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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.

Wednesday, October 2, 2019
Sand Hill Community Garden Workday
Oct 2 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
BC Sports Park

Community Garden located at the Buncombe County Sports Park.  
The mission of Sand HIll Community Garden is to share in garden space, knowledge, and labor with all members of the community.  Using organic growing practices we promote community health and wellness by providing fresh produce for garden members and local people in need of food.

The Venardos Circus, a unique Broadway-style circus tour to perform in Asheville performing at Asheville Outlets October 2-20, 2019
Oct 2 @ 6:30 pm
Asheville Outlets

– The Venardos Circus, a unique Broadway-Style Circus will return to Asheville, NC with performances at Asheville Outlets, 800 Brevard Rd, Asheville, NC from October 2-20, 2019. Created by former Ringling Bros. Ringmaster Kevin Venardos (veh-NARR-dos) in 2014, the Venardos Circus wraps world-class animal-free circus acts into a Broadway musical-style format dubbed, “The American Circus with the heart of a Broadway Show.” A big hit with local families in 2018, The Venardos Circus is excited to be back in town!

Guests can expect to be transported back in time to the center ring of a centuries-old tradition; but one that has been reinvented for the next generation. With an amazing assortment of aerialists, acrobats, juggling, hand-balancing/contortion, comedy, daredevilry, magic, musical production and much more, this amazing circus experience will truly delight adults and kids of all ages. Venardos Circus proudly features its own custom-made big-top, a classic red-and-white striped tent, with an intimate feel and limited seating. The circus performers also are the crew in this 15-person traveling tour who are completely self-contained, much like the original circus tradition.

“Circus is part of America’s cultural fabric and we want to keep that tradition alive for generations to come,” explained Ringmaster Kevin Venardos. “We look forward to bringing our Broadway-style circus show into Asheville again!”

An interactive pre-show party begins one hour before each show time with opportunities to meet the cast, snap selfies and play games. Classic circus treats like popcorn, nachos, fresh-made cotton candy and natural pink lemonade and more are available. The main event lasts approximately 90 minutes, with a brief intermission. Complete show schedule available at www.VenardosCircus.com.

General Admission Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for youth under 12 yrs. Babes in arms are free with a paying adult (24 months and younger). Premium Reserved seating is priced from $35 to $45.

Full details at www.Liveyourcircusdream.com.

About Venardos Circus
The Venardos Circus, a unique Broadway-Style Circus performance, has been touring the U.S. since its debut at the L.A. County Fair in 2014. It is reinventing the American Circus tradition for a new generation with Broadway-style flair; bringing joy to people across the U.S. Theatre lovers and nostalgic circus fans alike will appreciate the intimate experience and sentimental way the show pays homage to circus traditions through the lens of high-quality entertainment for a modern family audience

Thursday, October 3, 2019
Pisgah Legal Services Justice Forum featuring Jose Antonio Vargas
Oct 3 all-day
Thomas Wolfe Auditorium

Please join Pisgah Legal Services on October 3 as Jose Antonio Vargas headlines the 9th Annual Justice Forum. Jose Antonio Vargas is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, Emmy-nominated filmmaker, and a leading voice for the human rights of immigrants. He is the Founder and CEO of Define American, the nation’s leading nonprofit media organization that promotes justice for immigrants through the power of storytelling.
This year’s Forum is FREE but registration is required at www.pisgahlegal.org/justiceforum.

Limited tickets are available for the pre-forum reception for $60 per person.

Purchase tickets and register for the FREE forum at www.pisgahlegal.org/justiceforum.

Wands for Wildlife collection has begun!
Oct 3 all-day
October is here!! Wands are being accepted throughout the month. Please go to the website for the form to send in with them and more information. SHARE THIS FORWARD! ????
www.wandsforwildlife.org

Since March of 2017 the Wands for Wildlife program has grown and spread all over the world! Engaging people of all ages and from all walks of life to take action, help the planet and save wild lives.
One Wander (wand donor) from Poland shared, “I am so happy that good people still exist in the world.”
From a Preschool teacher in Illinois, “I was unsure if my preschoolers would understand conservation and pollution, but starting with taking care of animals was the perfect way to start the unit since it was a more concrete idea and something they had prior knowledge about.”
Link to post that went up announcing the Appalachian Wildlife Refuge ‘Wands for Wildlife’ drive for October has begun….
Fall Farm To Table Dinner
Oct 3 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Olivette

Enjoy a delicious riverside meal focused on farm-fresh ingredients to celebrate an autumnal bounty. Over Easy Cafe will share their creativity and talents with the table by designing a 5 course meal. 50/Fifty: art of dessert will transform the last course into a sweet work of art. Cordial and Craft will refresh your palate with uplifting farm cocktails and mocktails. This combination of Asheville culinary elite with the back drop of the French Broad River at Olivette’s pristine riverside park will create an unforgettable experience.

Baa’d to the Bone Shakedown Dinner 2019
Oct 3 @ 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Highland Brewing Company

Baa’d To The Bone Shakedown Dinner 2019 -to benefit those living with blood cancers. Come enjoy the greatest tunes of several generations with The Rewind Band, enjoy some of the tastiest beverages from the famous taps of Highland Brewing Company, and fill up with the “baa’d”est of burritos from Baa’d Sheep Burritos Food Truck on October 3, 2019 at the Meadow at Highland Brewing in Asheville, North Carolina AND help those living with blood cancers! This fun, family-friendly event will be the first of many.

Justice Forum Pisgah Legal Jose Antonio Vargas Reception
Oct 3 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Thomas Wolfe Auditorium – US Cellular Center

Jose Antonio Vargas is the founder of and CEO of Define American, a nonprofit media and culture organization that uses the power of story to transcend politics and shift the conversation about immigrants, identity, and citizenship in a changing America. He will be telling his story and speaking about the current situation on these topics. 

In 2011, The New York Times published Mr. Vargas’s groundbreaking essay revealing and chronicling his life in America as an undocumented immigrant. He then produced and directed Documented, a feature film about his personal experiences. The film received a 2015 NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Documentary. Vargas published a memoir in 2018 called Dear America: Notes of an Undocumented Citizen.

Join us for a reception before the Justice Forum, with hors d’oeuvres, beer, and wine.

Semi-Wild Women’s Night
Oct 3 @ 9:30 pm – Oct 4 @ 12:00 am
Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards

Ladies, please join us the first Thursday of every month** for great wine, great friends, and lots of fun!

**July’s event will not be held because of the 4th.

https://www.facebook.com/events/2190909954570744/?event_time_id=2190909987904074

Beef Butchering Class
Oct 3 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
The Chop Shop Butchery

Watch and learn as our Head Butcher breaks down an entire front quarter of dry-aged Apple Brandy beef. In this class – Watch our head butcher completes a live demonstration of breaking down the front quarter of a steer. Learn about different beef cuts, including Denver, Chuck-Eye, Rib-Eye, Skirt Steak, and more! Discover the differences between often-confused names of popular cuts and learn about cuts you’ve probably never heard of-Learn the cooking techniques for different cuts of beef (and as you’ll discover, we’ll teach you how to maximize the meals you can cook from this section of a beef.) Enjoy local and house made charcuterie and cheeses. Sip beer from a local brewery, or enjoy a glass (or two) or our favorite wines. Take home a nice cut of beef just in time for the weekend! Take home PDF notes and recipes from the class. Early Bird Tickets – $100. Class Tickets: $110 VIP Tickets: $140 (Take home a pound of Chop Shop Bacon and your choice of a Chop Shop t-shirt or hat.)

SPARC After Dark
Oct 3 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Boathouse at Smoky Park Supper Club

Let your little light shine for The SPARC Foundation as we sparkle and glow (feel free to wear your boldest and brightest) along the French Broad River! Hosted by Asheville Affiliates, SPARC After Dark will light up the night to raise funds for programs working to keep people out of institutional care. Modern Strangers will fill the autumn air with high-energy music… and the event will overflow with tasty local food and drinks from Urban Orchard, Roots Hummus, Catabaw Brewing, Mellow Mushroom, and more. Expect spectacular raffle packages and local prizes.

The SPARC Foundation empowers marginalized people with individualized support; increasing self-sufficiency, family health and community safety. Our mission is to keep residents of Western North Carolina out of institutional care. SPARC’s programs focus on: – keeping adults out of prisons and mental health facilities – keeping children out of foster care or group homes – re-educating domestic abusers; teaching them new methods of interacting with intimate partners and family members – supervising and facilitating DSS court-ordered family visits and coaching parents as they learn new parenting skills – ensuring access to nutritious, free food for low income residents living in designated “food desserts” – offering Family Centered Treatment; in-home therapy designed to support reuniting families – assisting former inmates with employment, education and housing opportunities to increase their chances of success upon re-entering society and decrease recidivism www.thesparcfoundation.org
Wine Dinner RendezVous
Oct 3 @ 6:00 pm
RendezVous

This last one was so popular, they’re having another wine dinner outdoors! As usual, they will not disclose the menu or the wines beforehand- that’s half the fun! But they will tell you this: this time the theme will be South American. Cost is $75 per person, plus tax and service. To reserve your place, send an email to [email protected]. Put “RendezVous Wine Dinner” in the subject line, and include the number in your party with a contact phone number in your message. Reservations are limited, so please reserve right away

9th Annual Justice Forum Pisgah Legal Jose Antonio Vargas
Oct 3 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Thomas Wolfe Auditorium – US Cellular Center

Jose Antonio Vargas is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, Emmy-nominated filmmaker, author of Dear America: Notes of An Undocumented Citizen and a leading voice for the human rights of immigrants. He is the Founder and CEO of Define American, the nation’s leading nonprofit media organization that fights injustice and anti-immigrant hate through the power of storytelling.
Mr. Vargas will share details of his childhood journey to the United States from the Philippines and his life in America as an immigration reform activist. Some have called him the most famous undocumented immigrant in America.

This is a free event. Registration necessary to save your spot.**

Friday, October 4, 2019
Forestry Camp Bar & Restaurant Opens in South Asheville!
Oct 4 all-day
Forestry Camp

Burial Beer’s much anticipated Forestry Camp is officially open! This culmination of like-minded makers is a celebration of the best bakers, coffee roasters, distillers, wine makers, artists, musicians, brewers, chefs and so much more.  Located at 10 Shady Oak Dr., near Biltmore Village, Forestry Camp showcases these makers and elevates the products into their bar and restaurant. Chef Brian Canipelli (owner of Cucina 24, James Beard nominee) brings his skill and creativity to the kitchen with a seasonal, Appalachian-raised menu inspired by the traditions and spirit of the Basque Country. Check out more here – including the amazing tale of their historical location.

Sunday 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Monday Closed
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Thursday 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Friday 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Saturday 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Standing Strong Seeks Sponsors
Oct 4 all-day
Diana Wortham Theatre

JOIN US for standing strong!

Please join us on the evening of Thursday October 24, 2019 at the Diana Wortham Theatre. This event supports the quality health care and education programs that Planned Parenthood provides in the Asheville community.                                                                                                    STANDING STRONG details

Sponsor Lunch with Irin: 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Sponsor Reception with Irin: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Main Program: 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Private Champagne and Dessert Reception  8:00 to 9:00 p.m.

The Sponsor Reception ($1,000+) begins at 5:30 p.m. at Diana Wortham Theatre. Guests will meet Irin Carmon and enjoy complimentary wine and heavy hors d’oeuvres before the program.

Doors open for all at 6:30 p.m. with curtain time at 7:00 p.m. in the Diana Wortham Theatre. Irin will deliver the keynote address.

To close out an evening supporting our critical work, sponsors ($500 – $150) are invited to the Private Champagne and Dessert Reception immediately following the program.

Wands for Wildlife collection has begun!
Oct 4 all-day
October is here!! Wands are being accepted throughout the month. Please go to the website for the form to send in with them and more information. SHARE THIS FORWARD! ????
www.wandsforwildlife.org

Since March of 2017 the Wands for Wildlife program has grown and spread all over the world! Engaging people of all ages and from all walks of life to take action, help the planet and save wild lives.
One Wander (wand donor) from Poland shared, “I am so happy that good people still exist in the world.”
From a Preschool teacher in Illinois, “I was unsure if my preschoolers would understand conservation and pollution, but starting with taking care of animals was the perfect way to start the unit since it was a more concrete idea and something they had prior knowledge about.”
Link to post that went up announcing the Appalachian Wildlife Refuge ‘Wands for Wildlife’ drive for October has begun….
Wetland Forest Priority Maps
Oct 4 all-day

Cypress Tree

Restoring and protecting wetland forests in the US South will provide extensive financial, social, and environmental benefits. We hope that you’ll visit the Wetland Forest Priority Maps and explore the information and stories found within.

We’ve highlighted fourteen potential watersheds to prioritize for conservation work in wetland forests, including:

  • The Lower Pee Dee Watershed in coastal South Carolina and North Carolina
  • The Apalachicola Watershed in the panhandle of Florida and inland Georgia
  • The Atchafalaya Watershed in Louisiana
  • The Mobile-Bay Tombigbee Watershed in Alabama

These are the watersheds that we may look to when developing relationships with landowners, working with community members on flood resilience, or improving wildlife habitat in the region.

The Wetland Forest Priority Maps identify high priority watersheds based on wildlife, human communities, and threats. Wa

Burnsville, NC Oktoberfest
Oct 4 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Garden Deli

Burnsville Can’t Miss! Traditional polka music and dance on the covered deck. Dinner served 5pm-8pm inside at Garden Deli. Snap Dragon will have regular hours. Enjoy great food and super fun entertainment!

Concert featuring Trusty Hucksters Hickory Nut Gap Farm
Oct 4 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Hickory Nut Gap Farm

Live music, family fun and delicious food!

Join us on October 4th for the Trusty Hucksters, an Asheville duo and brain child of Mark Toolan of Halo And The Harlots. This past December Toolan self released “Highways and Area Codes” an album of acoustic driven folksy blues rock.

About our Food:

During the show we serve a complete spread of delicious farm-to-fork dinner options using our own pasture raised meats and locally sourced produce. Meals are prepared fresh by our in-house culinary team and are available for an additional cost along with alcoholic (beer/wine) and non-alcoholic beverage options.  The menu typically consists of 3 meats and 4 sides. The full menu will be advertised on the event Facebook page a few days in advance of the concert.  Be sure to follow us online for the latest updates!

An Evening with Cornflower
Oct 4 @ 7:00 pm – Oct 5 @ 10:00 pm
Violet Owl Wellness

? ASHEVILLE CONCERT THIS FRIDAY!

I am STOKED to bring this transformational music and movement concert experience to the Asheville Community at Violet Owl Wellness in Downtown Asheville!

Asheville was an oasis for me growing up in East Tennessee. I could just drive over the most beautiful mountains to find myself in a fresh new perspective on life. I saw some of the best concerts in Asheville while in high school and it is full circle for me to now bring my music to this beautiful city.

RSVP now @ Cornflower at Asheville NC and tag (or invite) your Asheville friends in the comments below!

See you on the Dance Floor!
ALL LOVE, Cornflower

Saturday, October 5, 2019
Forestry Camp Bar & Restaurant Opens in South Asheville!
Oct 5 all-day
Forestry Camp

Burial Beer’s much anticipated Forestry Camp is officially open! This culmination of like-minded makers is a celebration of the best bakers, coffee roasters, distillers, wine makers, artists, musicians, brewers, chefs and so much more.  Located at 10 Shady Oak Dr., near Biltmore Village, Forestry Camp showcases these makers and elevates the products into their bar and restaurant. Chef Brian Canipelli (owner of Cucina 24, James Beard nominee) brings his skill and creativity to the kitchen with a seasonal, Appalachian-raised menu inspired by the traditions and spirit of the Basque Country. Check out more here – including the amazing tale of their historical location.

Sunday 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Monday Closed
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Thursday 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Friday 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Saturday 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Foster Parent Training Classes Announced for 2020
Oct 5 all-day
with in Buncombe County

News
                            article image

You might have heard about the need to recruit more foster parents in Buncombe County. “We currently have 300 kids in foster care in Buncombe County,” says Heather Hill-Pavone, Buncombe County Licensing Social Worker. “Only some of those kids get to stay in Buncombe County as we only have 100 licensed foster homes with BCHHS.” We need your help to let people in our community know about the upcoming Foster Parent Training Classes happening in 2020!

These courses begin the licensure process for becoming a foster parent. They are offered quarterly, for anyone in Buncombe County, who is interested in becoming a foster parent. While the next round of Foster Parent Training Classes starts on September 11, the classes for 2020 are NOW on the calendar! You can sign up by clicking this link.

2020 Schedule: 

  • Winter Classes: Jan 16, 2020 through Feb 20, 2020 (Thursdays) at Buncombe County Health and Human Services in Downtown Asheville
  • Spring Classes: March 25, 2020 through April 29, 2020 (Wednesdays) at Biltmore Church in Arden, NC
  • Summer Classes: June 2, 2020 through July 7, 2020 (Tuesdays) at Biltmore Church in Arden
  • Fall Classes: September 14, 2020 through October 19, 2020 (Mondays) at Buncombe County Health and Human Services in Downtown Asheville
Wands for Wildlife collection has begun!
Oct 5 all-day
October is here!! Wands are being accepted throughout the month. Please go to the website for the form to send in with them and more information. SHARE THIS FORWARD! ????
www.wandsforwildlife.org

Since March of 2017 the Wands for Wildlife program has grown and spread all over the world! Engaging people of all ages and from all walks of life to take action, help the planet and save wild lives.
One Wander (wand donor) from Poland shared, “I am so happy that good people still exist in the world.”
From a Preschool teacher in Illinois, “I was unsure if my preschoolers would understand conservation and pollution, but starting with taking care of animals was the perfect way to start the unit since it was a more concrete idea and something they had prior knowledge about.”
Link to post that went up announcing the Appalachian Wildlife Refuge ‘Wands for Wildlife’ drive for October has begun….
Swannanoa Community Yard Sale
Oct 5 @ 8:00 am – 1:15 pm
Ingles Parking Lot

Giant Yard Sale in Swannanoa. Visit website if you want to rent a booth to sell.

PEAK (Parents of Estranged Adult Kids)
Oct 5 @ 8:30 am – 9:45 am
First Congregational Church Library

You adult child won’t speak to you? Find support through our weekly meetings, every Saturday, Sept. 7 – Nov. 9, 2019, 8:30 am to 9:45 am, at First Congregational Church Library, 1735 Fifth Avenue West.  It’s not about who’s right or wrong.  It’s about getting on with life.

Sand Hill Community Garden Workday
Oct 5 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am
BC Sports Park

Community Garden located at the Buncombe County Sports Park.
The mission of Sand HIll Community Garden is to share in garden space, knowledge, and labor with all members of the community.  Using organic growing practices we promote community health and wellness by providing fresh produce for garden members and local people in need of food.

Thomas Wolfe Birthday Celebration
Oct 5 @ 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
The Thomas Wolfe Memorial

Free tours for North Carolina residents. Used book sale cake to celebrate!

…she gave to Luck’s Lad the title of Eugene, a name which, beautifully, means “well born,” but which, as any one will be able to testify, does not mean, has never meant, “well bred.”

52nd Bascom Lamar Lundsford “Minstrel Of Appalachia” Festival
Oct 5 @ 10:00 am – 7:30 pm
Mars Hill University

The Lunsford Festival is an all-day festival celebrating regional music and dance traditions. The event is the second oldest folk festival in Western North Carolina and was named in honor of cofounder Bascom Lamar Lunsford. Lunsford was a musician and folklorist who dedicated his life to collecting and promoting the music of the Southern Appalachians. Through his work he became known as the “Minstrel of the Appalachians.” The festival, which is now in its 52nd year, brings out the region’s finest musicians and dancers.  It happens on the same day as the Madison Heritage Arts Festival, so downtown will be abuzz. Join us in honoring the rich cultural traditions of the Southern Appalachians!

10:00-5:00: Concert on the Upper Quad
11:00: Presentation of the Lunsford Award
12:00-1:00: Fiddle, Banjo, Guitar, Dulcimer, Shaped Note Workshops
1:15-2:00: Open jam (Sunken Garden)
1:30-3:30: Ballad Swap (Blackwell Hall)
5:30-7:30: Community Dance (Chambers Gym)

 

Creating Peace Within and Without
Oct 5 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Unity of The Blue Ridge
The MakeHER Market
Oct 5 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
mothlight

MakeHER Market

The MakeHER Market at the Mothlight – Women’s Work Empowers the World. The MakeHER Market returns to The Mothlight in West Asheville on Saturday, October 5th. The debut event was held in March 2019 as a way to highlight and create connections between the talented community of local female entrepreneurs in celebration of International Women’s Day. The MakeHER Market will feature more than 20 female, independent creatives, makers and designers and their unique, hand crafted goods. Fair Trade coffee, jewelry and home décor as well as locally made art and botanicals will be available to purchase. Created and organized by Incite Coffee Company and Maadili Collective, Fair Trade companies working with female owned cooperatives in developing countries, the event aims to honor the enterprising ventures of women locally and abroad. Event hours are 10am to 3pm, admission is free and families are welcome. Women’s Work Empowers the World!

Hickory Nut Gap Farm to Fare- An evening with Camas Davis and Adam Danforth
Oct 5 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Hickory Nut Gap Farm

There is a short list of nationally recognizable names in the art of butchery and both Camas Davis and Adam Danforth make the grade. On Saturday, October 5th, Hickory Nut Gap and Chop Shop Butchery join together to bring this dynamic due into Western North Carolina for an intimate dining and butchery event. A strong supporter of ethical and sustainable meat production and consumption, the Appalachian Meat Collective has joined the festivities to also help further promote Hickory Nut Gap’s mission to ‘build community through agriculture’.

“By joining everyone together, we are able to move agriculture forward in a big way. We all strongly value humane animal treatment, have a deep respect for the livestock that we consume, and can unite together to educate people while enjoying a wonderful meal together,” Jamie Ager, Owner and Farmer, Hickory Nut Gap.