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, August 16, 2020
Broken Bridges: Building Community in a World Divided by Beliefs
Aug 16 @ 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Online

“Broken Bridges: Building Community in a World Divided by Beliefs” will be presented by Chris Highland at the Sunday, August 16, 2020 meeting of the Ethical Humanist Society of Asheville, 2:30-4:00 PM by Zoom videoconference. Zoom connection info at EHSAsheville.org. All are welcome to attend.

Chris will select several true stories from his new book, Broken Bridges, drawn from years as a chaplain in jails and shelters. He will reflect on the wisdom of the “unheard” as well as insights from well-known voices like Frederick Douglass and the Dalai Lama. His book is an invitation to wider thinking for secular people and for those who still believe. The presentation and discussion should provide ample insights toward repairing, rebuilding, or even replacing old structures of belief that stand in the way of true progressive reform.

Chris is a Humanist Celebrant and Freethinker who served as a Presbyterian Minister and Interfaith Chaplain for many years in the San Francisco Bay Area. He is the author of Broken Bridges, A Freethinker’s Gospel, My Address is a River and other books. He teaches at UNC-Asheville (Reuter Center), Blue Ridge Community College and writes the weekly “Highland Views” column for the Asheville Citizen-Times. He has a Master’s Degree from San Francisco Theological Seminary and a B.A. in Philosophy and Religion from Seattle Pacific University. He has directed and managed several non-profit organizations providing emergency shelter and cooperative housing for independent seniors.

Chris lives in Asheville with his wife Carol Hovis, a Presbyterian minister and Enneagram teacher. See www.chighland.com for more information.

The Ethical Humanist Society of Asheville endeavors to nurture the capacity and responsibility of human beings to act in their personal relationships and in the larger community to help create a better world. We are inspired by the ideal of working to create a more humane society, recognizing each person’s worth and dignity, and helping to bring out the best in him or her. We are a member of the American Ethical Union and an affiliate of the American Humanist Association. We join together to assist each other in developing ethical ideas and ideals, to celebrate life’s joys, support each other through life’s crises, and to cultivate ethical behavior in our community.

For more information: visit our website at: http://EHSAsheville.org, or see us on MeetUp: www.meetup.com/Ethical-Society-of-Asheville.

Monday, August 17, 2020
Online Learn to Meditate Class – Deepening your Practice
Aug 17 @ 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Online

To register/attend, please go to: https://www.sos.org/event/learn-to-meditate-deepening-your-template-08172020/?prev=online

In this 6-part webinar series, “Deepening your Meditation Practice” — we will explore and teach the art and science behind meditation for healthy living. Each session includes meditation instructions and time to meditate. The series builds one upon the other, but each class stands on its own. This series has been presented around the world, and, for the first time, we are offering it online. An experienced facilitator will guide you through the techniques that will help you succeed in meditation. Join us as we explore a simple, powerful practice that can transform your life

6th Session: Practicing Meditation for Lasting Happiness — and how that can help our meditation practice. This class offers you unique tips and techniques to deepen your meditation practice. After you have been meditating daily, you notice the peace you find in meditation has begun to extend to those around you. You discover that the love you are experiencing is radiating to your friends and family. People remark on the difference they find in you. You smile more and realize how much your life has been transformed. An experienced facilitator of meditation will guide you with techniques and strategies to help you learn to meditate accurately.

Note that you do not have to attend all classes — as each one is independent and covers the basics of the meditation technique. We also leave ample time to meditate during each session — so you can put into practice what is being taught.

Tuesday, August 18, 2020
Walking Our Prayers with Alexander Kugler (virtual)
Aug 18 @ 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Online

Awakening Asheville

Join us for weekly support, accountability and inspiration for your spiritual life in an online forum every Tuesday evening. Host/Facilitator: PMT Sanctioned Teacher Alexander Kugler Contact: [email protected] | (917) 755-3304
Saturday, August 22, 2020
Virtual Goddess Channeling and Alignment Circle
Aug 22 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Online

In this series of Virtual Goddess Channeling and Alignment Circles, we will work with shamanic technologies to connect with multidimensional Beings of Light to receive support throughout our current global paradigm shift. We will tap into energy streams of Quantum Light frequencies to raise our vibrations and receive messages from Kuan Yin, Mother Mary, Pele, Kali and other Transformative Goddesses who are lovingly here to assist us as we move through any energetic obstructions to fulfill our greatest potential. Learn how to access and divinely nourish yourself with the Quantum Light during this special Virtual Goddess event.

This week we will journey to the sacred Peru, receiving Pachamama’s blessings and a Light Language transmission from Machu Picchu.

For more information or to schedule a private session visit:
http://www.quantumlightpractice.com

Tuesday, August 25, 2020
Walking Our Prayers with Alexander Kugler (virtual)
Aug 25 @ 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Online

Awakening Asheville

Join us for weekly support, accountability and inspiration for your spiritual life in an online forum every Tuesday evening. Host/Facilitator: PMT Sanctioned Teacher Alexander Kugler Contact: [email protected] | (917) 755-3304
Saturday, August 29, 2020
Virtual Goddess Channeling and Alignment Circle
Aug 29 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Online

In this series of Virtual Goddess Channeling and Alignment Circles, we will work with shamanic technologies to connect with multidimensional Beings of Light to receive support throughout our current global paradigm shift. We will tap into energy streams of Quantum Light frequencies to raise our vibrations and receive messages from Kuan Yin, Mother Mary, Pele, Kali and other Transformative Goddesses who are lovingly here to assist us as we move through any energetic obstructions to fulfill our greatest potential. Learn how to access and divinely nourish yourself with the Quantum Light during this special Virtual Goddess event.

This week we will journey to the sacred Peru, receiving Pachamama’s blessings and a Light Language transmission from Machu Picchu.

For more information or to schedule a private session visit:
http://www.quantumlightpractice.com

Saturday, September 5, 2020
Virtual Goddess Channeling and Alignment Circle
Sep 5 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Online

In this series of Virtual Goddess Channeling and Alignment Circles, we will work with shamanic technologies to connect with multidimensional Beings of Light to receive support throughout our current global paradigm shift. We will tap into energy streams of Quantum Light frequencies to raise our vibrations and receive messages from Kuan Yin, Mother Mary, Pele, Kali and other Transformative Goddesses who are lovingly here to assist us as we move through any energetic obstructions to fulfill our greatest potential. Learn how to access and divinely nourish yourself with the Quantum Light during this special Virtual Goddess event.

This week we will journey to the sacred Peru, receiving Pachamama’s blessings and a Light Language transmission from Machu Picchu.

For more information or to schedule a private session visit:
http://www.quantumlightpractice.com

Monday, September 14, 2020
2020 Pique Postponed Until 2021; Will Hold Free Virtual Events Leading Up to It
Sep 14 @ 2:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Huguenot Mill & Loft
Due to concerns about the spread of COVID-19, Ten at the Top (TATT) will not hold Pique, its signature young professional event, in 2020, but will plan to hold the event in 2021. In the months leading up to the in-person event, a series of free virtual events will be held for young professionals.
It was originally scheduled for March 23rd and most recently was planned for September 14th as an in-person event to be held at the Huguenot Mill and Loft in downtown Greenville, with ScanSource as the presenting sponsor, and local author Sallie Holder as the keynote speaker. A new date has not been set, but both the original venue and the keynote speaker have confirmed.
Ticket sales were suspended late Monday afternoon after the decision was made to postpone, but now that a new date has been confirmed, tickets are once again available for sale. Attendees who have already purchased tickets will be issued a refund if they are unable to attend at the later date; those who have tickets and do still wish to attend do not need to take any further action. Due to concerns about the spread of COVID-19, Ten at the Top (TATT) has made the decision to postpone their signature young professional event, Pique, until June 15th. It was originally scheduled for March 23rd
Pique Young Professionals Event Rescheduled for September 14th
Amid uncertainty about when large gatherings will be permitted or advisable, Ten at the Top has made the decision to postpone their signature young professional event, Pique, until September 14th. It was originally scheduled for March 23rd and had been rescheduled for June 15th. The event will still be held at the Huguenot Mill and Loft in downtown Greenville, with ScanSource as the presenting sponsor, and local author Sallie Holder as the keynote speaker.
Attendees who have already purchased tickets will be issued a refund if they are unable to attend at the later date; those who have tickets and do still wish to attend do not need to take any further action.
The event focuses on connecting young professionals across the Upstate, giving them opportunities to network as well as to hear from experts on topics that are relevant to their working lives.
The 5th Annual Pique Young Leaders Summit, presented by ScanSource, will be hosted by Ten at the Top on March 23rd at the Huguenot Mill & Loft in Greenville. Sallie Holder, author of the book Rock Middle: The Roadmap from Empty Success to True Fulfillment, will serve as the keynote speaker.
This annual event provides a great opportunity for networking among young professionals from the more than 20 young professional groups in the Upstate as well as with veteran executives from the public, private and non-profit sectors.
A graduate of Vanderbilt University and the University of South Carolina Law School, Sallie Holder previously served as an attorney at Ogletree Deakins Law Firm and lives in Greenville. She coined the phrase “Hitting Rock Middle™” and the revolutionary BE BOLDER strategy to help people create their biggest, boldest, most successful careers. In addition to her recently released book, Sallie is a dynamic speaker who leaves audiences with the tools they need to make the changes they desire. She’s an expert on leadership, teams, change management, mindset, and motivation.
In addition to the keynote address, attendees will have the opportunity to choose from three breakout sessions and the popular executive networking roundtables. Below are the three breakout sessions. You can read the list of current panelists on the Pique web page and the full list of panelists will be announced in the coming weeks.
  • Negotiating Your Best Career
  • Community Engagement: Building Your Career Outside of Your Office
  • Conflict Management: Effective Communication for a Peaceful Workplace
One of the annual highlights of the event is the Executive Roundtable sessions with veteran executives from across the Upstate. The Executive Roundtables provide an opportunity for small group discussions with executives currently leading businesses, local governments and community organizations in the Upstate.
Tuesday, September 15, 2020
How to Build an Email Marketing Database for Your Business
Sep 15 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Online

No cost due to sponsor support

The inbox remains the most direct method for marking online and statistically outperforms every other medium by a landslide! This session is a fresh overview of what email marketing is, and the best practices on how to grow an email database to drive more business.

Attendees will gain a better understanding of:

  • How and where to grow Your email list
  • What methods create the most subscribers to your list
  • What types of emails to send to get the best results
  • What Content Marketing is and how can to best leverage it to grow your list
  • Expanding your reach for every email you send
  • Understanding how connected email & social media are… how to work them together
  • Tips and Secrets to get your emails opened, engaged, and successful.
  • Live Q&A

This webinar may be converted into an in-person seminar, pursuant to state recommendations. Attendees will be notified by email if the class type is changed.

Wednesday, September 16, 2020
Bahá’í Devotional: Creating Inclusive Spaces
Sep 16 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Online

How can we change the pattern in which the cultural expression of the majority dominates other cultures?

This Devotional will include prayers and music, connecting with our spiritual nature, and illuminating the oneness of humanity.

A Zoom link will be sent in advance to those who register.

Thursday, September 17, 2020
Reel Spirit Movie Project: The Truman Show Discussion
Sep 17 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Online

Image may contain: 1 person, sky, cloud, closeup and outdoor

On Thursday, September 17, 2020 from 7:00 – 9:00 pm the Center will discuss the second film in our Reel Spirit Film Project series—The Truman Show (1998), a comedy/drama/science fiction film starring Jim Carrey, Ed Harris, and Laura Linney, and directed by Peter Weir. This movie is an allegory dealing with timeless questions and dilemmas: Is each of us alone? Who is really in control? What or who pulls our strings? Can we break the illusion? If so, what will it take to do so? Join us for a discussion of the life and decisions of Truman Burbank and how these might relate to our own lives.

Find out more on our website here:
https://centersw.org/progams/reel-spirit-movie-project-registration-open-for-the-truman-show-9-17

Sunday, September 20, 2020
Earthdance Asheville 2020
Sep 20 @ 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
Online with Facebook Live

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Earthdance Asheville is collaborating with producers around the world to produce a one main, live-streamed festival to be aired on Earthdance.tv. This is centered on our traditional synchronized meditation, happening at 7:00 PM (ET) on September 19th.

Cradled in the bosom of the Smokey and Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is a place of palpable spontaneity. A freshly-roasted and family-friendly place to be, to invite some friends for a cup of tea. In this enchanted hotbed for the Arts; dancing, farming, music, and beer are just some of the ways we keep it weird around here.

For Vision 2020: Co-Manifestival we are excited to bring you a weekend’s worth of talented presenters, hailing from Berkeley to the Bays of Puerto Rico!

…and for the first time EVER, Earthdance Asheville is also working with the Global XR Community to provide you with an Xtended Reality experience as we manifest our Multiverse.

Thursday, September 24, 2020
Withholding 101 Workshop
Sep 24 @ 9:30 am – 11:00 am
Online

No cost due to sponsor support

This workshop will give participants a better understanding of state withholding tax requirements when hiring a new employee. Participants will learn about the basics of state withholding taxes, how to register for an account, and how to fill out a return in addition to discussing when withholding is required for certain 1099 recipients.


Speaker(s): NCDOR

Co-Sponsor(s): Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, Brevard/Transylvania Chamber of Commerce

Webinar info will be emailed after registration

Tuesday, September 29, 2020
Financing Your Business
Sep 29 @ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Online

Financing continues to be a challenge for many small business owners. Questions such as: Who will give me money for my business idea and what do they need from me? What disaster assistance funds are available and how can they be utilized. How will this business make money and will it be enough to pay back a loan or attract an investor? Get to the heart of business financing in this seminar that answers your questions. Explore the advantages and disadvantages of the different types of funding sources and how to choose the right one for your needs. Discover the keys to financing success.


Speaker(s): Gary Heisey

Co-Sponsor(s): Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, Brevard/Transylvania Chamber of Commerce

Webinar info will be emailed after registration

Wednesday, October 14, 2020
Mitel MiVoice Business Admin Training
Oct 14 @ 9:00 am
TSAChoice

If you currently have the Mitel 3300, MCD, or MiVoice Business and would like to learn more about the management interface of the latest software version, please join us for this training session.

Training will include learning about the user and device configuration, programming ring groups, hunt groups, music on hold, audio files, alarm notifications, and system backups.

The embedded messaging review will include voicemail box administration, programming distribution lists, and multi-level automated attendant.

Mitel MiCollab also referred to as the Mitel Application Suite Admin Training- Includes everything from logging into the system to reviewing licensing information, help menus, adding/editing and deleting users, editing the automated attendant menus, and scheduling backups.

Wednesday, October 28, 2020
Divine Feminine Circle – Igniting the Goddess Within
Oct 28 @ 7:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Online

Let’s gather together VIRTUALLY to celebrate the goddess Lada Nada and discover our own inner divine feminine.

The Invitation

“You are the keepers of sacred magic, the template of the divine feminine protector of the Holy Grail, the Goddess, the Holy of Holies.

She is known by many names: Diana, Mary Magdalene, Isis, Hathor, Quan Yin, Hecate, Venus, Aphrodite, Diana, Freya, and Gaia. Keepers of the sacred flame, you are being called to come together in community to be held, scene, and to heal your wounds – our wounds of separation, of struggle, and profound forgetting.

Friday, October 30, 2020
Virtual Guest Teachers: Buddhism in the South
Oct 30 @ 7:00 pm – 8:15 pm
Online

Virtual Guest Teachers: Buddhism in the South

Friday Nights October 30 – November 20. 7pm ~ 8:15pm. Each talk will be available for one Week.

Modern Kadampa Buddhism is flourishing across the South, because folks have discovered that meditation is a powerful and practical method to maintain a peaceful mind no matter what.

Please join these Southern teachers from across NC, GA and SC (online)! They will share their love for meditation by offering practical advice and simple tips for finding happiness within our own good hearts.

You’re welcome to register for any individual week or the entire series at a discount. Individual weeks $10 each. Package $30, Discounts for Monthly Members.

October 30 Letting Go with Gen Tilopa from KMC North Carolina
November 6 What’s the Meaning of Life with Gen Norden from KMC Georgia
November 13 From Anger to Compassion with Kelsang Jangchen from KMC South Carolina
November 19 TBD: Ethan Lechner from Kosala Buddhist Center

Saturday, October 31, 2020
Deep Remembering – 10 month Nature Immersion Program
Oct 31 all-day
Holistic Survival School

2021 Earth-Skills
Adult Immersion Course

With Nature-Connected Community
Led by Luke McLaughlin

Ten month program running March – December of 2021.

One, four-day weekend, per month.

Blue Ridge Mountains, near Asheville, North Carolina

(traditional Cherokee territory )

Sunday, November 1, 2020
Deep Remembering – 10 month Nature Immersion Program
Nov 1 all-day
Holistic Survival School

2021 Earth-Skills
Adult Immersion Course

With Nature-Connected Community
Led by Luke McLaughlin

Ten month program running March – December of 2021.

One, four-day weekend, per month.

Blue Ridge Mountains, near Asheville, North Carolina

(traditional Cherokee territory )

Monday, November 2, 2020
Deep Remembering – 10 month Nature Immersion Program
Nov 2 all-day
Holistic Survival School

2021 Earth-Skills
Adult Immersion Course

With Nature-Connected Community
Led by Luke McLaughlin

Ten month program running March – December of 2021.

One, four-day weekend, per month.

Blue Ridge Mountains, near Asheville, North Carolina

(traditional Cherokee territory )

Fuji Camera Users Group Online
Nov 2 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Join Spartan Photo Center and a Fujifilm Technical Representative for an unveiling of the new Fuji X-S10 camera and discussion and question and answers on Fujifilm digital cameras and lenses. Runs about an hour, not counting the Q & A.

The Zoom meeting link is https://fujifilm.zoom.us/j/96658468564?pwd=SGVZZnlYUWt4VHZsVWZKSTJ3OU5yZz09.

Tuesday, November 3, 2020
10 Tips for Better Landscape Photography with David Akoubian
Nov 3 @ 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Spartan Photo Center

Whether you are picking up a camera for the first time or have been doing photography for many years, there is always that one tip that will help you to improve. Join Professional Photographer, and Tamron Image Master, David Akoubian, as he shares his “10 tips to Improve your Landscape and Travel Photography”. David has been photographing for over 40 years and has made most every mistake that can be made, but he has also learned how to avoid making those mistakes repeatedly. David will share tips such as knowing your camera, creating good exposures, how to compose beautiful landscapes and capturing the mood of the places you travel to. David will set out to educate and inspire you in this quick paced 2-hour lecture that will leave you ready to go out and start capturing amazing images yourself.

Thursday, November 5, 2020
Cash 4 Cameras @ Spartan Photo Center
Nov 5 all-day
Spartan Photo Center

SpartanPhotoCenter’s annual Trade in & Trade Up event. We will have @usedphotopro buying unwanted and old camera gear. Clean out your drawers and closets now! Bring it all in for a quote, get cash or trade it in on something new! #TRADEINTRADEUP or #BUYUSED gear while you are here, there will be specials on new and used gear all weekend! Brands include: Sony, Azden, Rode, Canon, Tamron, Sigma, Olympus, Fuji and more… Get #Cash4Cameras. Register to win a FREE camera sensor cleaning during the event. Face mask and social distance required.

Friday, November 6, 2020
Cash 4 Cameras @ Spartan Photo Center
Nov 6 all-day
Spartan Photo Center

SpartanPhotoCenter’s annual Trade in & Trade Up event. We will have @usedphotopro buying unwanted and old camera gear. Clean out your drawers and closets now! Bring it all in for a quote, get cash or trade it in on something new! #TRADEINTRADEUP or #BUYUSED gear while you are here, there will be specials on new and used gear all weekend! Brands include: Sony, Azden, Rode, Canon, Tamron, Sigma, Olympus, Fuji and more… Get #Cash4Cameras. Register to win a FREE camera sensor cleaning during the event. Face mask and social distance required.

Clean Your Camera at Spartan Photo Center
Nov 6 all-day
Spartan Photo Center

Stop in Spartan Photo Center for a professional Sensor Cleaning by a repair technician on November 6th and 7th. Camera/Lens Micro adjustments will also be available while you wait. Limit of 25 cleanings a day.

Deep Remembering – 10 month Nature Immersion Program
Nov 6 all-day
Holistic Survival School

2021 Earth-Skills
Adult Immersion Course

With Nature-Connected Community
Led by Luke McLaughlin

Ten month program running March – December of 2021.

One, four-day weekend, per month.

Blue Ridge Mountains, near Asheville, North Carolina

(traditional Cherokee territory )

Virtual Guest Teachers: Buddhism in the South
Nov 6 @ 7:00 pm – 8:15 pm
Online

Virtual Guest Teachers: Buddhism in the South

Friday Nights October 30 – November 20. 7pm ~ 8:15pm. Each talk will be available for one Week.

Modern Kadampa Buddhism is flourishing across the South, because folks have discovered that meditation is a powerful and practical method to maintain a peaceful mind no matter what.

Please join these Southern teachers from across NC, GA and SC (online)! They will share their love for meditation by offering practical advice and simple tips for finding happiness within our own good hearts.

You’re welcome to register for any individual week or the entire series at a discount. Individual weeks $10 each. Package $30, Discounts for Monthly Members.

October 30 Letting Go with Gen Tilopa from KMC North Carolina
November 6 What’s the Meaning of Life with Gen Norden from KMC Georgia
November 13 From Anger to Compassion with Kelsang Jangchen from KMC South Carolina
November 19 TBD: Ethan Lechner from Kosala Buddhist Center

Saturday, November 7, 2020
Cash 4 Cameras @ Spartan Photo Center
Nov 7 all-day
Spartan Photo Center

SpartanPhotoCenter’s annual Trade in & Trade Up event. We will have @usedphotopro buying unwanted and old camera gear. Clean out your drawers and closets now! Bring it all in for a quote, get cash or trade it in on something new! #TRADEINTRADEUP or #BUYUSED gear while you are here, there will be specials on new and used gear all weekend! Brands include: Sony, Azden, Rode, Canon, Tamron, Sigma, Olympus, Fuji and more… Get #Cash4Cameras. Register to win a FREE camera sensor cleaning during the event. Face mask and social distance required.

Clean Your Camera at Spartan Photo Center
Nov 7 all-day
Spartan Photo Center

Stop in Spartan Photo Center for a professional Sensor Cleaning by a repair technician on November 6th and 7th. Camera/Lens Micro adjustments will also be available while you wait. Limit of 25 cleanings a day.

Deep Remembering – 10 month Nature Immersion Program
Nov 7 all-day
Holistic Survival School

2021 Earth-Skills
Adult Immersion Course

With Nature-Connected Community
Led by Luke McLaughlin

Ten month program running March – December of 2021.

One, four-day weekend, per month.

Blue Ridge Mountains, near Asheville, North Carolina

(traditional Cherokee territory )