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.
Pack Memorial Library is hosting an oral history exhibition that explores the history of substance use and recovery in Southern Appalachia. The exhibition was created by documentary filmmaker John Kennedy who spent the past two years collecting oral histories from individuals who are currently using substances or are in recovery.
“Let Us Now Listen” will feature recorded oral histories, portraits by professional photographers, and a “living library” of peers who will be on hand to share their stories and answer questions. The exhibition is a partnership between Kennedy, Pack Memorial Library, Buncombe County Government, and Mountain Area Health Education Center.
Kennedy has collected 53 stories to date with a goal of 100 stories representing a diverse group of men and women who are active or former substance users from across Western North Carolina. These stories explore the intersections between drug use, mental health, sex work, and trauma. The collection also explores the empowerment and hope that can be found in community-based services, peer support, and treatment.
The opening for the exhibit will be Friday, January 10 from 6-8pm at Pack Memorial Library. The exhibit will be at the library for the month of January. These events are free and everyone is invited
The Vanishing Wheelchair’s performers invite friends and family to a unique “Magic, Mirth & Meaning” performance to celebrate the non-profit’s founder Ricky D. Boone’s sixtieth birthday. The family-friendly, hour-long show features story tellers, singers, jugglers. All proceeds help the non-profit The Vanishing Wheelchair, Inc.
Diagnosed with a rare bone disorder, Morgani’s Syndrome, Ricky D. Boone, local magician and magic shop owner, was never supposed to live past the age of four – on January 13 he will turn sixty. Through the years he has survived brain surgery and a heart attach from a rare virus, yet he not only has survived, but thrived. Boone’s magic shop, Magic Central, is one of the last standing brick and mortar stores in the country, he has had a successful performing business, is a motivational speaker, has been on all four major television networks, appeared on NPR, and has had a book written about his life, not to mention has won numerous awards from his performances including two Emmy awards for a story about his life on WLOS. Yet Boone admits his greatest achievement is helping people with disabilities find their passion in life through teaching them skills in the arts through his 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity The Vanishing Wheelchair, Inc.
This show marks the eighth season in which “Magic, Mirth & Meaning” has appeared on a monthly basis in Asheville. The show features numerous talents of people with disabilities and those who wish to help them. At any given show, an audience may see singing, story telling, and of course magic.
Come support and see what The Vanishing Wheelchair is all about. Tickets may be available at the door, but advanced reservations are strongly encouraged since seating is limited. Purchase tickets online at www.VanishingWheelchair.org, or contact Magic Central, 175 Weaverville Highway, Suite L, Asheville, North Carolina 28804, or call 828-645-2941.
Applications are due Feb. 21.
The Asheville Police Department (APD) is now inviting residents to apply for the spring semester of the Citizen’s Police Academy (CPA). Participants in this free course will learn about the daily work and operations of APD, while also giving the department an opportunity to obtain valuable feedback from the community.
The course will begin on March 5. Sessions are held each Thursday from 5:30 to 9 p.m. for 12 weeks. The course is held at the Municipal Building, 100 Court Plaza, in downtown Asheville. Dinner is provided.
The course consists of basic classroom instruction, presentations and demonstrations of topics such as criminal investigations, constitutional and criminal law, use of force, departmental structure and defensive tactics. Participants will also be given the opportunity to ride along with an officer.
Those wishing to participate must apply and be accepted. You can submit an application online at this link. Applications are due Feb. 21.
Many things make a good neighborhood: sidewalks, shady trees and manageable car traffic come to mind. But most of all, it’s the people who take time to know each other, who care about the health, safety and rights of their neighbors, who help and look out for children, elders and others in need. These are the neighbors who show they care by maintaining their homes, gardens and public spaces, who participate and are connected to organizations that focus on neighborhoods.
And these are the extraordinary people the City of Asheville wants to honor as the Neighborhood Advisory Committee seeks submissions to recognize individuals or groups who have made a difference in their neighborhood during 2019. The recipient or recipients will be recognized at an Asheville City Council meeting and be featured in the neighborhood news throughout the year.
So help us find that outstanding person or group and nominate them for Asheville’s Neighborhood Hero Award
Share with us the good work going on in your neighborhood! Nominate a deserving recipient. The deadline is Jan. 31, 2020.
Help shape the themes, content, design and route of Asheville’s first African American Heritage Trail
We use stories to make sense of the world. How will Asheville tell an inclusive story of its history?
Dina Bailey has explored that question. She’s an expert on inclusive history. Her experience includes work with the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience.
In January she’ll lead talks about Asheville’s first African American Heritage Trail. The community is invited to help shape the themes, content, design and route of the trail by participating in one of the sessions led by Bailey.
In addition to attending a listening session, the public is invited to complete an online survey.
The sessions and survey are part of an engagement process with community advocate Kimberly Hunter of Asheville. The trail was featured at the Creative Sector Summit kickoff at the YMI Cultural Center in May and at the African Americans in South Appalachia Conference at UNC Asheville in October. Design and construction are slated for 2020-2021.
The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) is funding the project through its Tourism Product Development Fund grant program. River Front Development Group, an African American founded nonprofit, submitted the grant application in 2018. BCTDA will maintain the trail markers as part of its Wayfinding Signage Program. For more information, visit: ashevillecvb.com/african-american-heritage-project.
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In Her Shoes is a program to inspire young women to be future leaders! In Her Shoes will provide an opportunity for young ladies to hear from local women that are leaders in their male dominated careers. The event includes the program, refreshments and the Furman Lady Paladins Basketball game on January 11.
In Her Shoes is a program to inspire young women to be future leaders! In Her Shoes will provide an opportunity for young ladies to hear from local women that are leaders in their male dominated careers. The event includes the program, refreshments and the Furman Lady Paladins Basketball game. Tickets are available for purchase at the GSP International Airport Box Office at Bon Secours Wellness Arena and HERE, using the password LEADER.
On Sunday, January 12th, 2020 1 PM – 5 PM we will gather at Penny Cup Coffee (River Arts District) for a Townsend & Roney Canvass Blitz. With a short primary season before the March 3rd primary, we need your help knocking on doors. At this canvas blitz, we will hold a canvass training followed by boots on the ground door knocking. For more information and to RSVP, use the following link: https://actionnetwork.org/events/townsend-roney-canvass-blitz
In order to get the Asheville we all deserve, we must work together. We hope you and your neighbors will join us in 2020.
- Restoration
- Rehabilitation
- Adaptive Re-use
- In-fill Construction in Historic and Traditional Neighborhoods
- Research, Publication and Education
- Stewardship
- Preservation
This group is dedicated to the growing number of people interested in Awakening to their True Nature. We explore the experience of simply Being through:
| Self-Inquiry | Presence | Surrender | Gratitude | Meditation |
• Transcend egoic mind patterns
• See the gift in challenging situations
• Live your Life’s Purpose
• Find lasting Inner Peace
Group meetings consist of Meditation, Video Satsang (watching videos of spiritual teachers) and a Sharing Circle (optional).
Donations of any amount are welcomed. No one will be turned away due to lack of funds. (Donate online at https://tinyurl.com/awakeningsupport)
About the Facilitator:
Trey Carland, author of “A Seeker’s Guide to Inner Peace: Notes to Self,” has been hosting Awakening group meetings since 2007. “My passion is sharing the gift of Awakening with the World.”
Comments:
“Trey Carland embodies perfectly the quote, “still waters run deep.” I happened upon Trey several years ago through his spiritual awakening group. From this experience, Trey appeared to me as a wise Sage. Trey is accepting and patient with people. His demeanor is calm and loving. For me, it was evident that the stillness of Trey’s soul, is like a shimmering river that runs endlessly, with much depth. With celebration, I am blessed for having him as a friend. ” ~ John K.
(Read More at http://www.treycarland.com)
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Are you confused about what’s going on at the US Congress with impeachment investigations and hearings? Want to hear the history of this process? |
Asheville, NC. Organic Growers School is partnering with Food First and Altruvistas to offer
their second Cuba Agroecology Tour from January 7 through 16, 2020, with a focus on the
country’s intensive sustainable agriculture practices. The tour, to be comprised of growers,
community leaders, educators, and activists who are passionate about sustainable agriculture,
will begin in Havana and travel to destinations such as Pinar del Rio, Artemisa, and Matanzas.
The cost of the trip is $2,900 and will serve, in part, as a fundraiser for Organic Growers School
(OGS), a 501c3 non-profit organization. There are a limited number of partial scholarships for
farmers and food activists to attend. This tour and all registrants will not be affected by recent
political actions to restrict American travel to Cuba.
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Kindly provided by MANNA Food Bank!
Applications are due Feb. 21.
The Asheville Police Department (APD) is now inviting residents to apply for the spring semester of the Citizen’s Police Academy (CPA). Participants in this free course will learn about the daily work and operations of APD, while also giving the department an opportunity to obtain valuable feedback from the community.
The course will begin on March 5. Sessions are held each Thursday from 5:30 to 9 p.m. for 12 weeks. The course is held at the Municipal Building, 100 Court Plaza, in downtown Asheville. Dinner is provided.
The course consists of basic classroom instruction, presentations and demonstrations of topics such as criminal investigations, constitutional and criminal law, use of force, departmental structure and defensive tactics. Participants will also be given the opportunity to ride along with an officer.
Those wishing to participate must apply and be accepted. You can submit an application online at this link. Applications are due Feb. 21.
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Many things make a good neighborhood: sidewalks, shady trees and manageable car traffic come to mind. But most of all, it’s the people who take time to know each other, who care about the health, safety and rights of their neighbors, who help and look out for children, elders and others in need. These are the neighbors who show they care by maintaining their homes, gardens and public spaces, who participate and are connected to organizations that focus on neighborhoods.
And these are the extraordinary people the City of Asheville wants to honor as the Neighborhood Advisory Committee seeks submissions to recognize individuals or groups who have made a difference in their neighborhood during 2019. The recipient or recipients will be recognized at an Asheville City Council meeting and be featured in the neighborhood news throughout the year.
So help us find that outstanding person or group and nominate them for Asheville’s Neighborhood Hero Award
Share with us the good work going on in your neighborhood! Nominate a deserving recipient. The deadline is Jan. 31, 2020.
All events 10am-2pm
January 18th, 2020 – West
1298 Patton Ave, Asheville NC
April 25th, 2020– Central
5 Oak Street, Asheville NC
September 12th, 2020 – East
2319 US Hwy 70, Swannanoa NC
November 14th, 2020 – South
TC Roberson High School, Arden, NC
Use the Long Shoals Rd entrance
Ready to throw your computer out the window? Join us for Solution Saturdays, where tech-savvy volunteers are available to answer your computer and technology questions. This free event will be held 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, January 18 at the West Asheville Library. A librarian will be available to help with digital library book downloads.
You can also donate your old but usable computers and smartphones to DisAbility Partners and BeLoved Asheville; just drop them by the library during the event. Solution Saturdays is brought to you by Code for Asheville and Buncombe County Public Libraries.
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Kindly provided by MANNA Food Bank!
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Retreatants will be invited to pause, to stop running, to stop ‘doing’, to calm minds and bodies and be at ease. During this retreat, the focus is on reconciliation, transformation, healing and how to bring quantitative change in one’s life by the mindfulness practices of walking, eating and sitting meditation, connecting with ancestors, deep listening, loving speech and the practice of touching the earth. A retreat is an opportunity to let go of worry and anxiety about the past and the future, rest, and begin to be present for what is happening in the present moment.
The retreat is being led by Sister True Moon of Clear Grace, a resident nun at Heartwood who received her novice ordination in the Plum Village Vietnamese Zen tradition headed by the Venerable Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh. Sister Clear Grace shares that, “the practice of mindfulness has been the greatest source of insight and transformation to heal from injustices of all kinds. It has helped me to learn truths and unlearn deeply embedded beliefs that have kept me away from the liberation of such sufferings in my daily life.”
This retreat is suitable for both beginning and experienced mindfulness practitioners. Participants may register to stay at Heartwood or sign up for the commuter option. More information, registration and other retreats at www.heartwoodrefuge.org.
Sister Clear Grace is a member of the Care Taking Council for the Earth Holder Community, a mindful Earth/Social justice initiative in the Plum Village Community of Engaged Buddhism. She is a Core member for ARISE Sangha (Awakening through Race, Intersectionality, and Social Equity), a community of mindfulness practitioners and monastics who come together to heal the wounds of racial injustice and social inequity, beginning with looking deeply within oneself and using energy of compassion, understanding, and love in action.
Heartwood Refuge and Retreat Center, located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, provides interfaith meditation and wellness retreat. Heartwood is neither defined by a single lineage, nor confined by any single sect or practice. Heartwood hosts teachers from all faiths and wisdom traditions to share teachings and activities that promote compassion and clarity, whether through traditional wisdom or new thought.
Bring your current needle project and work while socializing with other like-minded crafters
Each year, we honor the history of Asheville and of Martin Luther King Jr. by spending a morning in service and in community together in the historic East End/ Valley Street neighborhood. Prior to the cleanup we will be joined Renee‘White, President of the East End Valley Street Neighborhood Association, who will speak about the history and importance of the neighborhood.
MLK Jr Park
Skate, Roll, & Stroll is a disability-friendly time on the Big Ice! Come out in your wheelchair or walker, be pulled around the ice on a sled or in a wagon, walk on the ice or try your hand at ice skating!
Skate Roll and Stroll sessions will be held from 10am – 12pm. Ice walkers are free and available first come, first served. Guests are encouraged to bring their own sleds, wagons, and helmets. Volunteers will be available to assist with guests as needed.
This event is free of charge and offers free parking in the VIP lot off of Church Street. Free ADA parking is available in the loading dock parking lot off of Academy Street. Be sure to arrive early at 9:30am to lace up your skates!
This group is dedicated to the growing number of people interested in Awakening to their True Nature. We explore the experience of simply Being through:
| Self-Inquiry | Presence | Surrender | Gratitude | Meditation |
• Transcend egoic mind patterns
• See the gift in challenging situations
• Live your Life’s Purpose
• Find lasting Inner Peace
Group meetings consist of Meditation, Video Satsang (watching videos of spiritual teachers) and a Sharing Circle (optional).
Donations of any amount are welcomed. No one will be turned away due to lack of funds. (Donate online at https://tinyurl.com/awakeningsupport)
About the Facilitator:
Trey Carland, author of “A Seeker’s Guide to Inner Peace: Notes to Self,” has been hosting Awakening group meetings since 2007. “My passion is sharing the gift of Awakening with the World.”
Comments:
“Trey Carland embodies perfectly the quote, “still waters run deep.” I happened upon Trey several years ago through his spiritual awakening group. From this experience, Trey appeared to me as a wise Sage. Trey is accepting and patient with people. His demeanor is calm and loving. For me, it was evident that the stillness of Trey’s soul, is like a shimmering river that runs endlessly, with much depth. With celebration, I am blessed for having him as a friend. ” ~ John K.
(Read More at http://www.treycarland.com)