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.

Monday, June 29, 2020
Odyssey Clay Camp 2020–Sculpting the Animal Kingdom Ages: 5 – 8
Jun 29 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Odyssey ClayWorks

 

Odyssey Clay Camp 2020 Ages 6-10
Jun 29 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Odyssey ClayWorks

Round and Round!

Instructor: Halima Flynt

Ages: 6 – 10

Date: June 29 – July 3   5 Day Camp

Time: 2 – 5pm

Tuition: $225–$25 discount for siblings enrolled in the same class–Use promo code “claycamp25”

You will learn how to work on the potter’s wheel in this fun-packed creative camp! We will be learning all sorts of hand-building and wheel-throwing skills to create amazing works of art that you can use! Bring all of your creative and interesting ideas and we will turn them into reality.

Tuesday, June 30, 2020
Explore the History Of Music Printing
Jun 30 all-day
Online

Learn about music printing techniques through time including woodblock, lithography, and more.

Toe River Arts Hosts BIG INK: Woodblock Printmaking Workshop
Jun 30 all-day
Toe River Arts

Toe River Arts will host BIG INK at its Spruce Pine gallery October 23-24, 2020
for a large-scale woodblock printmaking workshop. BIG INK, founded in 2012 by Lyell Castonguay
and Carand Burnet, and based in Newmarket, New Hampshire, provides opportunities for large-scale
woodblock printing workshops in host institutions. Big Ink’s mission is to inspire a greater public
appreciation of large-scale woodblock printmaking and to extend its practice as an artistic discipline.
Toe River Arts invites artists, high school students and recent high school graduates to apply to
participate in this workshop. Twelve artists and twelve students or recent high school graduates will
collaborate to carve woodblocks to be printed on BIG INK’s “The Big Tuna,” their large-scale,
traveling printing press. No previous knowledge of woodblock printing is necessary. The workshop
fee will be waived for students and supplies will be provided. Artists will be expected to pay a $100
workshop fee and pay supply costs, with Toe River Arts members receiving a discount.
The deadline to apply is July 1, 2020 at 11:59 PM EST. Chosen applicants will be notified July 22, at
which time they will be given material lists. Participants are encouraged to attend socially distanced
“Carving Nights.” Hosted by Toe River Arts and closed to the public, these meetings will give the
artists and students the opportunity and venue to work together on their carvings. Tentatively
scheduled for August, the exact dates and locations for these events will be determined based on the
appropriate social distancing requirements at that time.
While workshop participation is limited to 12 students and 12 artists, the printing process will be open
for the public to observe. If large gatherings are determined to be unsafe due to social distancing
requirements, a limit will be placed on how many people can observe in person, and/or arrangements
will be made for online viewing of the workshop.
This workshop will accompany Think BIG Prints, an exhibition of works by BIG INK artists, in the Toe
River Arts Spruce Pine Gallery’s upstairs ARC space September 11-October 24, 2020. A reception is
planned for October 9, 5-7 PM, but will be rescheduled or moved online if large gatherings are
deemed unsafe.
This workshop is made possible by in part by support from the Blumenthal Foundation.
Information about BIG INK can be found at www.bigink.org. Information about the workshop and the
Think BIG Prints exhibition, and the application to apply to participate in the workshop can be found at
www.toeriverarts.org/artists/education-outreach/big-ink. Please contact Community Outreach
Coordinator Melanie Finlayson at [email protected] for more information.

Wednesday, July 1, 2020
Explore the History Of Music Printing
Jul 1 all-day
Online

Learn about music printing techniques through time including woodblock, lithography, and more.

Plastic Free July
Jul 1 all-day
Online

Image

Join us as we celebrate the global movement of going plastic-free this July! Our Plastic Reduction Task Force will be celebrating all month with community shoutouts, games, reading lists, resources, and more! Follow our Facebook page @goingplasticfreeAVL and Instagram @going_plasticfree for updates so that you won’t miss a thing.

Save these dates:
Saturday, July 11th – Going Plastic Free Scavenger Hunt
Thursday July 23rd – Plastic Free July Trivia

Thursday, July 2, 2020
Experience WNC History From Home
Jul 2 all-day
online
Douglas Ellington: Asheville’s Boomtown Architect presents a look at his iconic Asheville creations along with other buildings he completed throughout his career in other cities.
Hillbilly Land explores the power, prevalence, and persistence of the hillbilly stereotype from the days of its beginnings in the late 19th century to the present day.
In 1918 vs 2020, we take an in-depth look at the 1918 influenza epidemic in Western North Carolina through newspaper clippings, advertisements, ephemera, photographs, and oral history and place the events of 1918 into context with our present-day response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Explore the History Of Music Printing
Jul 2 all-day
Online

Learn about music printing techniques through time including woodblock, lithography, and more.

Plastic Free July
Jul 2 all-day
Online

Image

Join us as we celebrate the global movement of going plastic-free this July! Our Plastic Reduction Task Force will be celebrating all month with community shoutouts, games, reading lists, resources, and more! Follow our Facebook page @goingplasticfreeAVL and Instagram @going_plasticfree for updates so that you won’t miss a thing.

Save these dates:
Saturday, July 11th – Going Plastic Free Scavenger Hunt
Thursday July 23rd – Plastic Free July Trivia

Virtual Exhibit: Hillbilly Land Myth and Reality of Appalachian Culture
Jul 2 all-day
Online WNC Historical Society
ABOUT THE EXHIBIT

The hillbilly stereotype is one that is alive and well in American popular culture as a quick survey of the cable dial reveals with such shows as Moonshiners, Appalachian Outlaws, Here Comes Honey Boo Boo, and countless others.

Surprisingly, it is one often displayed among educated sorts here in Western North Carolina who would never dream of disparaging any minority or “out group,” but do not hesitate to characterize native Western North Carolinians, as a group, as ignorant, in-bred, hopelessly retrograde, violent, snake-handling, moonshining/meth-making rednecks.

The Hillbillyland Exhibition explores the power, prevalence, and persistence of the hillbilly stereotype from the days of its beginnings in the late 19th century to the present day. The exhibit takes a unique approach by focusing on photography featuring the people of the region, some of them stereotypical images, combined with poetry and short prose pieces that challenge and complicate these stereotypes.

Visit the Virtual Exhibit
Virtual Tour 1918 vs. 2020 Flu Pandemics WNC
Jul 2 all-day
Online Smith-McDowell House

ABOUT THE EXHIBIT

In the midst of the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic, we take an in-depth look at the 1918 influenza epidemic in Western North Carolina through newspaper clippings, advertisements, ephemera, photographs, and oral history and place the events of 1918 into context with our present-day response to the coronavirus pandemic.

https://www.wnchistory.org/virtual-exhibits/influenza/?utm_source=Western%20North%20Carolina%20Historical%20Association&utm_campaign=78fa0bbdf8-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_01_23_05_25_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_7424f63c4d-78fa0bbdf8-329482143

Adult Creative Writing Group for Children’s Books
Jul 2 @ 1:00 pm
Leicester Library

The Perfect Turkey

It’s never too late to begin writing the next great American novel – or children’s book. The Leicester Library Creative Writing Work Group is opening its doors to any and all adults who are interested in writing children’s books. Meetings will include writing exercises, idea sharing, and other group discussions. The group will focus on writing picture books, early-reader, and chapter books. Participants are welcome to bring up to 500 words of original writing to share. But you don’t have to, you’re welcome to bring your thoughts to turn into great ideas later.

The classes take place on the first Thursday of every month at 1 p.m. at the Leicester Library. In previous groups, local children’s authors have visited to discuss their writing process. Also, members of the group have already published their own books.

 

Sierra Club Webinar: Bear-ly There: Safe Encounters w/ Bears in the Wild + at Home
Jul 2 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Online

Tune in to the Sierra Club’s free webinar, “Bear-ly There: Safe Encounters with Bears in the Wild and at Home” on July 2 to learn about co-existing with bears in North Carolina. This program features Ashley Hobbs, Assistant State Black Bear and Furbearer Biologist with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.

If you encountered a bear walking in the woods or along your neighborhood street, would you know what to do? Do you want to learn more about our neighborhood friends and hiking trail partners? You’ll learn everything you want to know and get answers from this expert!

Register in advance for this webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Qoi4mbuVRLCQSHMXs6gF7Q

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

This event is free and open to the public.

Hobbs graduated in 2015 from the University of Georgia with a BS in Forestry Resources and an emphasis in Fisheries & Wildlife Sciences. She completed her undergraduate thesis on Leopard habitat use within Mashatu Game Reserve in Botswana, Africa, which led her to become a registered Safari Guide in South Africa where she worked for a summer in college.

In the course of her career, she has served in both Federal and State government, working with game and nuisance wildlife species such as, bobwhite quail, beaver, coyote, raccoon, and vultures, just to name a few.

As Assistant State Black Bear & Furbearer Biologist with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, she is involved with the statewide management of bear, otter, bobcat, skunk, armadillo and several other species.

For more information, contact Judy Mattox, [email protected], (828) 683-2176.

Friday, July 3, 2020
Experience WNC History From Home
Jul 3 all-day
online
Douglas Ellington: Asheville’s Boomtown Architect presents a look at his iconic Asheville creations along with other buildings he completed throughout his career in other cities.
Hillbilly Land explores the power, prevalence, and persistence of the hillbilly stereotype from the days of its beginnings in the late 19th century to the present day.
In 1918 vs 2020, we take an in-depth look at the 1918 influenza epidemic in Western North Carolina through newspaper clippings, advertisements, ephemera, photographs, and oral history and place the events of 1918 into context with our present-day response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Explore the History Of Music Printing
Jul 3 all-day
Online

Learn about music printing techniques through time including woodblock, lithography, and more.

Plastic Free July
Jul 3 all-day
Online

Image

Join us as we celebrate the global movement of going plastic-free this July! Our Plastic Reduction Task Force will be celebrating all month with community shoutouts, games, reading lists, resources, and more! Follow our Facebook page @goingplasticfreeAVL and Instagram @going_plasticfree for updates so that you won’t miss a thing.

Save these dates:
Saturday, July 11th – Going Plastic Free Scavenger Hunt
Thursday July 23rd – Plastic Free July Trivia

Virtual Exhibit: Hillbilly Land Myth and Reality of Appalachian Culture
Jul 3 all-day
Online WNC Historical Society
ABOUT THE EXHIBIT

The hillbilly stereotype is one that is alive and well in American popular culture as a quick survey of the cable dial reveals with such shows as Moonshiners, Appalachian Outlaws, Here Comes Honey Boo Boo, and countless others.

Surprisingly, it is one often displayed among educated sorts here in Western North Carolina who would never dream of disparaging any minority or “out group,” but do not hesitate to characterize native Western North Carolinians, as a group, as ignorant, in-bred, hopelessly retrograde, violent, snake-handling, moonshining/meth-making rednecks.

The Hillbillyland Exhibition explores the power, prevalence, and persistence of the hillbilly stereotype from the days of its beginnings in the late 19th century to the present day. The exhibit takes a unique approach by focusing on photography featuring the people of the region, some of them stereotypical images, combined with poetry and short prose pieces that challenge and complicate these stereotypes.

Visit the Virtual Exhibit
Virtual Tour 1918 vs. 2020 Flu Pandemics WNC
Jul 3 all-day
Online Smith-McDowell House

ABOUT THE EXHIBIT

In the midst of the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic, we take an in-depth look at the 1918 influenza epidemic in Western North Carolina through newspaper clippings, advertisements, ephemera, photographs, and oral history and place the events of 1918 into context with our present-day response to the coronavirus pandemic.

https://www.wnchistory.org/virtual-exhibits/influenza/?utm_source=Western%20North%20Carolina%20Historical%20Association&utm_campaign=78fa0bbdf8-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_01_23_05_25_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_7424f63c4d-78fa0bbdf8-329482143

Fused Silver Earrings
Jul 3 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Ignite Jewelry Studios

Join me in the studio as we use hammers, saws, files and fire to transform silver wire into a beautiful pair of silver drop earrings. Class price includes all materials.

Read with J.R. the Therapy Dog!
Jul 3 @ 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Skyland/South Buncombe Library

Read with J.R. the Therapy Dog!

The Skyland Library will host J.R. the Therapy Dog on the 1st Friday of each month. Kids are invited to stop by between 2:30-3:30 pm to practice their reading skills with a gentle, patient and adorable canine friend. J.R. is a certified therapy dog and he can’t wait to meet you! 

Saturday, July 4, 2020
Anti-Racisim: Resources Literacy Council
Jul 4 all-day
Online

Recognizing and understanding racism, and actively unlearning the everyday, built-in mechanisms of systemic racism is an ongoing effort that must be made by every single one of us. It can be difficult to navigate issues, origins, and solutions surrounding systemic racism, especially with so many different angles portrayed by the media.
There are countless truthful resources to help us find our way to social justice and equity. Here are just a few educational resources and ways to help our Black communities:
Educational reading:
The above photo has an excellent list of books!
Community:
Media:
Follow Black activists and voices on social media! Please reach out to us if you’d like suggestions on whom to follow.
Experience WNC History From Home
Jul 4 all-day
online
Douglas Ellington: Asheville’s Boomtown Architect presents a look at his iconic Asheville creations along with other buildings he completed throughout his career in other cities.
Hillbilly Land explores the power, prevalence, and persistence of the hillbilly stereotype from the days of its beginnings in the late 19th century to the present day.
In 1918 vs 2020, we take an in-depth look at the 1918 influenza epidemic in Western North Carolina through newspaper clippings, advertisements, ephemera, photographs, and oral history and place the events of 1918 into context with our present-day response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Explore the History Of Music Printing
Jul 4 all-day
Online

Learn about music printing techniques through time including woodblock, lithography, and more.

Plastic Free July
Jul 4 all-day
Online

Image

Join us as we celebrate the global movement of going plastic-free this July! Our Plastic Reduction Task Force will be celebrating all month with community shoutouts, games, reading lists, resources, and more! Follow our Facebook page @goingplasticfreeAVL and Instagram @going_plasticfree for updates so that you won’t miss a thing.

Save these dates:
Saturday, July 11th – Going Plastic Free Scavenger Hunt
Thursday July 23rd – Plastic Free July Trivia

Virtual Exhibit: Hillbilly Land Myth and Reality of Appalachian Culture
Jul 4 all-day
Online WNC Historical Society
ABOUT THE EXHIBIT

The hillbilly stereotype is one that is alive and well in American popular culture as a quick survey of the cable dial reveals with such shows as Moonshiners, Appalachian Outlaws, Here Comes Honey Boo Boo, and countless others.

Surprisingly, it is one often displayed among educated sorts here in Western North Carolina who would never dream of disparaging any minority or “out group,” but do not hesitate to characterize native Western North Carolinians, as a group, as ignorant, in-bred, hopelessly retrograde, violent, snake-handling, moonshining/meth-making rednecks.

The Hillbillyland Exhibition explores the power, prevalence, and persistence of the hillbilly stereotype from the days of its beginnings in the late 19th century to the present day. The exhibit takes a unique approach by focusing on photography featuring the people of the region, some of them stereotypical images, combined with poetry and short prose pieces that challenge and complicate these stereotypes.

Visit the Virtual Exhibit
Virtual Tour 1918 vs. 2020 Flu Pandemics WNC
Jul 4 all-day
Online Smith-McDowell House

ABOUT THE EXHIBIT

In the midst of the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic, we take an in-depth look at the 1918 influenza epidemic in Western North Carolina through newspaper clippings, advertisements, ephemera, photographs, and oral history and place the events of 1918 into context with our present-day response to the coronavirus pandemic.

https://www.wnchistory.org/virtual-exhibits/influenza/?utm_source=Western%20North%20Carolina%20Historical%20Association&utm_campaign=78fa0bbdf8-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_01_23_05_25_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_7424f63c4d-78fa0bbdf8-329482143

Animal Habitats VIP Tours
Jul 4 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Grandfather Mountain

See where the cougars and otters sleep overnight, meet black bears that are not commonly on display, learn the ins and outs of what it takes to care for the animals year-round, observe a training session and find out why the animals call Grandfather Mountain home.

Offered on weekends, April – October.

Hands-on History Carl Sandburg House
Jul 4 @ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Carl Sandburg House


Hands-on History

Join Park Rangers on Saturdays in July to get hands-on with history. Each Saturday features a different topic and allows visitors of all ages to interact with history related to the Sandburg family experience at Connemara. Come anytime between 11am to 3pm. All programs will be offered at the amphitheater.

Sunday, July 5, 2020
Anti-Racisim: Resources Literacy Council
Jul 5 all-day
Online

Recognizing and understanding racism, and actively unlearning the everyday, built-in mechanisms of systemic racism is an ongoing effort that must be made by every single one of us. It can be difficult to navigate issues, origins, and solutions surrounding systemic racism, especially with so many different angles portrayed by the media.
There are countless truthful resources to help us find our way to social justice and equity. Here are just a few educational resources and ways to help our Black communities:
Educational reading:
The above photo has an excellent list of books!
Community:
Media:
Follow Black activists and voices on social media! Please reach out to us if you’d like suggestions on whom to follow.
Experience WNC History From Home
Jul 5 all-day
online
Douglas Ellington: Asheville’s Boomtown Architect presents a look at his iconic Asheville creations along with other buildings he completed throughout his career in other cities.
Hillbilly Land explores the power, prevalence, and persistence of the hillbilly stereotype from the days of its beginnings in the late 19th century to the present day.
In 1918 vs 2020, we take an in-depth look at the 1918 influenza epidemic in Western North Carolina through newspaper clippings, advertisements, ephemera, photographs, and oral history and place the events of 1918 into context with our present-day response to the coronavirus pandemic.