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.

Saturday, August 1, 2020
On line Gardening Resources Buncombe County Extension
Aug 1 all-day
Online

Resources

Gardening advice is easy to find on the web, but much of the information is inaccurate, inappropriate for your area, and may do more harm than good!  The links on this page are excellent sources for research-based gardening information. Click here for a few tips to finding useful gardening information for Western North Carolina:  Web Research Tips for WNC

The Dancing Pitcher w/ Sarah Wells Rolland: 2 Hr. Video Demonstration Workshop
Aug 1 all-day
Online

This form has been a signature piece in Sarah’s body of work for years. The award winning Dancing Pitcher celebrates gracefulness, soft lines, and movement. The process making this unique form is inspiring and challenging.

This workshop is designed to push our limits as potters and push the limits of clay. We will cover many techniques. The goal is to stretch our thinking when making and designing pots. Creating designs where the flow of line and space are key. The making of this sectional graceful pot is perfect for discussion about design and training our eye to see.

We will cover:

  1. Throwing w/excellence
  2. Throwing in Sections
  3. Throwing with larger volumes of clay
  4. Darting
  5. Fluid Handles
  6. Pulling a large handle off the pot
  7. How to glaze this 24″ tall form and not ruin it
  8. Art that functions and why it matters

I will have several Pitchers in the different stages so we can all see this pot made to completion in the set 2 hours.

Hang on to you potters stool because you are in for a beautiful ride!

The video workshop is available for 30 days after purchase.

Animal Habitats VIP Tours
Aug 1 @ 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.

Environmental Impact II Exhibit
Aug 1 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

This exhibit will reopen on Wednesday, July 1, and will be on display daily through Sunday, August 2. On display daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. inside the Baker Exhibit Center, Environmental Impact II features more than 50 artworks, including paintings, photography, sculptures and film, focused on generating public attention surrounding environmental issues and unintended consequences…

To help protect the safety of our guests and staff, a one-way route will be enforced inside the exhibit hall. All guests ages 11 years and older will be required to wear a face covering while inside the Baker Exhibit Center. Thank you for your cooperation! 

2020 Workdays at Sandhill Tree Nursery
Aug 1 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Buncombe County Sports Park

2020 Workdays at Sandhill Tree Nursery

From Asheville GreenWorks:

Looking to get involved, stay active, and meet some new friends? Public workdays at Sandhill Native Tree Nursery and Edible Orchard take place on the first Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. until noon at Buncombe County Sports Park (58 Apac Circle in West Asheville/Candler). 2020 dates include:

  • Feb. 1
  • March 7
  • April 4
  • May 2
  • June 6
  • July 11 (the second Saturday due to July 4)
  • Aug. 1
  • Sept. 5
  • Oct. 3
  • Nov. 7

Join other volunteers in mulching, pruning, and weeding along with special projects. Please wear work clothes to get dirty and close-toed shoes. Sunscreen, water, and hat are also handy items to have on hand. All other tools and gear will be provided. Contact Gabby Fitts with any questions at (828) 232-7144 or [email protected].

The Sandhill tree nursey is supported with a Buncombe County Community Recreation Grant. Specific native trees are grown at the site and planted in public places throughout the county as a larger plan to plant no less than 500 trees annually. The project allows for a greater variety of fruit and shade trees to support a more diverse ecology.

Follow Buncombe County Recreation on Facebook and Instagram.

Virtual Pop-Up Book Sale
Aug 1 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Online

No photo description available.

www.facebook.com/SmartStartPFC

Succulent Saturday
Aug 1 @ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
AR Workshop Asheville

Image may contain: text that says 'PAINT SUCCULENT saturdays AIR WORKSHOP Asheville PICK PLANT'

Join us at AR Workshop for a Specialty Succulent Box Workshop! In this workshop, we will help you create an 8″ or 16″ Mini Centerpiece Box, and then we will teach you how to fill it and care for a selection of beautiful succulents!

The registration fee includes all materials to create a custom DIY Centerpiece Box, and the planting materials to create a one-of-a-kind custom planter! If you would like to add handles to your project, they can be purchased separately at the workshop.

Event

Sunday, August 2, 2020
Anti-Racisim: Resources Literacy Council
Aug 2 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.
Farm Beginnings® Farmer-Led Training Program Virtual for 2020-2021
Aug 2 all-day
Online

Many skills are required to start and expand a successful farm business: passion, clear goals, production experience, financial and marketing know-how, and more. Farm Beginnings® will help you build these skills through one year of farmer-led training, mentoring, and networking. Using a holistic management frame, farmer-led classroom sessions, on-farm tours, and an extensive farmer network, Farm Beginnings® will help you clarify your goals and strengths, establish a strong enterprise plan, and start building a profitable and sustainable operation. Although students do not need to own land, some farming or production experience is required to get the most out of the program. As we know, farming is more critical than ever. Apply to this program and be prepared when crisis hits!

Program Details: December 2020 – September 2021

2020-2021 Farm Beginnings® Farmer Training is 200+ Hours including:

— Winter Whole-Farm Business Planning Courses – 60 hours (October – March)**
— ASAP’s Business of Farming Conference (February) – 8 hours
— OGS Conferences – 40+ hours
— Mentorship with an experienced Farmer Mentor (March – September) – 15 hours
— Production Training – 45 hours (April – October): WNC CRAFT tours on sustainable farms around WNC & Field Days with regional partners Living Web Farms  and the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy Incubator Farm
— One year WNC CRAFT Farmer Network membership – Membership and mentoring in a regional farmer network

NC Forest Service’s Annual Tree Seedling Sale
Aug 2 all-day
Online

a dirt path in a forest

The North Carolina Forest Service is accepting tree seedling orders as part of its annual sale.

Each year, the NCFS Nursery Program produces millions of quality seedlings for nearly 50 species of conifers, hardwoods and native understory plants, including eastern and Carolina hemlock seedlings, as well as an expanded selection of genetically improved third cycle loblolly pine seedlings.

How can you order tree seedlings from the NCFS Nursery Program?

  • Tree seedlings can be ordered from the online seedling store at www.buynctrees.com.
  • Tree seedlings can also be ordered by phone at 1-888-NCTREES (1-888-628-7337).
  • Tree seedlings can be ordered using the order form found in our current catalog. Complete the form and mail to Seedling Coordinator, 762 Claridge Nursery Road, Goldsboro, NC 27530.
  • A user-friendly catalog is available at the “Tree Seedlings & Nursery Program” link located at www.ncforestservice.gov. Catalogs are also available at local NCFS offices located in all 100 North Carolina counties. Inside the catalog, landowners can find information about the types of tree species, quantities and costs to order. Each tree description includes information about ideal planting locations and whether a species is typically used to benefit wildlife, restore habitats or as marketable timber.

Distribution of tree seedlings will occur December through mid-April, depending on weather conditions. Seedling orders can be shipped to one of 12 distribution centers statewide for a small fee or via UPS for a charge. Seedling orders are also available for pickup from the NCFS Claridge Nursery in Goldsboro or the Linville River Nursery, near Crossnore. For information on planting trees, people are encouraged to contact an NCFS county ranger. Contact information for your local NCFS county office and nursery locations is available at www.ncforestservice.gov/contacts.

The Dancing Pitcher w/ Sarah Wells Rolland: 2 Hr. Video Demonstration Workshop
Aug 2 all-day
Online

This form has been a signature piece in Sarah’s body of work for years. The award winning Dancing Pitcher celebrates gracefulness, soft lines, and movement. The process making this unique form is inspiring and challenging.

This workshop is designed to push our limits as potters and push the limits of clay. We will cover many techniques. The goal is to stretch our thinking when making and designing pots. Creating designs where the flow of line and space are key. The making of this sectional graceful pot is perfect for discussion about design and training our eye to see.

We will cover:

  1. Throwing w/excellence
  2. Throwing in Sections
  3. Throwing with larger volumes of clay
  4. Darting
  5. Fluid Handles
  6. Pulling a large handle off the pot
  7. How to glaze this 24″ tall form and not ruin it
  8. Art that functions and why it matters

I will have several Pitchers in the different stages so we can all see this pot made to completion in the set 2 hours.

Hang on to you potters stool because you are in for a beautiful ride!

The video workshop is available for 30 days after purchase.

Animal Habitats VIP Tours
Aug 2 @ 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.

Environmental Impact II Exhibit
Aug 2 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

This exhibit will reopen on Wednesday, July 1, and will be on display daily through Sunday, August 2. On display daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. inside the Baker Exhibit Center, Environmental Impact II features more than 50 artworks, including paintings, photography, sculptures and film, focused on generating public attention surrounding environmental issues and unintended consequences…

To help protect the safety of our guests and staff, a one-way route will be enforced inside the exhibit hall. All guests ages 11 years and older will be required to wear a face covering while inside the Baker Exhibit Center. Thank you for your cooperation! 

Monday, August 3, 2020
Dogwood Alliance: Woods + Wilds: The Podcast!
Aug 3 all-day
Online

https://www.dogwoodalliance.org/2020/07/woods-wilds-the-podcast-episode-one/?fbclid=IwAR1i8UtIuKNXhpfQPJbkQB4jw5XW4tWGLyXBTqpSz3hWejTTWROWIeYOAa8

For the safety and well-being of our supporters, Dogwood Alliance will not hold our annual Woods & Wilds live storytelling event this year. It’s an event we look forward to every year because it’s an opportunity to celebrate the magic of forests with our community. We still wanted to find a way to bring that same kind of magic to people wherever they are, so we teamed up with SlayTheMic to launch Woods & Wilds: The Podcast! We will be releasing an episode every other Monday.

The podcast will sometimes offer tales of the forest and other times will be an interview with our guests about their unique connection to nature – often touching on the connection between hip hop and nature.

We were overjoyed to welcome our very first guest, Dr. Thomas RaShad Easley aka RaShad Eas, also known as the Hip Hop Forester and the Assistant Dean of Community and Inclusion at the Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies, where he helps strengthen community diversity and develops programming around workplace equity. He’s also the author of the incredible article How Hip Hop Can Bring Green Issues To Communities of Color.

Fairy Trail at Bullington Gardens
Aug 3 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Bullington Gardens

The Fairy trail is open Monday thru Saturday, 9am-4pm. We encourage all visitors to be patient as there will be limits to the number of people allowed on the trail at the same time. While the trail is outdoors, there are some small spaces and we want to ensure our guests and fairies are safe. Please practice appropriate social distancing and bring a mask in case. Masks are not required, but are considerate in a close area. Our restrooms are not open to the public at this time. Please make arrangements prior to visiting.

 

Rules of the trail:

Do not move or rearrange fairy displays. The fairies are very fond of their own decorating.

Do not leave trash on the trail. Fairies do not like litter in their town.

Please ensure children and pets are supervised at all times. Dogs and loud noises can scare the fairies into hiding.

Do not disturb wildlife or vegetation. The fairies depend on the vegetation to build their homes.

The trail is one way only. Please stay on the trail at all times.

 

The Fairies can’t wait to see you all here!

P.S. the Fairies would like us to remind you that we are a non-profit and donations are greatly appreciated. Help us keep the fairies living in the style with which they’ve become accustomed.

Fall Organic Gardening Series: Prepare Your Garden for Winter
Aug 3 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Dr. John Wilson Community Garden
  • Fall Organic Gardening Series: Prepare Your Garden for Winter

    Western NC plant hardiness zones range from 6 to 8 which means that no matter where you live in our region, a wide range of vegetables can overwinter without much fuss. Discover when to seed and transplant, which vegetables to plant, site location based on the hours of sunlight, and simple techniques for winter protection. And don’t forget that winter months are perfect for planning your spring garden. Possible additional topics as time allows:
  • Raised beds
  • Fertilization and water
  • Mulching systems
  • Three-season cover cropping
  • Harvesting tips and timelines
  • Fall and winter pest pressure
  • Increasing plant hardiness

 

Tuesday, August 4, 2020
Gardening Video: Sun to Shade—Changing Light Patterns in Your Garden
Aug 4 all-day
Online

Presenter: Kay Green, Extension Master GardenerSM Volunteer

The amount of sun or shade in your garden will change as the sun moves across the sky during the day and with the seasons.  By knowing how much sun the garden gets, you can better plan where your plants will thrive.  In this video, Kay shows you how to create a “Sun Map” and a “Sun Chart” to record the sun and shade patterns in your garden.  Using these simple tools will help you make better plant selections and reward you with better results.

Video access:
To access these videos on the Buncombe County Master Gardener website, click on the link below:
Sun to Shade—Changing Light Patterns in Your Garden 

Or go to www.buncombemastergardener.org, click on the ‘Resources’ tab at the top of the page, and select ‘Gardening Videos’ from the drop down menu.

Fairy Trail at Bullington Gardens
Aug 4 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Bullington Gardens

The Fairy trail is open Monday thru Saturday, 9am-4pm. We encourage all visitors to be patient as there will be limits to the number of people allowed on the trail at the same time. While the trail is outdoors, there are some small spaces and we want to ensure our guests and fairies are safe. Please practice appropriate social distancing and bring a mask in case. Masks are not required, but are considerate in a close area. Our restrooms are not open to the public at this time. Please make arrangements prior to visiting.

 

Rules of the trail:

Do not move or rearrange fairy displays. The fairies are very fond of their own decorating.

Do not leave trash on the trail. Fairies do not like litter in their town.

Please ensure children and pets are supervised at all times. Dogs and loud noises can scare the fairies into hiding.

Do not disturb wildlife or vegetation. The fairies depend on the vegetation to build their homes.

The trail is one way only. Please stay on the trail at all times.

 

The Fairies can’t wait to see you all here!

P.S. the Fairies would like us to remind you that we are a non-profit and donations are greatly appreciated. Help us keep the fairies living in the style with which they’ve become accustomed.

Get Started on Ukulele or Guitar! (Virtual group class for KIDS)
Aug 4 @ 11:00 am – 11:45 am
Online

Image may contain: 6 people

During this 5-week online group class, Ben Brill will cover the fundamentals of ukulele and guitar and teach kids several cool-sounding songs they can play on the instrument right away. The group will even co-create an original song by the end of the class.

*For students interested in guitar, they’ll need to have a simple $10 device called a Capo to play along with the class.

This is a FUN, low-pressure way to have some enjoy music this summer. It’s great if students can attend all 5 classes, but they still can drop in any day and learn.

The event will happen weekly on Tuesday’s at 11 AM, starting July 7th, 2020. If you don’t yet own an instrument, Ben can make some suggestions. The cost of the sessions is $20 per class and can be paid upfront (all classes), OR per session.

If you’re interested in the group, send Ben a message so that you can receive the secure Zoom links to the meetings and farther instructions.

Breastfeeding Class
Aug 4 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Mission Breastfeeding Center

Breastfeeding

Get breastfeeding off to the best start possible with our breastfeeding class. Designed for expectant mothers, we will go over everything you would want to know before your little bundle arrives.

There is a $20 class fee for this class that is due upon the start of class.

If you have to cancel this reservation, please call us at 828-213-1103.
Taking the Leap–Starting Your Business
Aug 4 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Online

No photo description available.

In this FREE four-week long cohort, participants will learn about different aspects of starting a business, including identifying potential markets, writing a business plan, running the finances of a business, and marketing a business.

You’ll attend sessions online and work closely with mentors and peers in fun breakout activities designed to help strengthen your business ideas and prepare you for success.

If you are interested in learning more or signing up, click here: http://www.sbtdc.org/takingtheleap/july/

Wednesday, August 5, 2020
Gardening Video: Sun to Shade—Changing Light Patterns in Your Garden
Aug 5 all-day
Online

Presenter: Kay Green, Extension Master GardenerSM Volunteer

The amount of sun or shade in your garden will change as the sun moves across the sky during the day and with the seasons.  By knowing how much sun the garden gets, you can better plan where your plants will thrive.  In this video, Kay shows you how to create a “Sun Map” and a “Sun Chart” to record the sun and shade patterns in your garden.  Using these simple tools will help you make better plant selections and reward you with better results.

Video access:
To access these videos on the Buncombe County Master Gardener website, click on the link below:
Sun to Shade—Changing Light Patterns in Your Garden 

Or go to www.buncombemastergardener.org, click on the ‘Resources’ tab at the top of the page, and select ‘Gardening Videos’ from the drop down menu.

Fairy Trail at Bullington Gardens
Aug 5 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Bullington Gardens

The Fairy trail is open Monday thru Saturday, 9am-4pm. We encourage all visitors to be patient as there will be limits to the number of people allowed on the trail at the same time. While the trail is outdoors, there are some small spaces and we want to ensure our guests and fairies are safe. Please practice appropriate social distancing and bring a mask in case. Masks are not required, but are considerate in a close area. Our restrooms are not open to the public at this time. Please make arrangements prior to visiting.

 

Rules of the trail:

Do not move or rearrange fairy displays. The fairies are very fond of their own decorating.

Do not leave trash on the trail. Fairies do not like litter in their town.

Please ensure children and pets are supervised at all times. Dogs and loud noises can scare the fairies into hiding.

Do not disturb wildlife or vegetation. The fairies depend on the vegetation to build their homes.

The trail is one way only. Please stay on the trail at all times.

 

The Fairies can’t wait to see you all here!

P.S. the Fairies would like us to remind you that we are a non-profit and donations are greatly appreciated. Help us keep the fairies living in the style with which they’ve become accustomed.

Thursday, August 6, 2020
Gardening Video: Sun to Shade—Changing Light Patterns in Your Garden
Aug 6 all-day
Online

Presenter: Kay Green, Extension Master GardenerSM Volunteer

The amount of sun or shade in your garden will change as the sun moves across the sky during the day and with the seasons.  By knowing how much sun the garden gets, you can better plan where your plants will thrive.  In this video, Kay shows you how to create a “Sun Map” and a “Sun Chart” to record the sun and shade patterns in your garden.  Using these simple tools will help you make better plant selections and reward you with better results.

Video access:
To access these videos on the Buncombe County Master Gardener website, click on the link below:
Sun to Shade—Changing Light Patterns in Your Garden 

Or go to www.buncombemastergardener.org, click on the ‘Resources’ tab at the top of the page, and select ‘Gardening Videos’ from the drop down menu.

Fairy Trail at Bullington Gardens
Aug 6 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Bullington Gardens

The Fairy trail is open Monday thru Saturday, 9am-4pm. We encourage all visitors to be patient as there will be limits to the number of people allowed on the trail at the same time. While the trail is outdoors, there are some small spaces and we want to ensure our guests and fairies are safe. Please practice appropriate social distancing and bring a mask in case. Masks are not required, but are considerate in a close area. Our restrooms are not open to the public at this time. Please make arrangements prior to visiting.

 

Rules of the trail:

Do not move or rearrange fairy displays. The fairies are very fond of their own decorating.

Do not leave trash on the trail. Fairies do not like litter in their town.

Please ensure children and pets are supervised at all times. Dogs and loud noises can scare the fairies into hiding.

Do not disturb wildlife or vegetation. The fairies depend on the vegetation to build their homes.

The trail is one way only. Please stay on the trail at all times.

 

The Fairies can’t wait to see you all here!

P.S. the Fairies would like us to remind you that we are a non-profit and donations are greatly appreciated. Help us keep the fairies living in the style with which they’ve become accustomed.

Politics Live with The Fix
Aug 6 @ 12:00 pm
twitter

Join Washington Post reporters for a discussion on the latest politics.

Adult Creative Writing Group for Children’s Books
Aug 6 @ 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.

 

NC Arboretum’s “Arbor Evenings”
Aug 6 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Relax and unwind at the Arboretum’s “ArborEvenings” after hours series. Held every Thursday, June – October, from 6 to 9 p.m., visitors will sip and stroll through the Arboretum’s beautiful gardens while enjoying live music amongst flowers and friends. Local beverages, including beer and wine, are available for purchase along with light food options.

Admission to ArborEvenings is free; however, standard parking fees apply to non-members.

Plastic: Problems, Solutions and How to Recycle Right
Aug 6 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Online

Image may contain: text that says 'Plastic: Problems, Solutions and How to Recycle Right virtual presentation with Asheville GreenWorks' Plasti Reduction Task Force Thursday, August 6th: 7:00 pm EST. SIERRA CLUB ORTHCAROLINA COLLIDER Green Works Plastic, especially single- use plastic, has become local and global issue. Pjoin our pane ofknowl ledgeabl professionals understandin the problemand learning what you do make difference VE'

Plastic—especially single-use—has become a huge problem, clogging our oceans and, with incineration, raining down on us from above. Join us for our virtual presentation with the Greenworks Plastic Reduction Task Force to understand the local and global problems and what you can do.

Our presenters include Alison Ormsby, Lecturer in Environmental Studies & Interim Co-Director of Sustainability at UNCA; Mickey Snowdon, Communications Liaison at The Collider; Finn Digman, AmeriCorps Waste Reduction Education Coordinator at GreenWorks; and Krista Stearns, businesswoman helping to lead the GreenWorks Plastic Reduction Task Force.

Register in advance here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_r8BUkbRxQKK1P1ALq8O7rg

Plus, to give you an overview of the overwhelming problem of plastic pollution, we are offering the documentary “The Story of Plastic” for viewing at no charge. The film will be available until 11:30 pm on Aug. 6 and can be found here: https://indee.tv/screener/view/85Svxt4390JrhQjETVdK5jy7GxaItXLK/

Also, be sure to read posts from our presenters in Greenworks’ Mind Your Plastic May blog. May is over, but plastic pollution isn’t! https://www.ashevillegreenworks.org/mind-your-plastic-may

Friday, August 7, 2020
Anti-Racisim: Resources Literacy Council
Aug 7 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.