how the community’s feedback is shaping where we go from here.
43 Town Square Blvd.
Asheville, NC 28803
Marking Progress, Envisioning the Future: A Conversation with County Leaders
Hear from Buncombe County Commission Chair Amanda Edwards and Buncombe County Manager Avril Pinder at this re-envisioned Legislative Update event. You’ll gain insights on Buncombe County’s progress towards rebuilding and recovery along with envisioning the future. In this intimate conversation moderated by Chamber VP of Public Policy Casey Gilbert, our panelists will discuss how planning initiatives underway (such as parks, small area plans, infrastructure, childcare, housing and economic mobility) intertwine to build back a stronger, more resilient community.
Please join us to celebrate how far we’ve come – and to hear how the community’s feedback is shaping where we go from here.
3377 Sweeten Creek Rd.
Arden, NC 28704
Come join us for Business After Hours at B.B. Barns!
For 37 years, B.B. Barns has been at the heart of Asheville’s gardening community. What began as a humble outdoor outfitter in Oakley has grown into a 4.5-acre destination garden center on Sweeten Creek Road—and for the past 20 years, one of the region’s premier landscaping companies. From their welcoming shopping experience and expansive inventory of plants, garden supplies, and gifts, to their talented landscape design team and crews, they proudly bring beauty, creativity, and inspiration to homes and gardens across Western North Carolina.
During your visit, you’ll experience a magical transformation into a Christmas wonderland. Stroll through festive display trees, explore seasonal décor, and discover a wide selection of gifts—including garden-inspired treasures, locally crafted goods, and unique finds. Beyond the holiday shop, you’ll find their extensive nursery brimming with trees, shrubs, and perennials, seasonal annuals for year-round color, and one of the area’s best selections of houseplants. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, B.B. Barns has everything you need to grow and thrive.
B.B. Barns excited to partner with their neighbors at The Flying Squirrel Pub, who will be providing delicious bites from their menu along with beer and wine for the evening. If you haven’t visited The Flying Squirrel before, prepare to be delighted by their fresh flavors, creative offerings, and lively atmosphere.”We can’t wait to welcome you to what so many of our guests fondly call their ‘happy place.'”
Ample parking is available on site for this event. Upon arrival, enter through the greenhouse doors on the right-hand side.
Pisgah Legal’s Justice Forum will be held at the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium in downtown Asheville on Thursday, October 23rd. There will be a ticketed, pre-event reception at 5:30 pm followed by the free Justice Forum at 7:00 pm. There will be an option for live-streaming for those that prefer to join virtually and there will be several Regional Watch Parties in communities across WNC. Ticket sales and registration will be available August 13, 2025.
The Black Mountain Library is excited to welcome Redhawk Publications to the Community Room on Wednesday, October 29th, from 6:00-7:30 p.m. for an evening of poetry readings from their new anthology “Had I a Dove: Appalachian Poets On The Helene Flood”
This anthology features over eighty poets from our region who contributed poems on their perspectives of Helene. Several poets from the anthology will be reading their works at this free event.
Redhawk Publications will be selling copies of the anthology for $20 each.
Signup begins 6pm / Perform 6:30-8:30.
Everyone is welcome! Any genre…song, music, spoken word, poetry, storytelling, comedy, short films, demos, etc. Supportive listening room in an art gallery setting. Each performer gets up to 12 minutes each. All performances will be livecast.
Everyone is welcome! Any genre…song, music, spoken word, poetry, storytelling, comedy, short films, demos, etc. Supportive listening room in an art gallery setting. Each performer gets up to 12 minutes each. All performances will be livecast.
Signup begins 6pm / Perform 6:30-8:30.
Everyone is welcome! Any genre…song, music, spoken word, poetry, storytelling, comedy, short films, demos, etc. Supportive listening room in an art gallery setting. Each performer gets up to 12 minutes each. All performances will be livecast.
Join us for an evening of connection, collaboration, and creativity! Meet local actors, directors, and producers, share stories, and discover you next great project.
Free Headshots — 6:00 to 7:00 PM
Silent Auction featuring selected local artworks
Screening of 3 International Award-winning 48HFP Shorts — 7:00 to 8:00 PM
Special DJ Set & Appearance by “Mirror Man” — 8:00 to 9:00 pm
Suggested Contribution: $10
Join us for the Woven Word Retreat – a cozy bohemian winter writing retreat for women nestled in the tranquil beauty of House Boheme. This is a transformative, creative, all-inclusive gathering designed to awaken your inner storyteller.
This 4-day, 3-night experience weaves poetry, movement, ritual, nourishment, and embodied storytelling to stir the creatrix within.
Guided by skilled and popular local facilitators who will help you explore your voice and connect deeply with yourself and others, you’ll have the space to write, reflect, and express your truth in a supportive, welcoming space.
Expect soul-nourishing practices like Yoga Nidra, writing workshops, yoga, and more, plus time to ground into nature and connect with a community of women.
Whether you’re new to writing or a seasoned storyteller, you’ll leave feeling inspired, empowered, and more aligned with your creative spirit.
Learn more and secure your spot at www.wovenwordretreat.com