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.

Tuesday, April 6, 2021
8th Annual Business Plan Contest
Apr 6 all-day
Online w/ Henderson Chamber of Commerce

The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the 8th Annual Business Plan Contest. A well-written business plan lays the foundation for a financially successful business. A well-prepared and executed business plan will grow sales, employment, and improve the bottom line. The business – start-up or existing – with the winning business plan will receive business services including advertising, tax, legal, and marketing for free, a value of over $7,000!
The 8th Annual Business Plan Contest is open to start-ups as well as existing businesses. You DO NOT have to be a Chamber member to participate. Electronic submissions are due to the Chamber by Monday, April 19, 2020. A panel of judges will select the winner and present the award at a reception hosted during Henderson County’s Small Business Week. The date for the celebration is still to be determined.
Business Broadband Survey
Apr 6 all-day
Online w/ The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce
The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the City of Hendersonville to get feedback from the business community on current broadband uses and anticipated needs. Please take a moment to complete the three-question survey below.

Governor Cooper Signs Three Executive Orders
Apr 6 all-day
North Carolina

Tuesday, Governor Roy Cooper signed three Executive Orders. Executive Order 206 extends North Carolina’s statewide residential eviction moratorium through June 30, 2021, in coordination with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s recent extension of the nationwide moratorium through the same date. Executive Order 207 expedites the processing of unemployment insurance claims and is also effective through June 30, 2021. Executive Order 205 extends the North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission (ABC Commission)’s authorization to permit the delivery or carry-out of mixed beverages as an alternative to on-site consumption through April 30, 2021.

Henderson County Chamber: Submissions for the 2021 Business Plan Contest
Apr 6 all-day
Henderson County Chamber of Commerce
The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce is presenting the 8th Annual Business Plan Contest and contest submissions are now being accepted. A well-written business plan lays the foundation for a financially successful business. A well-prepared and executed business plan will grow sales, employment, and improve the bottom line. The business – start-up or existing – with the winning business plan will receive business services including advertising, tax, legal, and marketing for free, a value of over $7,000!
Contest submissions are due by 5:00 pm on Monday, April 19. Submissions are reviewed and graded by the Small Business Committee of the Chamber. The winner will be announced and honored at the Small Business Awards Reception at Southern Appalachian Brewery. The final event date has not been determined at this time and is dependent on COVID restrictions but the tentative plan is to host the reception in May or June.
Submissions should include a cover page featuring the name of the business, name of the owner, and contact information, and information outlining the business idea, competitive advantage, market analysis, cash flow, timeline and action plans, and owner qualifications. Optional elements to include are vision and mission statements, table of contents, and legal structure information. Submissions will be graded on the required elements.
Please email your plan to Hoyle Adams at the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce
204 Kanuga Road, Hendersonville, NC 28739 • [email protected] (828) 692-1413
Biltmore Gardens Railway
Apr 6 @ 9:30 am – 6:00 pm
Biltmore

Included with admission

Our fun-for-all-ages botanical model train displays invite you to experience our grounds in an engaging new way. Located in the Conservatory in the Walled Garden, the displays feature replicas of structures connected with Biltmore and its founder George Vanderbilt. Each beautifully executed piece was handcrafted from such natural elements as leaves, bark, and twigs.

In compliance with state and local mandates related to COVID-19, all guests must enter the Conservatory via the ADA entrance in the back and follow a one-way route.

Biltmore: Stickwork by Patrick Dougherty
Apr 6 @ 9:30 am – 6:00 pm
Biltmore

Image result for Stickwork by Patrick Dougherty

Included with admission

A unique-to-Biltmore, large-scale outdoor sculpture will be crafted and installed in Antler Hill Village this spring by Patrick Dougherty. Over the last three decades, this internationally-acclaimed artist has combined his carpentry skills and love of nature to build over 300 of these wondrous works, captivating the hearts and imaginations of viewers worldwide.

Image: Close Ties (2006) Scottish Basketmakers Circle, Dingwall, Scotland. Photo: Fin Macrae
NOTE: This is an example of Patrick Dougherty’s work; the artist will create Biltmore’s unique structure in Antler Hill Village this spring.

Tip-Based Walking Tour
Apr 6 @ 12:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Pack Square

This insider excursion provides you with tips and local secrets about the best way to do Asheville on a budget! You will have a better understanding of how Asheville became the unique, quirky city you see now and learn everything we are doing to “Keep Asheville Weird.” This is the only walking tour provided that allows you to choose how much you think a walking tour is worth and pay whatever you like. We will follow the urban trail, stop along the way for some free honey tastings and finish the tour with some special beer tastings at one of the best local breweries in South Slope! At the brewery, you will also be able to participate in a free raffle where you receive gifts donated from local businesses like free salsa classes, local theatre performances, books and more! I want you to know and love my city as much as I do and I am excited to share this experience with you!

Pay what you want at the end!

Downtown Tour
We will meet at Pack Square where the road cuts through the park! I will be wearing a free walking tour Tshirt
My parking recommendations are either street parking in the square or the Aloft parking deck on Biltmore Ave. If it’s a weekend, there should be free parking on the streets but be sure to check the meter! Feel free to ask any other questions you may have! 
River Arts Tour 
We will meet outside of the Magentic Theatre and your guide will be wearing a blue T-shirt !
 
I recommend parking in the public parking lot directly beside the theatre for free parking close to the meeting spot! 
Seasonal Job Fair w/ The Asheville Tourists
Apr 6 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
The Asheville Tourists

The Asheville Tourists are hosting two more seasonal employment Job Fairs for those interested in working at the ballpark. The two Job Fairs are scheduled for Tuesday, April 6 from 5:00pm – 7:00pm and Saturday, April 10 from 9:00am – 11:00am.

Interviews will take place at McCormick Field in a safe and socially distanced setting. Masks are required at all times while at the ballpark.

Openings in our Food and Beverage department feature: Cashiers, Cooks, Mobile Food Runners, Concession Stand Leads, and General Concessions Positions.

The Tourists are interviewing for additional openings in Customer Service and Fan Experience, such as Ushers, Bag Checkers, Restroom Attendants and Safety Ambassadors. Positions are also available in the Merchandise StoreGroundskeeping Department, and Parking Attendants.

Job descriptions and detailed information on all available positions can be accessed via the Seasonal Job Fair page on the Tourists website. Applications may be downloaded online or filled out at the ballpark upon arrival. Join the Tourists team by coming out to McCormick Field for the 2021 Seasonal Job Fairs.

Wednesday, April 7, 2021
8th Annual Business Plan Contest
Apr 7 all-day
Online w/ Henderson Chamber of Commerce

The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the 8th Annual Business Plan Contest. A well-written business plan lays the foundation for a financially successful business. A well-prepared and executed business plan will grow sales, employment, and improve the bottom line. The business – start-up or existing – with the winning business plan will receive business services including advertising, tax, legal, and marketing for free, a value of over $7,000!
The 8th Annual Business Plan Contest is open to start-ups as well as existing businesses. You DO NOT have to be a Chamber member to participate. Electronic submissions are due to the Chamber by Monday, April 19, 2020. A panel of judges will select the winner and present the award at a reception hosted during Henderson County’s Small Business Week. The date for the celebration is still to be determined.
Business Broadband Survey
Apr 7 all-day
Online w/ The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce
The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the City of Hendersonville to get feedback from the business community on current broadband uses and anticipated needs. Please take a moment to complete the three-question survey below.

Governor Cooper Signs Three Executive Orders
Apr 7 all-day
North Carolina

Tuesday, Governor Roy Cooper signed three Executive Orders. Executive Order 206 extends North Carolina’s statewide residential eviction moratorium through June 30, 2021, in coordination with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s recent extension of the nationwide moratorium through the same date. Executive Order 207 expedites the processing of unemployment insurance claims and is also effective through June 30, 2021. Executive Order 205 extends the North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission (ABC Commission)’s authorization to permit the delivery or carry-out of mixed beverages as an alternative to on-site consumption through April 30, 2021.

Grants for printing + distribution: Recycling outreach materials in rural + small communities
Apr 7 all-day
Online w/ Carolina Recycling Association
Funding Available for Rural & Small Community Outreach 
CRA Providing Assistance for Printing & Distribution 
CRA is thrilled to announce we will be offering grants for the printing and distribution of recycling outreach materials in rural and small communities!  Our goal is to help reduce contamination and increase participation in these community recycling programs!  
Over the past few years we have heard from many small communities and haulers that there is a great need for financial assistance to reach their residents with anti-contamination and proper recycling information, and we are answering that call for help. The Carolina Recycling Association (CRA) has been awarded a grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to assist rural and small community residential commingled or source separated recycling programs in North and South Carolina. The purpose of this grant is to fund the purchase and distribution of education and outreach materials for these communities in order to help educate citizens on what can be recycled in their respective communities and to combat recycling contamination.  Applicants should carefully read the entire application before completing.
 
Application Due Date:

Applications will be accepted until 5:00 pm on Friday, May 14, 2021.

Eligible Entities:
  • Rural local governments, defined as counties, municipalities, councils of governments and solid waste authorities in North and South Carolina.
  • Private or nonprofit haulers that provide recycling collection services to rural communities.
  • Programs offering residential curbside collection or county convenience center drop-off recycling programs.
  • For the purpose of this grant, a rural community as defined by USDA has a population of 10,000 or less.
Henderson County Chamber: Submissions for the 2021 Business Plan Contest
Apr 7 all-day
Henderson County Chamber of Commerce
The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce is presenting the 8th Annual Business Plan Contest and contest submissions are now being accepted. A well-written business plan lays the foundation for a financially successful business. A well-prepared and executed business plan will grow sales, employment, and improve the bottom line. The business – start-up or existing – with the winning business plan will receive business services including advertising, tax, legal, and marketing for free, a value of over $7,000!
Contest submissions are due by 5:00 pm on Monday, April 19. Submissions are reviewed and graded by the Small Business Committee of the Chamber. The winner will be announced and honored at the Small Business Awards Reception at Southern Appalachian Brewery. The final event date has not been determined at this time and is dependent on COVID restrictions but the tentative plan is to host the reception in May or June.
Submissions should include a cover page featuring the name of the business, name of the owner, and contact information, and information outlining the business idea, competitive advantage, market analysis, cash flow, timeline and action plans, and owner qualifications. Optional elements to include are vision and mission statements, table of contents, and legal structure information. Submissions will be graded on the required elements.
Please email your plan to Hoyle Adams at the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce
204 Kanuga Road, Hendersonville, NC 28739 • [email protected] (828) 692-1413
Biltmore Gardens Railway
Apr 7 @ 9:30 am – 6:00 pm
Biltmore

Included with admission

Our fun-for-all-ages botanical model train displays invite you to experience our grounds in an engaging new way. Located in the Conservatory in the Walled Garden, the displays feature replicas of structures connected with Biltmore and its founder George Vanderbilt. Each beautifully executed piece was handcrafted from such natural elements as leaves, bark, and twigs.

In compliance with state and local mandates related to COVID-19, all guests must enter the Conservatory via the ADA entrance in the back and follow a one-way route.

Biltmore: Stickwork by Patrick Dougherty
Apr 7 @ 9:30 am – 6:00 pm
Biltmore

Image result for Stickwork by Patrick Dougherty

Included with admission

A unique-to-Biltmore, large-scale outdoor sculpture will be crafted and installed in Antler Hill Village this spring by Patrick Dougherty. Over the last three decades, this internationally-acclaimed artist has combined his carpentry skills and love of nature to build over 300 of these wondrous works, captivating the hearts and imaginations of viewers worldwide.

Image: Close Ties (2006) Scottish Basketmakers Circle, Dingwall, Scotland. Photo: Fin Macrae
NOTE: This is an example of Patrick Dougherty’s work; the artist will create Biltmore’s unique structure in Antler Hill Village this spring.

Tip-Based Walking Tour
Apr 7 @ 12:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Pack Square

This insider excursion provides you with tips and local secrets about the best way to do Asheville on a budget! You will have a better understanding of how Asheville became the unique, quirky city you see now and learn everything we are doing to “Keep Asheville Weird.” This is the only walking tour provided that allows you to choose how much you think a walking tour is worth and pay whatever you like. We will follow the urban trail, stop along the way for some free honey tastings and finish the tour with some special beer tastings at one of the best local breweries in South Slope! At the brewery, you will also be able to participate in a free raffle where you receive gifts donated from local businesses like free salsa classes, local theatre performances, books and more! I want you to know and love my city as much as I do and I am excited to share this experience with you!

Pay what you want at the end!

Downtown Tour
We will meet at Pack Square where the road cuts through the park! I will be wearing a free walking tour Tshirt
My parking recommendations are either street parking in the square or the Aloft parking deck on Biltmore Ave. If it’s a weekend, there should be free parking on the streets but be sure to check the meter! Feel free to ask any other questions you may have! 
River Arts Tour 
We will meet outside of the Magentic Theatre and your guide will be wearing a blue T-shirt !
 
I recommend parking in the public parking lot directly beside the theatre for free parking close to the meeting spot! 
Creating Your Brand Story: How Your Brand Story Can Sell for You
Apr 7 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Online w/ Mountain BizWorks

Creating Your Brand Story: How Your Brand Story Can Sell for You

Presenter: Alyssa Phillips

This workshop is an introduction to branding and how it can help your business grow. Together we’ll review different aspects that make up a brand, why these aspects are important, how to build your own brand story, and how to use it to market and sell your products or services. A worksheet and discussion will accompany the presentation.

Thursday, April 8, 2021
8th Annual Business Plan Contest
Apr 8 all-day
Online w/ Henderson Chamber of Commerce

The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the 8th Annual Business Plan Contest. A well-written business plan lays the foundation for a financially successful business. A well-prepared and executed business plan will grow sales, employment, and improve the bottom line. The business – start-up or existing – with the winning business plan will receive business services including advertising, tax, legal, and marketing for free, a value of over $7,000!
The 8th Annual Business Plan Contest is open to start-ups as well as existing businesses. You DO NOT have to be a Chamber member to participate. Electronic submissions are due to the Chamber by Monday, April 19, 2020. A panel of judges will select the winner and present the award at a reception hosted during Henderson County’s Small Business Week. The date for the celebration is still to be determined.
Business Broadband Survey
Apr 8 all-day
Online w/ The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce
The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the City of Hendersonville to get feedback from the business community on current broadband uses and anticipated needs. Please take a moment to complete the three-question survey below.

CRAFT Farm Tours
Apr 8 all-day
Organic Growers School

Farmers learn best from other farmers, and aspiring farmers learn best from hearing how successful farmers in the region are running their farms. Farm Tours form the core of the WNC CRAFT training program.

Tours will:

  • occur once a month from April – August 2021 (5 tours) & be a mix of in person and virtual
  • provide an overview of the farming operation, as well as a focused look at a topic of that farmer’s choosing;
  • at this time, we will not be hosting potlucks, but will notify you about food and beverage protocol for each specific tour.

WNC CRAFT is a membership program, and its fees cover a whole year of learning and networking opportunities. More details will be provided on each tour upon joining CRAFT.

CRAFT Farm Tour Schedule 2021

DATE FARM HOST TOPIC
Thursday, April 8 IN PERSON: Thatchmore Farm Greenhouse Crop Production In Wood-Heated Greenhouses
Thursday, May 20 IN PERSON: Grassroots Farm & Dairy Small Scale Sheep Dairy
June date TBD IN PERSON: Full Sun Farm Topic TBD
Sunday, July 25 IN PERSON: A Way of Life Farm No Till Techniques on a Vegetable Farm
Sunday, August 22 VIRTUAL: Black Trumpet Farm Specialty Mushroom Production

 

Governor Cooper Signs Three Executive Orders
Apr 8 all-day
North Carolina

Tuesday, Governor Roy Cooper signed three Executive Orders. Executive Order 206 extends North Carolina’s statewide residential eviction moratorium through June 30, 2021, in coordination with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s recent extension of the nationwide moratorium through the same date. Executive Order 207 expedites the processing of unemployment insurance claims and is also effective through June 30, 2021. Executive Order 205 extends the North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission (ABC Commission)’s authorization to permit the delivery or carry-out of mixed beverages as an alternative to on-site consumption through April 30, 2021.

Grants for printing + distribution: Recycling outreach materials in rural + small communities
Apr 8 all-day
Online w/ Carolina Recycling Association
Funding Available for Rural & Small Community Outreach 
CRA Providing Assistance for Printing & Distribution 
CRA is thrilled to announce we will be offering grants for the printing and distribution of recycling outreach materials in rural and small communities!  Our goal is to help reduce contamination and increase participation in these community recycling programs!  
Over the past few years we have heard from many small communities and haulers that there is a great need for financial assistance to reach their residents with anti-contamination and proper recycling information, and we are answering that call for help. The Carolina Recycling Association (CRA) has been awarded a grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to assist rural and small community residential commingled or source separated recycling programs in North and South Carolina. The purpose of this grant is to fund the purchase and distribution of education and outreach materials for these communities in order to help educate citizens on what can be recycled in their respective communities and to combat recycling contamination.  Applicants should carefully read the entire application before completing.
 
Application Due Date:

Applications will be accepted until 5:00 pm on Friday, May 14, 2021.

Eligible Entities:
  • Rural local governments, defined as counties, municipalities, councils of governments and solid waste authorities in North and South Carolina.
  • Private or nonprofit haulers that provide recycling collection services to rural communities.
  • Programs offering residential curbside collection or county convenience center drop-off recycling programs.
  • For the purpose of this grant, a rural community as defined by USDA has a population of 10,000 or less.
Henderson County Chamber: Submissions for the 2021 Business Plan Contest
Apr 8 all-day
Henderson County Chamber of Commerce
The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce is presenting the 8th Annual Business Plan Contest and contest submissions are now being accepted. A well-written business plan lays the foundation for a financially successful business. A well-prepared and executed business plan will grow sales, employment, and improve the bottom line. The business – start-up or existing – with the winning business plan will receive business services including advertising, tax, legal, and marketing for free, a value of over $7,000!
Contest submissions are due by 5:00 pm on Monday, April 19. Submissions are reviewed and graded by the Small Business Committee of the Chamber. The winner will be announced and honored at the Small Business Awards Reception at Southern Appalachian Brewery. The final event date has not been determined at this time and is dependent on COVID restrictions but the tentative plan is to host the reception in May or June.
Submissions should include a cover page featuring the name of the business, name of the owner, and contact information, and information outlining the business idea, competitive advantage, market analysis, cash flow, timeline and action plans, and owner qualifications. Optional elements to include are vision and mission statements, table of contents, and legal structure information. Submissions will be graded on the required elements.
Please email your plan to Hoyle Adams at the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce
204 Kanuga Road, Hendersonville, NC 28739 • [email protected] (828) 692-1413
Professional Networking Group for Veterans
Apr 8 all-day
Online w/ Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce
Professional Networking Group for Veterans
Based on member interest, we are exploring adding a new Professional Networking Group specifically for veterans. Our Professional Networking Groups are dedicated member professionals who gather weekly to develop relationships, learn about each member’s business, and share leads and business ideas. Only one representative per industry is permitted.

For this group, participants would be a business that is veteran-owned or someone in a management position attending who is a veteran.

If interested, please contact Member Development Specialist Jessica Kanupp at [email protected] for more information. 

Virtual Arts + Crafts Home Tour
Apr 8 all-day
Online w/ Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County

This year you can join us for the Arts & Crafts Home Tour from the comfort of your home!  Tour Possum Trot and Dogwood Cottages in Albemarle Park and finish with Sondley House in Haw Creek.  Due to location and accessibility, these homes would not normally be included in the tour, so this is a special treat!
Tour a Local Greenway w/ GPS based tour app: TravelStorys
Apr 8 @ 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
Online w/ TravelStorys

Take a Tour of a Local Greenway

Greenways are a wonderful place to exercise, recreate, and reconnect with nature! Using a new GPS based tour app called TravelStorys, we’ve created an educational self-guided tour for the local Reed Creek Greenway. On this tour you learn about the plants, animals, and natural features you can find in this beautiful urban green space.

Biltmore Gardens Railway
Apr 8 @ 9:30 am – 6:00 pm
Biltmore

Included with admission

Our fun-for-all-ages botanical model train displays invite you to experience our grounds in an engaging new way. Located in the Conservatory in the Walled Garden, the displays feature replicas of structures connected with Biltmore and its founder George Vanderbilt. Each beautifully executed piece was handcrafted from such natural elements as leaves, bark, and twigs.

In compliance with state and local mandates related to COVID-19, all guests must enter the Conservatory via the ADA entrance in the back and follow a one-way route.

Biltmore: Stickwork by Patrick Dougherty
Apr 8 @ 9:30 am – 6:00 pm
Biltmore

Image result for Stickwork by Patrick Dougherty

Included with admission

A unique-to-Biltmore, large-scale outdoor sculpture will be crafted and installed in Antler Hill Village this spring by Patrick Dougherty. Over the last three decades, this internationally-acclaimed artist has combined his carpentry skills and love of nature to build over 300 of these wondrous works, captivating the hearts and imaginations of viewers worldwide.

Image: Close Ties (2006) Scottish Basketmakers Circle, Dingwall, Scotland. Photo: Fin Macrae
NOTE: This is an example of Patrick Dougherty’s work; the artist will create Biltmore’s unique structure in Antler Hill Village this spring.

Tip-Based Walking Tour
Apr 8 @ 12:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Pack Square

This insider excursion provides you with tips and local secrets about the best way to do Asheville on a budget! You will have a better understanding of how Asheville became the unique, quirky city you see now and learn everything we are doing to “Keep Asheville Weird.” This is the only walking tour provided that allows you to choose how much you think a walking tour is worth and pay whatever you like. We will follow the urban trail, stop along the way for some free honey tastings and finish the tour with some special beer tastings at one of the best local breweries in South Slope! At the brewery, you will also be able to participate in a free raffle where you receive gifts donated from local businesses like free salsa classes, local theatre performances, books and more! I want you to know and love my city as much as I do and I am excited to share this experience with you!

Pay what you want at the end!

Downtown Tour
We will meet at Pack Square where the road cuts through the park! I will be wearing a free walking tour Tshirt
My parking recommendations are either street parking in the square or the Aloft parking deck on Biltmore Ave. If it’s a weekend, there should be free parking on the streets but be sure to check the meter! Feel free to ask any other questions you may have! 
River Arts Tour 
We will meet outside of the Magentic Theatre and your guide will be wearing a blue T-shirt !
 
I recommend parking in the public parking lot directly beside the theatre for free parking close to the meeting spot! 
Crafting Resilience: Education and Community Engagement
Apr 8 @ 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Online w/ UNC Asheville

Center for Craft, in partnership with UNC Asheville, will host Crafting Resilience, a virtual program series exploring how craft can cultivate strength and sustainability in individuals, spaces, and communities in the face of adverse conditions from March 11 to April 20. The program will bring together interdisciplinary and intersectional voices, and will animate dialogue and reflections on collective memory, healing, and social justice in the study and practice of craft.

Education and Community Engagement | April 8, 2021, 5 p.m.

Moderator: Andres Payan Estrada, Craft Contemporary; Speakers: Tanya Aguiñiga, Artist; Celia Lesh, NIAD Center; Cristina Tufiño, Artist