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.

Saturday, July 31, 2021
Nominations for Thomas Wolfe Memorial Literary Award
Jul 31 all-day
Online

NOMINATIONS BEING ACCEPTED FOR THE

2021 THOMAS WOLFE MEMORIAL LITERARY AWARD

The Western North Carolina Historical Association is now accepting nominations for the Thomas Wolfe Memorial Literary Award. Originated by the Louis Lipinsky family and now supported by Michael Sartisky, PhD, the Award is a partnership between WNCHA and the Thomas Wolfe Memorial Advisory Committee. It has been presented by WNCHA since 1955. The award comes with a $2,500 cash prize.

The deadline for submission of nominated works is July 31, 2021. Anyone with knowledge of an author who meets the qualification criteria may nominate the author for the award. To be considered, an entry must be a published work of fiction, nonfiction, drama or poetry and meet the following criteria:

  1. It must be a first edition work; revised editions of published works will not be considered for the Award.
  2. The publication date must be between July 1, 2020 and July 1, 2021.
  3. The author must be a native of western North Carolina or a resident of western North Carolina for at least twelve months prior to the closing date for the Award.
  4. An author may also qualify if the work submitted has a focus on or setting in western North Carolina.

 

Western North Carolina includes the Qualla Boundary and the following 25 counties: Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Surry, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, Yadkin, and Yancey.

The Award Panel this year consists of: Catherine Frank, Chair, Director, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UNC Asheville; Dee James, retired Director of the First-Year Writing Program at UNC Asheville; Tom Muir, Historic Site Manager, Thomas Wolfe Memorial; Gordon McKinney, PhD, former president, Appalachian Studies Association; Terry Roberts, PhD, Director, National Paideia Center; Jim Stokely, President, Wilma Dykeman Legacy.

Nomination letters must specify the following eligibility criteria:

  1. date of publication
  2. birthplace or residence of author
  3. setting of work

 

Nominators should submit a cover letter along with three copies of the work postmarked no later than July 31, 2021 to:

Wolfe Award Committee

℅ Anne Chesky Smith

WNC Historical Association

283 Victoria Road

Asheville, NC  28801

 

An awards ceremony and reception, in honor of the finalists and 2021 Award recipient, will be held in early December 2021.

The Association presented the first Thomas Wolfe Memorial Literary Award to Wilma Dykeman in 1955 for The French Broad. The Award has continued to be funded, in part, by Mrs. E. Frank Edwin, a member of the Lipinsky family and for the last three years by WNCHA, and the Thomas Wolfe Memorial Advisory Board, both with support from Michael Sartisky, PhD. Other recipients of this prestigious Award include Robert Morgan, Gail Godwin, John Ehle, Robert Brunk, Michael McFee, Lee Smith, Ron Rash, Wayne Caldwell, and Terry Roberts. Sandra Muse Isaacs was the recipient of the 2020 Thomas Wolfe Memorial Literary Award for her book: Eastern Cherokee Stories: A Living Oral Tradition and Its Cultural Continuance.

ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP + TRANSFORMATION
Jul 31 all-day
WCU Biltmore Park, Asheville

People shaking hands

 

(In a Post Pandemic World)

Take Five and Earn a Certificate!
Online “Live” Instruction Offered each Spring and Fall
Each workshop offers 5.5 SHRM Recertification Credits
Certificate: $625
$159 to $199 per Workshop


Everything from managing remote employees to living in a world where the line has become blurred between what happens online and offline, means what worked last year could be ineffective in the coming years. Managers and supervisors need to learn how to adapt to a compromised economy and an up-and-coming workforce that’s progressively challenging the “status quo” for work ethics and work habits.

The 2021 Summer Learning Program: Tails + Tales – an exploration of wildlife and fantastical folktales
Jul 31 all-day
Online

Illustration of animals reading book.

Get ready to go wild at the library for our annual Summer Learning Program. Join us for Tails & Tales – an exploration of wildlife and fantastical folktales. We’ll have an activity sheet with lots of fun adventures for all ages. You can pick up a sheet at any library starting June 1, or download it HERE. Check our calendar to find our most up to date list of programs all summer long.

 

The 2021 Summer Learning Program is open to young people, preschool through teen, with books and activities for every age. All library programs are free and open to children of all abilities. Come in and see what the library has for you!

Weaverville Library Used Book Store
Jul 31 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Weaverville Library

The Friends of the Weaverville Library (FOWL) are excited to announce the opening of their used bookstore in Weaverville on Thursday, July 8. Located in the lower level of the Weaverville Library at 41 N. Main St., the store will be open Thursdays 1-5 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays 11 a.m.-2 p.m., with expanded hours beginning in September. The store is stocked with thousands of books, audiobooks, CDs, DVDs, and more. All adult books are priced at $1.50-$3.00, children and teen books at $1.00-$1.50, audio and video at $2.00.

There is also a bargain-priced area and a collection of special finds that are priced individually. Please feel free to contact us at 828-641-1812 or [email protected]. All proceeds from the store will benefit the Weaverville Library.

Sunday, August 1, 2021
The 2021 Summer Learning Program: Tails + Tales – an exploration of wildlife and fantastical folktales
Aug 1 all-day
Online

Illustration of animals reading book.

Get ready to go wild at the library for our annual Summer Learning Program. Join us for Tails & Tales – an exploration of wildlife and fantastical folktales. We’ll have an activity sheet with lots of fun adventures for all ages. You can pick up a sheet at any library starting June 1, or download it HERE. Check our calendar to find our most up to date list of programs all summer long.

 

The 2021 Summer Learning Program is open to young people, preschool through teen, with books and activities for every age. All library programs are free and open to children of all abilities. Come in and see what the library has for you!

Monday, August 2, 2021
The 2021 Summer Learning Program: Tails + Tales – an exploration of wildlife and fantastical folktales
Aug 2 all-day
Online

Illustration of animals reading book.

Get ready to go wild at the library for our annual Summer Learning Program. Join us for Tails & Tales – an exploration of wildlife and fantastical folktales. We’ll have an activity sheet with lots of fun adventures for all ages. You can pick up a sheet at any library starting June 1, or download it HERE. Check our calendar to find our most up to date list of programs all summer long.

 

The 2021 Summer Learning Program is open to young people, preschool through teen, with books and activities for every age. All library programs are free and open to children of all abilities. Come in and see what the library has for you!

Tuesday, August 3, 2021
The 2021 Summer Learning Program: Tails + Tales – an exploration of wildlife and fantastical folktales
Aug 3 all-day
Online

Illustration of animals reading book.

Get ready to go wild at the library for our annual Summer Learning Program. Join us for Tails & Tales – an exploration of wildlife and fantastical folktales. We’ll have an activity sheet with lots of fun adventures for all ages. You can pick up a sheet at any library starting June 1, or download it HERE. Check our calendar to find our most up to date list of programs all summer long.

 

The 2021 Summer Learning Program is open to young people, preschool through teen, with books and activities for every age. All library programs are free and open to children of all abilities. Come in and see what the library has for you!

Breaking News from the SBA regarding PPP Loan Forgiveness
Aug 3 @ 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Online
The SBA is launching a streamlined application portal to allow borrowers with Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans under $150,000 through participating lenders to apply for forgiveness directly through the SBA.
“With the new simplified application portal, thousands of Southeastern businesses, and even sole proprietorships that borrowed PPP funds will have these funds forgiven said Janita R. Stewart, Acting Regional Administrator for the Southeastern Region. Most entrepreneurs waiting for forgiveness have loans under $150,000. It was time we made the process more efficient so businesses can get back to sustaining our communities.”
This new change will help rush relief to the Southeast’s smallest of small businesses, which has been the Administrator’s priority since day one. The new forgiveness platform will begin accepting applications from borrowers on August 4, 2021. Lenders are required to opt-in to this program through directforgiveness.sba.gov. In addition to the technology platform, the SBA is standing up a PPP customer service team to answer questions and directly assist borrowers with their forgiveness applications. Borrowers that need assistance or have questions should call (877) 552-2692, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. EDT.
Weaverville Library Evening Book Club
Aug 3 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Weaverville Library

Weaverville Library Evening Book Club

Join us as we discuss The History of Love, by Nicole Krauss. We will be meeting virtually this month.  All participants must pre-register.  Newcomers are always welcome. Copies of this title are available for check out at the Weaverville Library while supplies last.

Enka-Candler Library Evening Book Club
Aug 3 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Enka-Candler Library--ONLINE

Enka-Candler Library Evening Book Club

Chat with other book lovers about this month’s book selection. The book we’ll be discussing in August is “American Dirt” by Jeanine Cummins. This program is in person and hosted virtually for those unable to attend in person. To get the link, email [email protected] or call the library at 250-4758.

Books are reserved at the Enka-Candler Library. Call to hold your copy or come in to pick one up!

Wednesday, August 4, 2021
Festivals + Cultural Events Grant Opportunity
Aug 4 all-day
Online

Background and Goals of the Festivals & Cultural Events Program

The Festivals & Cultural Events Support Fund Grant Program was launched in 2016 by the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) and is designed to provide financial support for events that both serve the residents of Buncombe County and the visitors who travel to the Asheville area for the sense of authenticity and welcoming spirit that the destination exudes.

The primary purposes of this fund are to:

  • Support and preserve cultural identity within Buncombe County;
  • Stimulate the creation of new, or expansion of existing, festivals and cultural events; and
  • Contribute to the financial viability and long-term sustainability of the area’s festivals and cultural events.

Explore Asheville CVB is offering grants for Festivals & Cultural Events ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, not to exceed 50% of the total event budget. Application deadline is Sept 29th at 5 pm.

The 2021 Summer Learning Program: Tails + Tales – an exploration of wildlife and fantastical folktales
Aug 4 all-day
Online

Illustration of animals reading book.

Get ready to go wild at the library for our annual Summer Learning Program. Join us for Tails & Tales – an exploration of wildlife and fantastical folktales. We’ll have an activity sheet with lots of fun adventures for all ages. You can pick up a sheet at any library starting June 1, or download it HERE. Check our calendar to find our most up to date list of programs all summer long.

 

The 2021 Summer Learning Program is open to young people, preschool through teen, with books and activities for every age. All library programs are free and open to children of all abilities. Come in and see what the library has for you!

Breaking News from the SBA regarding PPP Loan Forgiveness
Aug 4 @ 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Online
The SBA is launching a streamlined application portal to allow borrowers with Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans under $150,000 through participating lenders to apply for forgiveness directly through the SBA.
“With the new simplified application portal, thousands of Southeastern businesses, and even sole proprietorships that borrowed PPP funds will have these funds forgiven said Janita R. Stewart, Acting Regional Administrator for the Southeastern Region. Most entrepreneurs waiting for forgiveness have loans under $150,000. It was time we made the process more efficient so businesses can get back to sustaining our communities.”
This new change will help rush relief to the Southeast’s smallest of small businesses, which has been the Administrator’s priority since day one. The new forgiveness platform will begin accepting applications from borrowers on August 4, 2021. Lenders are required to opt-in to this program through directforgiveness.sba.gov. In addition to the technology platform, the SBA is standing up a PPP customer service team to answer questions and directly assist borrowers with their forgiveness applications. Borrowers that need assistance or have questions should call (877) 552-2692, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. EDT.
Thursday, August 5, 2021
Festivals + Cultural Events Grant Opportunity
Aug 5 all-day
Online

Background and Goals of the Festivals & Cultural Events Program

The Festivals & Cultural Events Support Fund Grant Program was launched in 2016 by the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) and is designed to provide financial support for events that both serve the residents of Buncombe County and the visitors who travel to the Asheville area for the sense of authenticity and welcoming spirit that the destination exudes.

The primary purposes of this fund are to:

  • Support and preserve cultural identity within Buncombe County;
  • Stimulate the creation of new, or expansion of existing, festivals and cultural events; and
  • Contribute to the financial viability and long-term sustainability of the area’s festivals and cultural events.

Explore Asheville CVB is offering grants for Festivals & Cultural Events ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, not to exceed 50% of the total event budget. Application deadline is Sept 29th at 5 pm.

The 2021 Summer Learning Program: Tails + Tales – an exploration of wildlife and fantastical folktales
Aug 5 all-day
Online

Illustration of animals reading book.

Get ready to go wild at the library for our annual Summer Learning Program. Join us for Tails & Tales – an exploration of wildlife and fantastical folktales. We’ll have an activity sheet with lots of fun adventures for all ages. You can pick up a sheet at any library starting June 1, or download it HERE. Check our calendar to find our most up to date list of programs all summer long.

 

The 2021 Summer Learning Program is open to young people, preschool through teen, with books and activities for every age. All library programs are free and open to children of all abilities. Come in and see what the library has for you!

Breaking News from the SBA regarding PPP Loan Forgiveness
Aug 5 @ 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Online
The SBA is launching a streamlined application portal to allow borrowers with Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans under $150,000 through participating lenders to apply for forgiveness directly through the SBA.
“With the new simplified application portal, thousands of Southeastern businesses, and even sole proprietorships that borrowed PPP funds will have these funds forgiven said Janita R. Stewart, Acting Regional Administrator for the Southeastern Region. Most entrepreneurs waiting for forgiveness have loans under $150,000. It was time we made the process more efficient so businesses can get back to sustaining our communities.”
This new change will help rush relief to the Southeast’s smallest of small businesses, which has been the Administrator’s priority since day one. The new forgiveness platform will begin accepting applications from borrowers on August 4, 2021. Lenders are required to opt-in to this program through directforgiveness.sba.gov. In addition to the technology platform, the SBA is standing up a PPP customer service team to answer questions and directly assist borrowers with their forgiveness applications. Borrowers that need assistance or have questions should call (877) 552-2692, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. EDT.
Weaverville Library Used Book Store
Aug 5 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Weaverville Library

The Friends of the Weaverville Library (FOWL) are excited to announce the opening of their used bookstore in Weaverville on Thursday, July 8. Located in the lower level of the Weaverville Library at 41 N. Main St., the store will be open Thursdays 1-5 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays 11 a.m.-2 p.m., with expanded hours beginning in September. The store is stocked with thousands of books, audiobooks, CDs, DVDs, and more. All adult books are priced at $1.50-$3.00, children and teen books at $1.00-$1.50, audio and video at $2.00.

There is also a bargain-priced area and a collection of special finds that are priced individually. Please feel free to contact us at 828-641-1812 or [email protected]. All proceeds from the store will benefit the Weaverville Library.

Weaverville Library Afternoon Book Club
Aug 5 @ 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Weaverville Library ONLINE

Weaverville Library Afternoon Book Club

Join us as we discuss The Dutch House, by Ann Patchett. We will meet in person at the Weaverville Library with the option to join by ZOOM. Registration is only necessary for ZOOM participants.  Newcomers are always welcome.  Copies of this title are available for check out at the Weaverville Library while supplies last.  See you at the Library!

Adora Winquist DNA Book Signing + Workshop
Aug 5 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Asheville Salt Cave

Introducing local Asheville resident, Adora Winquist of ADORAtherapy, a world-renowned healer, alchemist and author.

Adora will be hosting a book signing and product demo at the Asheville Salt Cave on Thurs August 5th. Her new book titled “Detox,Nourish, Activate: Plant and Vibrational Medicine for Energy, Mood and Love” was released beginning of July 2021 and has received rave reviews. The book can be ordered from her website, Aeon Books, or Amazon, or at the event.

This revolutionary book guides readers along the path of self-mastery and the ultimate expression of their personal truth, offering a three- step system designed to heal trauma at the core level from this lifetime and many previous generations. Three well-being areas are explored in-depth, with eleven primary alchemical interventions to facilitate healing down to the DNA level.

We would love the opportunity to introduce you to Adora and to share this revolutionary book with you. Please join her at this event, held outdoors in the gardens at the renowned Asheville Salt Cave Spa. This nature-inspired salt cave offers pure relaxation and a chance to recharge, with 20 tons of pure pink salt that has naturally recreated the micro climate of a salt mine. This climate is maintained with the specific temperature and humidity levels found in a naturally occurring cave. The salt in their cave comes from all corners of the earth: from deep in the Polish salt mines, to the Dead Sea, to the Himalayan Mountains, to the Celtic Sea. It is antibacterial, uncontaminated by dirt, and is free of toxins and pollutants.

Adora and the Asheville Salt Cave promise an evening of reflection, relaxation, meditation and purpose.
We look forward to welcoming you!

East Asheville Library Book Club
Aug 5 @ 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Online

East Asheville Library Book Club

Join other literature lovers to discuss your favorite books over Zoom. This month’s pick is The Ghosts of Eden Park, by Karen Abbott.

Young Adult Intersectional Summer Book Club
Aug 5 @ 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Skyland/South Buncombe Library

Young Adult Intersectional Summer Book Club

Join us outside in the garden at South Buncombe Library to discuss identity and intersectionality in this Young Adult novel. Copies of the book will be available for check out at the circulation desk. Ebook also available on the digital library.
For young adults and new adults 14-20 years old.

Friday, August 6, 2021
Festivals + Cultural Events Grant Opportunity
Aug 6 all-day
Online

Background and Goals of the Festivals & Cultural Events Program

The Festivals & Cultural Events Support Fund Grant Program was launched in 2016 by the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) and is designed to provide financial support for events that both serve the residents of Buncombe County and the visitors who travel to the Asheville area for the sense of authenticity and welcoming spirit that the destination exudes.

The primary purposes of this fund are to:

  • Support and preserve cultural identity within Buncombe County;
  • Stimulate the creation of new, or expansion of existing, festivals and cultural events; and
  • Contribute to the financial viability and long-term sustainability of the area’s festivals and cultural events.

Explore Asheville CVB is offering grants for Festivals & Cultural Events ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, not to exceed 50% of the total event budget. Application deadline is Sept 29th at 5 pm.

The 2021 Summer Learning Program: Tails + Tales – an exploration of wildlife and fantastical folktales
Aug 6 all-day
Online

Illustration of animals reading book.

Get ready to go wild at the library for our annual Summer Learning Program. Join us for Tails & Tales – an exploration of wildlife and fantastical folktales. We’ll have an activity sheet with lots of fun adventures for all ages. You can pick up a sheet at any library starting June 1, or download it HERE. Check our calendar to find our most up to date list of programs all summer long.

 

The 2021 Summer Learning Program is open to young people, preschool through teen, with books and activities for every age. All library programs are free and open to children of all abilities. Come in and see what the library has for you!

Breaking News from the SBA regarding PPP Loan Forgiveness
Aug 6 @ 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Online
The SBA is launching a streamlined application portal to allow borrowers with Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans under $150,000 through participating lenders to apply for forgiveness directly through the SBA.
“With the new simplified application portal, thousands of Southeastern businesses, and even sole proprietorships that borrowed PPP funds will have these funds forgiven said Janita R. Stewart, Acting Regional Administrator for the Southeastern Region. Most entrepreneurs waiting for forgiveness have loans under $150,000. It was time we made the process more efficient so businesses can get back to sustaining our communities.”
This new change will help rush relief to the Southeast’s smallest of small businesses, which has been the Administrator’s priority since day one. The new forgiveness platform will begin accepting applications from borrowers on August 4, 2021. Lenders are required to opt-in to this program through directforgiveness.sba.gov. In addition to the technology platform, the SBA is standing up a PPP customer service team to answer questions and directly assist borrowers with their forgiveness applications. Borrowers that need assistance or have questions should call (877) 552-2692, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. EDT.
MANNA’s Hiring! Mobile Markets Driver
Aug 6 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Manna Food Bank
MANNA FoodBank is hiring for a critically important role in our Mobile Programs team and offering a $1,000 sign-on bonus!
We are looking for a CDL holder who is driven by a desire to help their own WNC community in a dynamic and exciting role as Mobile Markets Driver.
Come see the difference your commitment makes working alongside a dedicated group of volunteers and staff to literally put food in the hands of those that need it.
Details at : https://recruitingbypaycor.com/career/JobIntroduction.action
Outdoor Story Time at the Enka-Candler Library
Aug 6 @ 10:30 am
Enka-Candler Library

The Perfect Turkey

The Enka-Candler Library will have a special outdoor Story Time on Friday, Aug. 6 at 10:30 am. Come and join us for stories, songs, and a dance party at the end! Storytime carpets will be available for children and chairs will be available for adults, but feel free to bring your own blankets and lawn chairs if you prefer. Enjoy listening to our librarians read fun interactive stories with puppets and all kinds of silliness. The selections are targeted at preschool-aged students, but all are welcome!

Weaverville Library Used Book Store
Aug 6 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Weaverville Library

The Friends of the Weaverville Library (FOWL) are excited to announce the opening of their used bookstore in Weaverville on Thursday, July 8. Located in the lower level of the Weaverville Library at 41 N. Main St., the store will be open Thursdays 1-5 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays 11 a.m.-2 p.m., with expanded hours beginning in September. The store is stocked with thousands of books, audiobooks, CDs, DVDs, and more. All adult books are priced at $1.50-$3.00, children and teen books at $1.00-$1.50, audio and video at $2.00.

There is also a bargain-priced area and a collection of special finds that are priced individually. Please feel free to contact us at 828-641-1812 or [email protected]. All proceeds from the store will benefit the Weaverville Library.

Saturday, August 7, 2021
Festivals + Cultural Events Grant Opportunity
Aug 7 all-day
Online

Background and Goals of the Festivals & Cultural Events Program

The Festivals & Cultural Events Support Fund Grant Program was launched in 2016 by the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) and is designed to provide financial support for events that both serve the residents of Buncombe County and the visitors who travel to the Asheville area for the sense of authenticity and welcoming spirit that the destination exudes.

The primary purposes of this fund are to:

  • Support and preserve cultural identity within Buncombe County;
  • Stimulate the creation of new, or expansion of existing, festivals and cultural events; and
  • Contribute to the financial viability and long-term sustainability of the area’s festivals and cultural events.

Explore Asheville CVB is offering grants for Festivals & Cultural Events ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, not to exceed 50% of the total event budget. Application deadline is Sept 29th at 5 pm.

The 2021 Summer Learning Program: Tails + Tales – an exploration of wildlife and fantastical folktales
Aug 7 all-day
Online

Illustration of animals reading book.

Get ready to go wild at the library for our annual Summer Learning Program. Join us for Tails & Tales – an exploration of wildlife and fantastical folktales. We’ll have an activity sheet with lots of fun adventures for all ages. You can pick up a sheet at any library starting June 1, or download it HERE. Check our calendar to find our most up to date list of programs all summer long.

 

The 2021 Summer Learning Program is open to young people, preschool through teen, with books and activities for every age. All library programs are free and open to children of all abilities. Come in and see what the library has for you!

MANNA’s Hiring! Mobile Markets Driver
Aug 7 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Manna Food Bank
MANNA FoodBank is hiring for a critically important role in our Mobile Programs team and offering a $1,000 sign-on bonus!
We are looking for a CDL holder who is driven by a desire to help their own WNC community in a dynamic and exciting role as Mobile Markets Driver.
Come see the difference your commitment makes working alongside a dedicated group of volunteers and staff to literally put food in the hands of those that need it.
Details at : https://recruitingbypaycor.com/career/JobIntroduction.action