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.
Just Economics and Pisgah Legal Services are co-sponsoring a workshop for renters to learn their rights as tenants in NC. There will be a presentation and question and answer session with Pisgah Legal Services followed by a discussion with Just Economics about the Tenants’ Network. The goal of this workshop is to educate tenants about their rights as renters in North Carolina and begin connecting tenants to resources and to each other.
Through these workshops, Just Economics will facilitate the formation of a local Tenants’ Network. The purpose of having a Tenants Network is to build solidarity among tenants and between renters and the community, to organize mutual aid networks and to empower renters and community supporters to come together for projects to improve our neighborhoods. Additionally, the Tenants Network will be a way for renters to collectively advocate for public policies that favor the interests and rights of tenants and to take collective action to fight back when tenants face injustice.
Story Parlor and Inward & Artward present: an interactive 14-week program on how to create and facilitate unique offerings rooted in the intersection of the creative process, personal stories, and the human condition. Tailored for folks interested in starting a new and fulfilling career path, or simply wanting to deepen and/or refresh their approach to holistic creative facilitation.
Guideposts Include:
-
Identifying creative blocks, obstacles, and breakthrough strategies for self and others
-
How to create and conduct creative-based groups, workshops, classes, and retreats
-
Teaching philosophy and ethics
-
The intersection of mindfulness and the creative process, and how to implement into facilitation
-
Nurturing a sustainable creative lifestyle, personally, professionally, and instructionally
-
Tools to excavate personal stories and ways they can be used for healing, transformation, and creative bounty
-
Marketing, business planning, and logistics
-
Two one-on-one creativity coaching sessions
Early Bird pricing through April 30 | $1250
Regular price effective May 1 | $1400
Class dates include Wednesdays from 6:30-8:30pm
5/31, 6/7, 6/14, 6/21, 6/28, 7/5, 7/12, 7/19, 7/26, 8/2, 8/9, 8/16, 8/23, 8/30
Some classes will be conducted over zoom; Final two meetings will go till 9:30pm.
Refund and Covid policies can be found here.
Before registering, prospective participants must first submit the below application. Next steps will be provided thereafter.

At Asheville Ideas Fest, our goal is to engage in meaningful conversations on topics that truly matter while showcasing the beauty of Asheville and the talented artists, entertainers, and chefs that make this city unique. This intellectual vacation offers attendees the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and expert panelists while enjoying excellent food and entertainment. It’s an investment in yourself that allows for reflection and renewal.
Our artist in residence this year is William Paul Thomas. William is a talented Durham-based artist and he’ll be presenting his work in the S. Tucker Cooke Gallery in our newly renovated Owen Hall on the UNC Asheville campus. If you’d like a preview of William’s work you can check out his website: www.williampaulthomas.com
We have put together an exceptional program this year. We are honored to welcome Sanjay Gupta, Juju Chang, Tom Friedman, and Kwame Alexander. Graham Sharp of the Steep Canyon Rangers will be returning for an evening concert. Wiley Cash has curated a fantastic lineup of bestselling authors. Broadway actor Bryan Terrell Clark, who played George Washington in Hamilton and Marvin Gaye in Motown, will perform an exclusive sunset concert with the Asheville Symphony Orchestra at the Grove Park Inn. You can find the full program at www.exploreasheville.com/asheville-ideas-fest/2023-schedule-of-events/.
We are excited to launch a national marketing campaign next week. You may see Asheville Ideas Fest in The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and Atlantic Monthly. If you’re a PBS viewer, keep an eye out for our 15-second underwriting promos during your favorite primetime shows.
Early registration is available to our friends through this Saturday, April 15 and you can save $150 on a pass.
Join us at Catawba Brewing for an afternoon of improv! “ELEVATE” is an improv workshop focused on supporting each other’s ideas. Through improv games and exercises, students will practice heightening scenes and the fundamental principle of “Yes…And”. Improv is a great way to build self-confidence, public speaking skills, and to connect with this awesome community. It’s also a lot of fun!
Open to beginners and all experience levels.
ages 18+
Signup $40* and includes ticket to the 6pm comedy show at Catawba Brewing
*sliding scale available
Instructor Bio:
Joe Carroll currently teaches improv Levels 1-4 at the Black Mountain Center for the Arts. He began improvising at Appalachian State University in 2007 and taught workshops and classes at the Asheville Improv Collective. Joe has performed at the Dirty South Improv Festival, NC Comedy Arts Festival, Asheville Yes Fest, AIC Fest, Hell Yes Fest, the Asheville Fringe Festival, the Secret City Festival, and Chicago’s Annoyance Theater. He currently performs in his one man show “JOLO”, the all-star ensemble “The No-See-Ums”, and comedy duo “Mabel’s Baby”.
Taxes can be stressful for small business owners – you wear many hats and the last thing you want to do is give more of your hard-earned business income to the government. This webinar will offer you several ways to reduce your taxable income and shrink your tax liability this year. We’ll start with the top three ways to keep on the good side of the IRS, discuss retirement accounts, business structure and more. Bring your questions and our experienced tax preparers will give you ways to keep more of your money working for you.
If we see you have registered here (on SCORE) but not on Zoom, we will enter your information with Zoom so that you receive the needed link to join the class.
Instructor: Keith Bristol, Accountant, Carol L. King & Associates, P.A.
Originally from Morganton, North Carolina, Keith was a small business owner and a software engineer before deciding accounting was his calling. He simply loves numbers! Keith received a BS degree in Business & Economics from University of Kentucky, and later an MS in Computer Science from the University of Nebraska. He owned a Domino’s Pizza franchise in Hartford, Connecticut from 1987 to 1996, and worked as a software engineer for IBM before returning to North Carolina to pursue accounting. Keith is the proud uncle of 7 nieces and nephews, has a pet Australian Shepherd named Lucy, and enjoys playing tennis and pickle ball as well as reading and exploring the great outdoors.
Story Parlor and Inward & Artward present: an interactive 14-week program on how to create and facilitate unique offerings rooted in the intersection of the creative process, personal stories, and the human condition. Tailored for folks interested in starting a new and fulfilling career path, or simply wanting to deepen and/or refresh their approach to holistic creative facilitation.
Guideposts Include:
-
Identifying creative blocks, obstacles, and breakthrough strategies for self and others
-
How to create and conduct creative-based groups, workshops, classes, and retreats
-
Teaching philosophy and ethics
-
The intersection of mindfulness and the creative process, and how to implement into facilitation
-
Nurturing a sustainable creative lifestyle, personally, professionally, and instructionally
-
Tools to excavate personal stories and ways they can be used for healing, transformation, and creative bounty
-
Marketing, business planning, and logistics
-
Two one-on-one creativity coaching sessions
Early Bird pricing through April 30 | $1250
Regular price effective May 1 | $1400
Class dates include Wednesdays from 6:30-8:30pm
5/31, 6/7, 6/14, 6/21, 6/28, 7/5, 7/12, 7/19, 7/26, 8/2, 8/9, 8/16, 8/23, 8/30
Some classes will be conducted over zoom; Final two meetings will go till 9:30pm.
Refund and Covid policies can be found here.
Before registering, prospective participants must first submit the below application. Next steps will be provided thereafter.
Near the summer solstice each year, over 1,000 people convene from around the world for The Firefly Gathering. Here, folks come together to connect and share skills with the common goal of expanding our capacity to live well with one another and our beloved Earth.
Days are filled with a wide variety of classes focused on deepening our relationship with the wisdom and rhythms of nature, dipping into the deep wells of ancestral knowledge, and integrating these skills into our daily lives and communities.
Evenings are filled with live music, dancing under the moon and stars, opportunities to connect with each other, and of course–the fireflies–who dazzle us with their beautiful display of light as they communicate in the darkness! A variety of nature connection programs guide children and teens to engage through learning and play.
For many, coming to The Firefly Gathering is a life-changing experience that they return to year after year.
🌟 AYPROS Pub Club 🍻 is our monthly networking social event where members come together to connect, unwind, and foster meaningful relationships in a casual setting. 🤝 Each month, we select a different local bar or restaurant as the venue for Pub Club. 📍 It’s an excellent opportunity to relax, have fun, and engage with fellow young professionals in a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. ✨
🥂 As an added perk, we kick off the evening by offering the first drink on us! 🍹 Whether you prefer a craft beer 🍺, a signature cocktail 🍸, or a non-alcoholic beverage 🥤, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. 🎉 Pub Club takes place on every fourth Tuesday of the month, starting at 5:30 PM. ⏰ Mark your calendars 📆 and join us for an enjoyable evening of networking, laughter, and new connections. 💼🗣️
Note: Please drink responsibly 🚫🍻 and arrange for a safe and sober means of transportation. 🚗💨
AYPROS IS POWERED BY FIRST BANK .
AYPROS is committed to providing accessible and inclusive programming for all members of our community. For questions about accessibility, requests for accommodations, or to inform about dietary restrictions, please contact [email protected] at least 48 hours in advance of the event.
Are you managing both a full or nearly full-time job while simultaneously running your own business (and going a little bit crazy in the process)? If so this free seminar is for you. Many of us have given up on the idea of having a personal life. We worry that we can’t keep up our current pace and wonder when or if there will be a light at the end of the tunnel. In this seminar, you will learn practical tips on how to effectively juggle both your primary job and your side hustle while still growing your business and maintaining a personal life. We’ll also cover when and if you should transition out of your primary job and make that leap to running your own business full time. And finally, we’ll discuss how to maintain your sanity and protect your health as you’re juggling both, while you’re transitioning to running your own business full-time and after you’ve made the leap to full-time entrepreneur.
Instructor: Eliza Burr
Elizabeth (Eliza) Burr launched and grew two successful businesses, Preferred Pet Partners LLC and The Pet Business Coach. She’s a veteran in the pet care business space and has extensive practical experience in the pet sitting and dog walking industry. With degrees in Zoology and Molecular Biology, she’s had a varied career with 30 years spent in global companies in a variety of roles including Operations, R&D, Quality, and Continuous Improvement. She’s led organizations of up to 2400 employees and operations across the US and Canada. She’s traveled extensively for her career living in 13 states and 4 countries. In 2017 she launched her first side hustle and in 2018 she jumped the corporate ship to pursue her passion for animals and small business and has never looked back!
The Building Our City Speaker Series is presented by The Grove Arcade Public Market Foundation with support from the Asheville Downtown Association Foundation, the City of Asheville, Carleton Collins Architecture, Mosaic Lifestyle Realty, Kimpton Hotel Arras and The Collider. The series is produced by the Asheville Downtown Association and Urban3.
The series is focused on housing for 2023.
Doors open at 5:30pm and the session begins at 6pm.
Featured Speaker:
Eric Kronberg is a zoning whisperer. He specializes in examining and demystifying zoning ordinances to find ways to make great projects possible and help others navigate through the zoning swamp. He uses his skills for the force of good as a principal at Kronberg Urbanists + Architects, leading the firm’s pre-development efforts by combining skills in planning, development, architecture, and zoning. Eric leverages this potent cocktail to chart the course of best possibilities for each site’s redevelopment. His work with KUA, the Incremental Development Alliance, the Congress for the New Urbanism, the Georgia Conservancy, and the National Town Builders Association has solidified his stance as an advocate for walkable and bikeable communities.
Story Parlor and Inward & Artward present: an interactive 14-week program on how to create and facilitate unique offerings rooted in the intersection of the creative process, personal stories, and the human condition. Tailored for folks interested in starting a new and fulfilling career path, or simply wanting to deepen and/or refresh their approach to holistic creative facilitation.
Guideposts Include:
-
Identifying creative blocks, obstacles, and breakthrough strategies for self and others
-
How to create and conduct creative-based groups, workshops, classes, and retreats
-
Teaching philosophy and ethics
-
The intersection of mindfulness and the creative process, and how to implement into facilitation
-
Nurturing a sustainable creative lifestyle, personally, professionally, and instructionally
-
Tools to excavate personal stories and ways they can be used for healing, transformation, and creative bounty
-
Marketing, business planning, and logistics
-
Two one-on-one creativity coaching sessions
Early Bird pricing through April 30 | $1250
Regular price effective May 1 | $1400
Class dates include Wednesdays from 6:30-8:30pm
5/31, 6/7, 6/14, 6/21, 6/28, 7/5, 7/12, 7/19, 7/26, 8/2, 8/9, 8/16, 8/23, 8/30
Some classes will be conducted over zoom; Final two meetings will go till 9:30pm.
Refund and Covid policies can be found here.
Before registering, prospective participants must first submit the below application. Next steps will be provided thereafter.
Story Parlor and Inward & Artward present: an interactive 14-week program on how to create and facilitate unique offerings rooted in the intersection of the creative process, personal stories, and the human condition. Tailored for folks interested in starting a new and fulfilling career path, or simply wanting to deepen and/or refresh their approach to holistic creative facilitation.
Guideposts Include:
-
Identifying creative blocks, obstacles, and breakthrough strategies for self and others
-
How to create and conduct creative-based groups, workshops, classes, and retreats
-
Teaching philosophy and ethics
-
The intersection of mindfulness and the creative process, and how to implement into facilitation
-
Nurturing a sustainable creative lifestyle, personally, professionally, and instructionally
-
Tools to excavate personal stories and ways they can be used for healing, transformation, and creative bounty
-
Marketing, business planning, and logistics
-
Two one-on-one creativity coaching sessions
Early Bird pricing through April 30 | $1250
Regular price effective May 1 | $1400
Class dates include Wednesdays from 6:30-8:30pm
5/31, 6/7, 6/14, 6/21, 6/28, 7/5, 7/12, 7/19, 7/26, 8/2, 8/9, 8/16, 8/23, 8/30
Some classes will be conducted over zoom; Final two meetings will go till 9:30pm.
Refund and Covid policies can be found here.
Before registering, prospective participants must first submit the below application. Next steps will be provided thereafter.
Please join the Chamber to celebrate the Grand Opening of Bear’s Smokehouse!
Bear’s Smokehouse was founded in 2013 by co-owners Cheryl Antoncic and Jamie “The Bear” McDonald. Jamie is a native of Kansas City, Missouri and the two dreamed of opening a restaurant to fill a void they both found in Cheryl’s home state of Connecticut for good BBQ.
In 2020, Bear’s began expansion into Asheville, North Carolina where it quickly grew to 2 locations. In addition to their restaurant and bar facilities, Bear’s offers full-service catering and food truck services, as well as in-house private events.
Bear’s Restaurant Group is proud to support members of the military and first responders, as well as several local and national non-profit organizations, and is honored to be the “Official BBQ of the UNC Asheville Bulldogs.”
Bear’s brick-and-mortar restaurant at 135 Coxe Avenue opened in October 2022, and features a casual-service restaurant and two full bars, as well as a massive, beautifully landscaped outdoor seating area. Bear’s offers live music every Saturday as well as numerous large-scale holiday celebrations throughout the year.
Join Bear’s Smokehouse and the Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the full opening of their brick-and-mortar location in South Slope. A selection of appetizers will be provided from Bear’s new signature catering menu and drink specials will be available for purchase at both bars!
Street and pay-lot parking is located throughout South Slope.
At Hopscotch, their mission is to transform rural health in America through advanced primary care for Medicare patients. To make this happen, they knew they were going to have to build something that did not already exist: a company built with purpose and mission, that leverages the strength of communities they seek to serve, combined with incredible skill and expertise around operations and technology to enable better things for patients, caregivers, clinicians, and communities.
Come join them for their Grand Opening of their Asheville clinic! Enjoy light refreshments, tour the clinic and meet their team all while learning more about the new level of primary care they are offering the Asheville community!
Story Parlor and Inward & Artward present: an interactive 14-week program on how to create and facilitate unique offerings rooted in the intersection of the creative process, personal stories, and the human condition. Tailored for folks interested in starting a new and fulfilling career path, or simply wanting to deepen and/or refresh their approach to holistic creative facilitation.
Guideposts Include:
-
Identifying creative blocks, obstacles, and breakthrough strategies for self and others
-
How to create and conduct creative-based groups, workshops, classes, and retreats
-
Teaching philosophy and ethics
-
The intersection of mindfulness and the creative process, and how to implement into facilitation
-
Nurturing a sustainable creative lifestyle, personally, professionally, and instructionally
-
Tools to excavate personal stories and ways they can be used for healing, transformation, and creative bounty
-
Marketing, business planning, and logistics
-
Two one-on-one creativity coaching sessions
Early Bird pricing through April 30 | $1250
Regular price effective May 1 | $1400
Class dates include Wednesdays from 6:30-8:30pm
5/31, 6/7, 6/14, 6/21, 6/28, 7/5, 7/12, 7/19, 7/26, 8/2, 8/9, 8/16, 8/23, 8/30
Some classes will be conducted over zoom; Final two meetings will go till 9:30pm.
Refund and Covid policies can be found here.
Before registering, prospective participants must first submit the below application. Next steps will be provided thereafter.
AVL Digital Nomads – set your Mojo FREE!
Mojo Coworking is hosting another coworking day just for us!
In the Mojo Social Hall, they’ll have a combination of individual desks and group work tables for up to 50 people. Grab a single desk by the window, or share a round table with friends for the day. Upstairs, phone booths will be available on a drop-in basis, and a conference room by reservation.
Snacks will be provided by…all of us! It’s the return of the snack potluck — if you’re up for it, bring something easy to share with the group.
Interested in Mojo membership? Join with the summer promo!
Summer Membership includes 10 Flex Work hours & 2 conference room credits for only $20.
Please make sure you’re able to attend if you RSVP — this will no doubt be a popular event.
NOTE: The coworking day ends at 4pm, but you’ll want to stick around for the Mojo Summer Social event afterward — learn more and register here.
These monthly events provide a chance to make valuable connections with other Chamber members and learn more about getting engaged in Chamber opportunities and the business community as a whole.
Feel free to bring a gift to be offered as a door prize towards the end of the evening. Bring your business cards for networking and a chance to win prizes!
This event is offered as a benefit for Chamber membership. We welcome you to come and check us out! Please contact Jessica Kanupp, our Member Development Specialist, at [email protected] if you’re considering a Chamber membership.
Lilac Health Asheville Birth and Wellnes Center has been thoughtfully designed to create a warm and welcoming environment for expecting families. Our center features state-of-the-art birthing suites, each with a private bathroom and comfortable furnishings. Our staff of experienced midwives and birth assistants will provide personalized care throughout the pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey.
During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, we will celebrate the opening of this wonderful facility and welcome everyone to tour the center, to take a closer look at our beautiful birthing suites, learn about our services, and meet our team. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask any questions and enjoy light refreshments.
Whether you are expecting or simply interested in learning more about our Birth Center, all is welcome to join us for this special occasion. We are excited to share this new chapter with our community and look forward to seeing you there!
Chamber members impact the local business community by making an investment in Chamber membership. Whether you’re a new member, a long-time member with new staff, or a business who’s considering membership, we welcome you to attend our Chamber Orientation to learn how to get the most value from your membership investment.
Chamber President Kit Cramer will give an overview of the work the Chamber is doing every day to build our community, including how we support our thriving economy by growing jobs, advocating for a business-friendly environment and helping our members prosper. We’ll dive into member benefits and share ideas of how you can take advantage of the many opportunities available to you as a member. You’ll also have a chance to meet Chamber staff and learn how you can get more engaged.
Orientation is also a great chance to meet other Chamber members.
This event is free, but registration is requested in order to help us plan appropriately.
Story Parlor and Inward & Artward present: an interactive 14-week program on how to create and facilitate unique offerings rooted in the intersection of the creative process, personal stories, and the human condition. Tailored for folks interested in starting a new and fulfilling career path, or simply wanting to deepen and/or refresh their approach to holistic creative facilitation.
Guideposts Include:
-
Identifying creative blocks, obstacles, and breakthrough strategies for self and others
-
How to create and conduct creative-based groups, workshops, classes, and retreats
-
Teaching philosophy and ethics
-
The intersection of mindfulness and the creative process, and how to implement into facilitation
-
Nurturing a sustainable creative lifestyle, personally, professionally, and instructionally
-
Tools to excavate personal stories and ways they can be used for healing, transformation, and creative bounty
-
Marketing, business planning, and logistics
-
Two one-on-one creativity coaching sessions
Early Bird pricing through April 30 | $1250
Regular price effective May 1 | $1400
Class dates include Wednesdays from 6:30-8:30pm
5/31, 6/7, 6/14, 6/21, 6/28, 7/5, 7/12, 7/19, 7/26, 8/2, 8/9, 8/16, 8/23, 8/30
Some classes will be conducted over zoom; Final two meetings will go till 9:30pm.
Refund and Covid policies can be found here.
Before registering, prospective participants must first submit the below application. Next steps will be provided thereafter.
Your Chance to Build Great Connections – You Don’t Want to Miss This Event!Business After Hours is the Chamber’s premier networking event and the best chance for your to make valuable connections to build your business – all while having a great time!With fantastic food and beverages compliments of our host sponsor, and the chance to win great door prizes – this event is the best combination of business and fun!There is no cost to attend but registration is required.July’s Business After Hours is Veteran’s Healing Farm!
Members of YPA are invited to this professional development session to hear an overview of the Asheville Metro Economy and the role of the Chamber’s Economic Development Coalition in driving sustained economic growth in Western North Carolina. The presentation and open Q&A will detail the organization, mission, strategies and impacts of economic development here in Asheville and Buncombe County.
Presenters: Keevon Baten, director of business recruitment and Clark Duncan, senior vice president for economic development
5:30-6:30 – Social Hour (snacks and beverages provided)
6:30-7:30 – PD Session
The Young Professionals of Asheville (YPA) provides outstanding professional leadership development opportunities through educational seminars, service opportunities and networking for Asheville professionals between the ages of 21 and 40. For more information or to join, please visit Young Professionals








