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.

Learn to add a special touch to your dinner or cocktail napkins with an embroidery
demonstration and class with Echoview Fiber Mill. Attendees will also learn about natural
dyes, including dyes that can be made from kitchen scraps and plants in your own
backyard. Attendees will receive a kit with naturally dyed threads (five colors), one cloth
napkin, one embroidery needle and stitch templates from Echoview Fiber Mill in the mail
prior to the class. (Must register by August 1 to receive kit).
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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.
For the 16th year in a row, artists in this small community will open their studios to the public for the annual Come to Leicester Studio Tour. This free, self-guided event is held every third weekend in August, with this year’s tour dates being August 21st and 22nd, 10 AM to 6PM each day.
Visitors choose their own tour stops using a printed brochure with a full-color map of the area, and bold signs direct to the individual studios. The tour route travels through some of the most scenic rural countryside in Western North Carolina. Along the way, visitors can view beautiful, hand-crafted work and meet the artists who create it. The variety of arts and crafts includes brooms, pottery, painting, furniture, iron work, fiber art, and stained glass. Come join the tour on August 21 & 22!
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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.
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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.

Join us to stay updated on business in Mills River. With updates from the Town of Mills River and networking with neighboring businesses, let’s work to GROW your business in Mills River
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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.
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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.
Small Business Center at Blue Ridge Community College offers FREE seminars/workshops to support Small Business
In-Person & Online
Are you involved in a nonprofit as a board member, a staff person, or a volunteer? Are you wanting to know more about how to understand the finances of a nonprofit? Join us in this class as we talk about the basic financial statements of a nonprofit and explain the art of “telling our nonprofit story” to interested parties. We will learn various forms of financial management reporting, identify elements of good reporting design. We will discuss various ways to track income and expenses for specific programs and how the reporting of those programs is important to the various audiences and users of the financial information such as staff, funders, donors, and the IRS. You will also learn about the importance of the nonprofit tax return, and learn to read and interpret the Form 990. Participants will gain an understanding of the broader financial realm of nonprofit organizations – where they work or volunteer.
Speaker(s): Michelle Tracz, CPA
Co-Sponsor(s): Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, Brevard/Transylvania Chamber of Commerce
Webinar info will be emailed after registration

Explore the world of fermented foods with us! Fermentation is transformation. Fermentation
preserves both our food and our cultural diversity and connects us to thousands of years
of hands-on knowledge and ingenuity. The Southern Appalachian culinary and beverage
community includes many devotees of this time-honored process. Join us for a delicious
and informative dinner that showcases the many creative fermentation processes that are
practiced in our region: kimchi, beer and kombucha, cheeses, chocolates, breads, coffee, sake,
charcuterie, kefir, sour beers, hot sauces, natural wines, miso and pickled Appalachian produce.
Meg Chamberlain of Fermenti will lead an engaging discussion, and guests will enjoy the
opportunity to meet and shop with local makers, to bring some fermented goodness home!

Experience Asheville’s premiere independent film festival! We are a non-profit, competitive festival with the mission to cultivate a spirited collective of homegrown filmmakers. We uplift up-and-coming filmmakers of Asheville and the Southeast with screenings, workshops, music performances and after parties throughout the weekend.
BYOF – Bring Your Own Film
8pm at Fleetwood’s Chapel
496 Haywood Rd
West Asheville, North Carolina
It’s like an open mic, but movies. Bring a USB drive with a film 7 minutes or less and share with the community. First come, first service.
Open to the public and donations go to future festival screenings.
WORKSHOP #1 – INQUEERY
10am-11:30am at Asheville School of Film
45 S French Broad Ave #120, Asheville, NC 28801
INQUEERY is a creative workshop designed for LGBTQIA2S+ people to connect and reflect on their lived experiences through visualizations, creative writing and story. This offering also includes time to read an excerpt from and discuss Asheville-based feature film script Whistle Down Wind, which is currently in development.
Open to the public and 100% of donations go to the instructors.
WORKSHOP #2 – Comrades Help Comrades Make Movies
12pm-3pm at Asheville School of Film
45 S French Broad Ave #120, Asheville, NC 28801
Running an equitable, inclusive, and sustainable set on a hyper indie budget.
Private Work in Progress screening of the feature film E IS FOR with the Co-Writer/Director, Writer/Producer/Lead, DP and EP in attendance with discussion and feedback opportunities.
Pull up a seat at the table and we’ll deep dive into how we made a feature film during the time of COVID and how our intention to honor the insight and labor of our comrades shaped everything from the budget, size of the crew and much of the creative while preserving and sustaining the mental health and experience of everyone on set. We’ll outline resources, cover funding hurdles, pre-production workflow, paperwork and set ethics.
Open to the public and 100% of donations go to the instructors.
SCREENING – Opening Night
Doors at 7pm, Screening at 8pm at The Barrelhouse at the Funkatorium
147 Coxe Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
Arrive dressed to impress in (encouraged) black tie attire to witness the “best of” in indie drama, comedy, and documentary short films.
AFTER DARK
Doors at 10pm at Cultivated Cocktails Tasting Room
25 Page Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
Keep the party going into the night. Featuring a local DJ and exclusive Cat Fly projection installation and living gallery highlighting local and regional animated films.
Included with purchase of any screening.
Rooftop Pool Party
12pm-5pm at Aloft Air Level
51 Biltmore Avenue, Asheville, North Carolina 28801 USA
Present your VIP badge or ticket to any screening to hotel check-in for a key to access the pool.
Included with purchase of any screening.
WORKSHOP #3 – Gillybear Presents: “Garbage Monsters”
3pm-5pm at Asheville School of Film
45 S French Broad Ave #120, Asheville, NC 28801
A look at low-budget, big-impact Special Effects for filmmakers who ain’t got two nickels to rub together.
Open to the public and 100% of donations go to the instructors.
SCREENING – Community Night
Doors at 7pm, Screening at 8pm at The Orange Peel
101 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
Weird, experimental and off-the-beaten path shorts from up-and-coming filmmakers of Asheville and the Southeast.
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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.

Experience Asheville’s premiere independent film festival! We are a non-profit, competitive festival with the mission to cultivate a spirited collective of homegrown filmmakers. We uplift up-and-coming filmmakers of Asheville and the Southeast with screenings, workshops, music performances and after parties throughout the weekend.
BYOF – Bring Your Own Film
8pm at Fleetwood’s Chapel
496 Haywood Rd
West Asheville, North Carolina
It’s like an open mic, but movies. Bring a USB drive with a film 7 minutes or less and share with the community. First come, first service.
Open to the public and donations go to future festival screenings.
WORKSHOP #1 – INQUEERY
10am-11:30am at Asheville School of Film
45 S French Broad Ave #120, Asheville, NC 28801
INQUEERY is a creative workshop designed for LGBTQIA2S+ people to connect and reflect on their lived experiences through visualizations, creative writing and story. This offering also includes time to read an excerpt from and discuss Asheville-based feature film script Whistle Down Wind, which is currently in development.
Open to the public and 100% of donations go to the instructors.
WORKSHOP #2 – Comrades Help Comrades Make Movies
12pm-3pm at Asheville School of Film
45 S French Broad Ave #120, Asheville, NC 28801
Running an equitable, inclusive, and sustainable set on a hyper indie budget.
Private Work in Progress screening of the feature film E IS FOR with the Co-Writer/Director, Writer/Producer/Lead, DP and EP in attendance with discussion and feedback opportunities.
Pull up a seat at the table and we’ll deep dive into how we made a feature film during the time of COVID and how our intention to honor the insight and labor of our comrades shaped everything from the budget, size of the crew and much of the creative while preserving and sustaining the mental health and experience of everyone on set. We’ll outline resources, cover funding hurdles, pre-production workflow, paperwork and set ethics.
Open to the public and 100% of donations go to the instructors.
SCREENING – Opening Night
Doors at 7pm, Screening at 8pm at The Barrelhouse at the Funkatorium
147 Coxe Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
Arrive dressed to impress in (encouraged) black tie attire to witness the “best of” in indie drama, comedy, and documentary short films.
AFTER DARK
Doors at 10pm at Cultivated Cocktails Tasting Room
25 Page Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
Keep the party going into the night. Featuring a local DJ and exclusive Cat Fly projection installation and living gallery highlighting local and regional animated films.
Included with purchase of any screening.
Rooftop Pool Party
12pm-5pm at Aloft Air Level
51 Biltmore Avenue, Asheville, North Carolina 28801 USA
Present your VIP badge or ticket to any screening to hotel check-in for a key to access the pool.
Included with purchase of any screening.
WORKSHOP #3 – Gillybear Presents: “Garbage Monsters”
3pm-5pm at Asheville School of Film
45 S French Broad Ave #120, Asheville, NC 28801
A look at low-budget, big-impact Special Effects for filmmakers who ain’t got two nickels to rub together.
Open to the public and 100% of donations go to the instructors.
SCREENING – Community Night
Doors at 7pm, Screening at 8pm at The Orange Peel
101 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
Weird, experimental and off-the-beaten path shorts from up-and-coming filmmakers of Asheville and the Southeast.
![]()
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.
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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.
![]()
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.
No cost due to sponsor support
Market research isn’t just for startups; it’s an important ongoing process for every small business. Developing a focused and effective marketing plan requires up-to-date market analysis. Discover the variety of market research tools that will give you critical information about your industry and customers. Get the data you need to test the feasibility of a new business, find the competition and potential customers interested in your proposed product or service.
Speaker(s): TenBiz
Co-Sponsor(s): Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, Brevard/Transylvania Chamber of Commerce
Webinar info will be emailed after registration
Welcome to the Small Business Center (SBC) located at Blue Ridge Community College, part of the Small Business Center Network (SBCN). Blue Ridge Community College Campuses and the SBC are located in Flat Rock and Brevard, North Carolina.
SBCN is comprised of 58 Small Business Centers throughout North Carolina, that supports the development of new businesses and the growth of existing businesses by being a community-based provider of local training, counseling, and resource information.
Local SBC training, confidential counseling, and resource information is offered at no cost due to funding from the State of North Carolina.
Services provided by the Small Business Center can be customized to suit your specific business needs.
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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.
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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.
Small Business Center at Blue Ridge Community College offers FREE seminars/workshops to support Small Business
Free lunch will be provided to attendees
Part of growing a successful business means recruiting and retaining exceptional employees. This interactive session will explore the link between superior customer service and workforce culture, and why the key to happy customers is happy employees. Learn what it takes to be an employer of choice and the concepts and best practices you need to know whether you’re hiring your first employee or your hundredth.
Desiree Stark is a Sr. Consultant with the Davidson Group – HR Solutions. She has more than 30 years’ experience consulting leaders on people strategy and coaching managers on employee relations. Desiree received a B.A. from the University of Illinois and an M.B.A. from DePaul University. She is certified as a Senior HR Professional with HRCI.
Speaker(s): Desiree Stark
Co-Sponsor(s): Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, Brevard/Transylvania Chamber of Commerce
Webinar info will be emailed after registration

Job BoardMake sure to check out all the great job postings and arts opportunities listed on the arts council’s website. Do you have a job opening you would like us to share? Please email us a link to your listing at [email protected]. |
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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.
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Add your arts business and upcoming events to the Asheville Area Arts Council website by becoming an Arts Business Member! Benefits include:
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YMICC is committed to economic development and entrepreneurship for Black individuals and communities. Through this program entrepreneurs will receive six (6) months to one (1) year of business incubation support that will include business development training, startup and capacity building funding, as well as, mentorship opportunities. We are interested in you and your business ideas.
The “HMMM” (Hospitality, Medical, Manufacturing, Municipality) workforce training initiative and business development program is designed to support participants with training to build technical and workforce skills. The expansion of this program is “Operation Gateway” which provides a “circle of support” that addresses barriers to successful employment. In this program participants will receive wraparound services along their pathway to the workplace. This circle of services includes childcare, transportation, financial support, guidance, and re-entry skill development (e.g., resume-building and interviewing).
No cost due to sponsor support
Customers are the key to building a successful business and your online reputation is crucial for finding customers. This fast paced class teaches you where and how to find your customers. In this class you will learn how to get a free Online Reputation report. Learn which SEO keywords your competitors are using for free. We will briefly compare that more current methods of social media marketing. You will quickly learn how to find, motivate, and keep consumers coming to your business. Discover the variety of Free market research tools that will give you critical information about your industry and customers.
Speaker(s): Nick Hawks
Co-Sponsor(s): Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, Brevard/Transylvania Chamber of Commerce
Webinar info will be emailed after registration.

Job BoardMake sure to check out all the great job postings and arts opportunities listed on the arts council’s website. Do you have a job opening you would like us to share? Please email us a link to your listing at [email protected]. |
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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.
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Add your arts business and upcoming events to the Asheville Area Arts Council website by becoming an Arts Business Member! Benefits include:
|
||||||||||||||

YMICC is committed to economic development and entrepreneurship for Black individuals and communities. Through this program entrepreneurs will receive six (6) months to one (1) year of business incubation support that will include business development training, startup and capacity building funding, as well as, mentorship opportunities. We are interested in you and your business ideas.

