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.

Thursday, May 13, 2021
Grants for printing + distribution: Recycling outreach materials in rural + small communities
May 13 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.
Women’s Leadership Breakfast
May 13 @ 7:30 am – 9:00 am
Kenmure Country Club

This breakfast organized by the ATHENA of Henderson County Award committee is a fantastic opportunity to explore your own development as a leader while encouraging future leaders to explore their potential!

The program will feature our 2020 ATHENA Award recipient, Mayor Barbara Volk for a Town Hall style discussion on her experience with leadership and mentorship.

There will be a virtual attendance option for this event. 

Established leaders are encouraged to invite an emerging leader to attend this event. Conversations will happen, lives will be touched, leaders will be inspired, and friendships will be formed.

No matter your level of professional/personal development, this event allows the space and time for introspection – an opportunity to celebrate the gifts we have, and the chance to learn more about the skills we would like to grow, all structured around building a supportive network and community.  We hope you can join us!

*In-person attendees will be required to wear masks when not dining, in accordance with the state mask mandate

Event Sponsors:
Sunset Rooftop Comedy Show
May 13 @ 6:30 pm
Rabbit Rabbit

Slice of Life Comedy & Disclaimer Lounge present: Sunset Rooftop Standup Comedy by Local Professional Comics Every Thursday at Rabbit Rabbit

Come grab dinner and a show at Rabbit Rabbit, in Downtown Asheville Outside Theatre Space:
**Great Craft Rabbit-themed cocktails available
**AVL Pizza truck on-site & AVL Pizza full menu available
**Rooftop-seating, depending on weather
**Sanitized Headphones provided so you don’t miss a joke while getting your food & drinks, works anywhere around the venue

Hosted by: Cody Hughes
Featuring: Petey Smith McDowell, Hilliary Begely, Cary Goff, Morgan Bost, Blaine Perry, Marlene Thompson, Ben Sia Hian

 

 

Sunset Rooftop Comedy Shows in Downtown Asheville
May 13 @ 7:00 pm
Rabbit Rabbit

Slice of Life Comedy & Disclaimer Lounge present: Sunset Rooftop Standup Comedy by Local Professional Comics Every Thursday at Rabbit Rabbit

Come grab dinner and a show at Rabbit Rabbit, in Downtown Asheville Outside Theatre Space:
**Great Craft Rabbit-themed cocktails available
**AVL Pizza truck on-site & AVL Pizza full menu available
**Rooftop-seating, depending on weather
**Sanitized Headphones provided so you don’t miss a joke while getting your food & drinks, works anywhere around the venue

Hosted by: Cody Hughes
Featuring: Petey Smith McDowell, Cary Goff & other premier Asheville comics!

What: Weekly Outdoor & Rooftop Sunset Comedy Dinner Shows
When: Thursdays, 5/6,13,20 & 27, 7p (6:30 doors)
Where: Rabbit Rabbit, Downtown Asheville 75 Coxe Ave
Cost: $12

Tickets at RabbitRabbitavl.com
More information or to inquire about performing, contact Michele Scheve at [email protected]

*If it rains or is too windy we may move the show to our great space under the roof!

Friday, May 14, 2021
Grants for printing + distribution: Recycling outreach materials in rural + small communities
May 14 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.
WNC Arts Launches New Website + Creative Economies Data
May 14 all-day
Online w/ WNC Arts

The Western Arts Agencies of North Carolina (WNC Arts) was established in 1980s as a peer support group for arts councils and agencies in WNC. This group is now working to expand their advocacy support for the arts in WNC.

Saturday, May 15, 2021
WNC Arts Launches New Website + Creative Economies Data
May 15 all-day
Online w/ WNC Arts

The Western Arts Agencies of North Carolina (WNC Arts) was established in 1980s as a peer support group for arts councils and agencies in WNC. This group is now working to expand their advocacy support for the arts in WNC.

Sunday, May 16, 2021
WNC Arts Launches New Website + Creative Economies Data
May 16 all-day
Online w/ WNC Arts

The Western Arts Agencies of North Carolina (WNC Arts) was established in 1980s as a peer support group for arts councils and agencies in WNC. This group is now working to expand their advocacy support for the arts in WNC.

Tuesday, May 18, 2021
Smoky Park Supper Club + Magnetic Theatre Outdoor Show
May 18 @ 7:00 pm
Smoky Park Supper Club

Join us Tuesday nights, beginning April 13th, as The Magnetic Theatre teams up with the wizards at Smoky Park Supper Club to host a live, outdoor variety show. We’ll be filling Smoky Park’s gorgeous, riverside outdoor space with comedy, theatre, music and so much more.

There will be food and beverages available for purchase.

  • This is a BYOC (Bring-Your-Own-Chair) event.
  • In accordance with safety guidelines this show will be staged outdoors, with mask and social distancing protocols enforced. There will also be temperature checks and COVID waivers that need to be signed by each attendee at the gate.
  • Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the 7pm showtime.
  • We do require that masks be worn at all times unless you are actively eating or drinking.
Thursday, May 20, 2021
Sunset Rooftop Comedy Shows in Downtown Asheville
May 20 all-day
Rabbit Rabbit

Slice of Life Comedy & Disclaimer Lounge present: Sunset Rooftop Standup Comedy by Local Professional Comics EVERY THURSDAY at Rabbit Rabbit
Come grab dinner and a show at Rabbit Rabbit, in Downtown Asheville Outside Theatre Space:
**Great Craft Rabbit-themed cocktails available
**AVL Pizza truck on-site & AVL Pizza full menu available
**Rooftop-seating, depending on weather
**Sanitized Headphones provided so you don’t miss a joke while getting your food & drinks, works anywhere around the venue
Featuring: Petey Smith McDowell, Cary Goff & other premier Asheville comics!
What: Weekly Outdoor & Rooftop Sunset Comedy Dinner Shows
When: Thursdays, 7p (6:30 doors)
Where: Rabbit Rabbit, Downtown Asheville 75 Coxe Ave
Cost: $12
Tickets at RabbitRabbitavl.com
More information or to inquire about performing, contact Michele Scheve at [email protected]
*If it rains or is too windy we may move the show to our great space under the roof! Also, nonroof show option available

WomanUP Workshop – Diversity Accountability: What’s Next?
May 20 @ 8:00 am – 10:30 am
Crowne Plaza Tennis & Golf Resort

We’ve heard and been learning the importance of taking steps to be more diverse and inclusive. We’re ready to move forward — but what are the next steps?

Join us for an in-person event inspiring, encouraging and supporting women in business! We will hear from three unique women who live and work right in our community as they share their perspectives on personal accountability, transparency, intentionality, and resources that help them grow and thrive. Words and language matters — now more than ever. Hear these women share practical ways to apply principles of inclusion in the workplace and the community.

This even will be hosted at Crowne Plaza’s Expo Center, and all required health safety precautions will be observed. We invite Chamber members and non-members to join us! Register individuals (open seating) or reserve a table for 8 guests.

For those who are unable to attend an in-person event, we welcome you to join us virtually. Special thanks to Her Two Cents Podcast for making this virtual opportunity possible! The ticket price is the same for virtual attendees, and we will send you the virtual link on May 18th.

Registration will close at noon on May 18th.

 

Workshop Agenda

8:00 – 8:30 am      Start the morning with registration and check-in, and a light breakfast by Celine & Company Catering “On Broadway”

8:30 – 9:00 am      Make business connections; build relationships with other attendees

9:00 – 10:00 am    Inspirational panel discussion, moderated by Victoria Dunkle of AdventHealth

10:00 – 10:30 am  Q&A

 

Our Panelists:

Aisha Adams is an influencer with a heart for community economic development. She champions social change advocates, thought leaders, and courageous disruptors. As founder and CEO of the Aisha Adams Media LLC and partner organization Equity Over Everything, Aisha works to advance equity by closing gaps in entrepreneurship and home ownership in low-resource communities. Aisha’s other ventures include The Asheville View, a daytime-style talk show which addresses “hot button” issues in town, Nappy Thoughts, a personal blog followed by thousands of people on social media, and The Entrepreneurial Accelerator, a business bootcamp tying fledgling businesses to community resources. Aidsha earned her bacheclor’s degree in English from University of Alabama at Birmingham, and her Master of Science degree in Adult Education from Capella University. Aisha has received the Tzedeck Brilliance Award, the Martin Luther King Award, WomanUP Woman Entrepreneur, Best in Business Award and the Mountain BizWorks Jane Renfroe Award.

Marta Alcava-Williams

Marta is a Latina woman who has lived, worked, and invested in the Asheville community for the last 30  years. Through her commitment to building deep relationships, using resources creatively to create true opportunities, and communicating the equity lens in each of her formal and informal roles, Marta contributes to the work of racial equity/justice and the wellbeing of her community. She is the co-founder of the Marvelous Math Club, an affirmative and collaborative space that focuses on developing leadership skills, building relationships, supporting homework completion, and celebrating math in one of the Asheville Housing Authority (AHA) communities. Marta started a Motheread group in another AHA  community seven years ago which has created an amazingly powerful group of black, brown, and white women who uplift one another and are charting new territory on building true multi-racial communities.  Marta is currently Executive Director of Equity for Asheville City Schools. She is on the leadership team for WNC Racial Equity Collaborative, contributes to a number of boards,  and has been a member of the Adverse Childhood Experiences.

Taylor Bell

A long-time Asheville resident, Taylor is proud to be an alumni of UNC Asheville after receiving a Bachelor of Science in Management with a concentration in Business Administration. She co-owns and remains active in a family business with her father. In August 2016, Taylor joined the Colton Groome & Company team and is now the Operations Manager. In 2021, Taylor was awarded the “Rising Star” award from the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce WomanUp Committee. Outside of work, Taylor is an active supporter of her community with organizations such as United Way, Our Turn to Play executive committee member at UNC Asheville, a volunteer with Mountain Area Pregnancy Services, as well as a member of the UNC Asheville Department of Management & Accountancy Advisory Board. Taylor enjoys spending time with her husband, Jordan, and loving on her three daughters – Evelyn, Lyla, & Audrey.

Expand Your Circle: Speed Connecting Event for Women Entrepreneurs
May 20 @ 5:30 pm
Focal Point

Go-getting and forward-thinking women entrepreneurs – Join us for this free event featuring speed connecting activities!
Speed Connecting activities are fun, encouraging, inspiring and lead to opportunities for yourself and other women entrepreneurs. So join us at Focal Point in downtown Asheville, NC for some food, fun, and connection. And you just might meet your new business bestie! This event is Free, but you must register at https://www.plrconnectevents.com/registration-form to attend.
This project receives support from NC IDEA.

How to Start a Business
May 20 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Online w/ Blue Ridge Community College

No cost due to sponsor support

Understand the basics of starting a business in this seminar that takes you from idea to opportunity. Learn key strategies for start-up, financing and marketing as well as important information about legal issues, licensing, zoning, operations and more. Realize the importance of a self-assessment and how to evaluate the feasibility of your business idea. Discover the resources available to help you start and successfully operate your business.

This webinar may be converted into an in-person seminar, pursuant to state recommendations. Attendees will be notified by email if the class type is changed.


Speaker(s): Gary Heisey

Co-Sponsor(s): Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, SCORE

Webinar info will be emailed after registration.

Sunset Rooftop Comedy Show
May 20 @ 6:30 pm
Rabbit Rabbit

Slice of Life Comedy & Disclaimer Lounge present: Sunset Rooftop Standup Comedy by Local Professional Comics Every Thursday at Rabbit Rabbit

Come grab dinner and a show at Rabbit Rabbit, in Downtown Asheville Outside Theatre Space:
**Great Craft Rabbit-themed cocktails available
**AVL Pizza truck on-site & AVL Pizza full menu available
**Rooftop-seating, depending on weather
**Sanitized Headphones provided so you don’t miss a joke while getting your food & drinks, works anywhere around the venue

Hosted by: Cody Hughes
Featuring: Petey Smith McDowell, Hilliary Begely, Cary Goff, Morgan Bost, Blaine Perry, Marlene Thompson, Ben Sia Hian

 

 

Sunset Rooftop Comedy Shows in Downtown Asheville
May 20 @ 7:00 pm
Rabbit Rabbit

Slice of Life Comedy & Disclaimer Lounge present: Sunset Rooftop Standup Comedy by Local Professional Comics Every Thursday at Rabbit Rabbit

Come grab dinner and a show at Rabbit Rabbit, in Downtown Asheville Outside Theatre Space:
**Great Craft Rabbit-themed cocktails available
**AVL Pizza truck on-site & AVL Pizza full menu available
**Rooftop-seating, depending on weather
**Sanitized Headphones provided so you don’t miss a joke while getting your food & drinks, works anywhere around the venue

Hosted by: Cody Hughes
Featuring: Petey Smith McDowell, Cary Goff & other premier Asheville comics!

What: Weekly Outdoor & Rooftop Sunset Comedy Dinner Shows
When: Thursdays, 5/6,13,20 & 27, 7p (6:30 doors)
Where: Rabbit Rabbit, Downtown Asheville 75 Coxe Ave
Cost: $12

Tickets at RabbitRabbitavl.com
More information or to inquire about performing, contact Michele Scheve at [email protected]

*If it rains or is too windy we may move the show to our great space under the roof!

Friday, May 21, 2021
WNC Arts Launches New Website + Creative Economies Data
May 21 all-day
Online w/ WNC Arts

The Western Arts Agencies of North Carolina (WNC Arts) was established in 1980s as a peer support group for arts councils and agencies in WNC. This group is now working to expand their advocacy support for the arts in WNC.

Saturday, May 22, 2021
WNC Arts Launches New Website + Creative Economies Data
May 22 all-day
Online w/ WNC Arts

The Western Arts Agencies of North Carolina (WNC Arts) was established in 1980s as a peer support group for arts councils and agencies in WNC. This group is now working to expand their advocacy support for the arts in WNC.

Sunday, May 23, 2021
WNC Arts Launches New Website + Creative Economies Data
May 23 all-day
Online w/ WNC Arts

The Western Arts Agencies of North Carolina (WNC Arts) was established in 1980s as a peer support group for arts councils and agencies in WNC. This group is now working to expand their advocacy support for the arts in WNC.

Monday, May 24, 2021
Modelface Comedy presents Aaron Naylor
May 24 @ 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
The Magnetic Theatre


		Modelface Comedy presents Aaron Naylor & Stephen Taylor image

A night of stand up comedy at The Magnetic Theatre!

Aaron Naylor is a stand-up comedian from Kansas City. He has performed on some of the best comedy festivals around, including San Francisco Sketchfest, 10,000 Laughs, 208, Asheville, and Limestone. He was also a finalist on season 8 of Comcast’s Trial by Laughter and was named the 2017 Funniest Person in Wichita. His stand-up has been featured on Men’s Humor, Someecards, and Comedy Juice. He has been called a “heavy-hitting superstar” by Maria Bamford and has opened for Shane Mauss, Todd Barry, and Ron Funches.

Tuesday, May 25, 2021
Magnetic in the Smoky Park OUTDOOR SHOW
May 25 @ 7:00 pm
Smoky Park Supper Club

OUTDOOR SHOW

Join us on Tuesday nights for Magnetic’s signature variety show. There will be an exciting mix of comedy, music, theatre, dance, magic and more! Smoky Park Supper Club is offering us their beautiful outdoor venue, and will be selling food and drinks. The event is BYOC (bring your own chair), and we will, of course, be following strict Covid safety protocols. We can’t wait to see you there!

Smoky Park Supper Club + Magnetic Theatre Outdoor Show
May 25 @ 7:00 pm
Smoky Park Supper Club

Join us Tuesday nights, beginning April 13th, as The Magnetic Theatre teams up with the wizards at Smoky Park Supper Club to host a live, outdoor variety show. We’ll be filling Smoky Park’s gorgeous, riverside outdoor space with comedy, theatre, music and so much more.

There will be food and beverages available for purchase.

  • This is a BYOC (Bring-Your-Own-Chair) event.
  • In accordance with safety guidelines this show will be staged outdoors, with mask and social distancing protocols enforced. There will also be temperature checks and COVID waivers that need to be signed by each attendee at the gate.
  • Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the 7pm showtime.
  • We do require that masks be worn at all times unless you are actively eating or drinking.
Wednesday, May 26, 2021
Entrepreneurship Breakfast ”Celebrating Small Business in Henderson County”
May 26 @ 7:30 am – 9:15 pm
Grand Ole Hall at Highland Lake Inn
In celebration of Small Business Week, join the Chamber
for an inspiring program featuring three area entrepreneurs.
Hear about how and why they decided to take the risk
and grow an idea into successful business.
Learn about the challenges, opportunities, set backs and community
involvement that have propelled them to their current successes.
Featuring:
Bill McKibbin
Caroline Long
Randy Dunn
register by Friday, May 21st
Thursday, May 27, 2021
Sunset Rooftop Comedy Shows in Downtown Asheville
May 27 all-day
Rabbit Rabbit

Slice of Life Comedy & Disclaimer Lounge present: Sunset Rooftop Standup Comedy by Local Professional Comics EVERY THURSDAY at Rabbit Rabbit
Come grab dinner and a show at Rabbit Rabbit, in Downtown Asheville Outside Theatre Space:
**Great Craft Rabbit-themed cocktails available
**AVL Pizza truck on-site & AVL Pizza full menu available
**Rooftop-seating, depending on weather
**Sanitized Headphones provided so you don’t miss a joke while getting your food & drinks, works anywhere around the venue
Featuring: Petey Smith McDowell, Cary Goff & other premier Asheville comics!
What: Weekly Outdoor & Rooftop Sunset Comedy Dinner Shows
When: Thursdays, 7p (6:30 doors)
Where: Rabbit Rabbit, Downtown Asheville 75 Coxe Ave
Cost: $12
Tickets at RabbitRabbitavl.com
More information or to inquire about performing, contact Michele Scheve at [email protected]
*If it rains or is too windy we may move the show to our great space under the roof! Also, nonroof show option available

Manufacturing Roles Webinar
May 27 @ 10:00 am
Online w/ Goodwill

Manufacturing Roles Webinar

A modern manufacturing plant is a complex organism involving a wide range of jobs. Learn about the roles and functions you’ll find in most manufacturing plants and how they interact and about the many promising career paths at Mills Manufacturing.

 

Guest Speaker: John Oswald, President & CEO, Mills Manufacturing

Sunset Rooftop Comedy Show
May 27 @ 6:30 pm
Rabbit Rabbit

Slice of Life Comedy & Disclaimer Lounge present: Sunset Rooftop Standup Comedy by Local Professional Comics Every Thursday at Rabbit Rabbit

Come grab dinner and a show at Rabbit Rabbit, in Downtown Asheville Outside Theatre Space:
**Great Craft Rabbit-themed cocktails available
**AVL Pizza truck on-site & AVL Pizza full menu available
**Rooftop-seating, depending on weather
**Sanitized Headphones provided so you don’t miss a joke while getting your food & drinks, works anywhere around the venue

Hosted by: Cody Hughes
Featuring: Petey Smith McDowell, Hilliary Begely, Cary Goff, Morgan Bost, Blaine Perry, Marlene Thompson, Ben Sia Hian

 

 

Sunset Rooftop Comedy Shows in Downtown Asheville
May 27 @ 7:00 pm
Rabbit Rabbit

Slice of Life Comedy & Disclaimer Lounge present: Sunset Rooftop Standup Comedy by Local Professional Comics Every Thursday at Rabbit Rabbit

Come grab dinner and a show at Rabbit Rabbit, in Downtown Asheville Outside Theatre Space:
**Great Craft Rabbit-themed cocktails available
**AVL Pizza truck on-site & AVL Pizza full menu available
**Rooftop-seating, depending on weather
**Sanitized Headphones provided so you don’t miss a joke while getting your food & drinks, works anywhere around the venue

Hosted by: Cody Hughes
Featuring: Petey Smith McDowell, Cary Goff & other premier Asheville comics!

What: Weekly Outdoor & Rooftop Sunset Comedy Dinner Shows
When: Thursdays, 5/6,13,20 & 27, 7p (6:30 doors)
Where: Rabbit Rabbit, Downtown Asheville 75 Coxe Ave
Cost: $12

Tickets at RabbitRabbitavl.com
More information or to inquire about performing, contact Michele Scheve at [email protected]

*If it rains or is too windy we may move the show to our great space under the roof!

Friday, May 28, 2021
WNC Arts Launches New Website + Creative Economies Data
May 28 all-day
Online w/ WNC Arts

The Western Arts Agencies of North Carolina (WNC Arts) was established in 1980s as a peer support group for arts councils and agencies in WNC. This group is now working to expand their advocacy support for the arts in WNC.

Saturday, May 29, 2021
WNC Arts Launches New Website + Creative Economies Data
May 29 all-day
Online w/ WNC Arts

The Western Arts Agencies of North Carolina (WNC Arts) was established in 1980s as a peer support group for arts councils and agencies in WNC. This group is now working to expand their advocacy support for the arts in WNC.

Sunday, May 30, 2021
WNC Arts Launches New Website + Creative Economies Data
May 30 all-day
Online w/ WNC Arts

The Western Arts Agencies of North Carolina (WNC Arts) was established in 1980s as a peer support group for arts councils and agencies in WNC. This group is now working to expand their advocacy support for the arts in WNC.

Tuesday, June 1, 2021
Magnetic in the Smoky Park OUTDOOR SHOW
Jun 1 @ 7:00 pm
Smoky Park Supper Club

OUTDOOR SHOW

Join us on Tuesday nights for Magnetic’s signature variety show. There will be an exciting mix of comedy, music, theatre, dance, magic and more! Smoky Park Supper Club is offering us their beautiful outdoor venue, and will be selling food and drinks. The event is BYOC (bring your own chair), and we will, of course, be following strict Covid safety protocols. We can’t wait to see you there!