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, January 25, 2024
Memoir Writing Mini Series with Writing Coach Cornelia Dolian
Jan 25 @ 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Weaverville Library

Join local writing coach, Cornelia Dolian at the Weaverville Library for this three part Memoir Writing Mini Series.  Space is limited. Call 828-250-6482 to reserve a spot today!

Session One: Memoir Basics & Beginnings
Thursday, January 11th 2:00-3:30

Session Two: Memoir Structure and Outline
Thursday, January 18th 2:00-3:30

Session Three: Memoir Writing Marathon First Miles
Thursday, January 25th 2:00-3:30

Huge thanks to the Friends of the Weaverville Library for sponsoring this series!

Memoir Writing Mini Series with Writing Coach Cornelia Dolian: Session Three
Jan 25 @ 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Weaverville Public Library

Join local writing coach, Cornelia Dolian at the Weaverville Library for this three part Memoir Writing Mini Series.  Space is limited. Call 828-250-6482 to reserve a spot today!

Session One: Memoir Basics & Beginnings
Thursday, January 11th 2:00-3:30

Session Two: Memoir Structure and Outline
Thursday, January 18th 2:00-3:30

Session Three: Memoir Writing Marathon First Miles
Thursday, January 25th 2:00-3:30

Memoir Writing Miniseries with Writing Coach Cornelia Dolian: Session Three
Jan 25 @ 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Weaverville Public Library

Join local writing coach, Cornelia Dolian at the Weaverville Library for this three part Memoir Writing Mini Series.  Space is limited. Call 828-250-6482 to reserve a spot today!

Session One: Memoir Basics & Beginnings
Thursday, January 11th 2:00-3:30

Session Two: Memoir Structure and Outline
Thursday, January 18th 2:00-3:30

Session Three: Memoir Writing Marathon First Miles
Thursday, January 25th 2:00-3:30

Huge thanks to the Friends of the Weaverville Library for sponsoring this series!

Saturday, January 27, 2024
Artists + Writers Coffee
Jan 27 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

Saturdays from 10:30 AM – 12 PM

TFAC Pavilion (park/enter at rear of building)
Free drop-in event
Sunday, January 28, 2024
2nd Annual Wild Ones WNC Native Seed Swap
Jan 28 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Fifth Season Gardening
Native Plant Seed Swap – all are welcome, seeds not required – there will be enough for all. Learn about native plants and how to start them from seeds
We will have information and demonstrations on seed sowing and growing.
Tuesday, January 30, 2024
Dark City Poet’s Society
Jan 30 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Black Mountain Library

Great news for poets and poetry lovers: Dark City Poet’s Society is returning to the Black Mountain Library. DCPS is a completely free poetry group that is open to poets of all ages and experience levels. Join us at the Black Mountain Library from 6-7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month for our (respectful) critique group. DCPS will meet at BAD Craft from 6-7 p.m. on the third Tuesday for our monthly open mic Poetry Night. Find out more on Instagram @darkcitypoetssociety or contact the Black Mountain Library.

Thursday, February 1, 2024
Basics of Pruning
Feb 1 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Bullington Gardens

Pruning techniques are essential for promoting the health and productivity of plants. Different techniques can control diseases, stimulate new growth, and maintain aesthetically pleasing landscapes. Join us as horticulture expert John Murphy teaches the basics of pruning.

Saturday, February 3, 2024
Building Better Soil + Healthy Plants Workshop
Feb 3 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Fifth Season Gardening

Healthy plants start with healthy soil! In this workshop, learn the basics of how soil works, how to manage weeds with minimal tilling, and the important role of organic matter and diversity in the health and productivity of your soil. Join us to discover:

  • five guiding principles of good soil management
  • how to implement these principles for a thriving garden

We will be conducting hands-on soil sample tests and discussing how to read a soil report, along with many other useful soil health tips and tricks!

 

Workshop participants will receive 10% off on same-day purchases at Fifth Season Gardening Asheville.

Artists + Writers Coffee
Feb 3 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

Saturdays from 10:30 AM – 12 PM

TFAC Pavilion (park/enter at rear of building)
Free drop-in event
Promote Your Local Pollinators with Bee City
Feb 3 @ 3:30 pm
Swannanoa Library

 

This winter and spring join us for an introduction to pollinators presented by Bee City USA Asheville. Pollinators are under threat, but there’s plenty we can do to help right in our backyards.

We’ll talk about:

  • What is pollination
  • The importance of pollination
  • Pollinators & their identification
  • The importance of pollinator habitat

The presenter for this program will be Athena Rayne Anderson who holds PhD in Ecology with a focus on native pollinators. Athena is also a Certified Pollinator Steward through the Pollinator Partnership and works with Bee City USA Asheville to promote the value of native pollinator plants.

Our pollinator programs will be:

Fairview Library
Wednesday, Jan. 24 at 3:30 p.m.

Swannanoa Library
Saturday, Feb. 3 at 3:30 p.m.

Leicester Library
Saturday, April 13 at 2 p.m.

Skyland/South Buncombe Library
Tuesday, May 14 at 6 p.m.

These programs are free, and everyone is invited.

Tuesday, February 6, 2024
Dark City Poet’s Society
Feb 6 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Black Mountain Library

Great news for poets and poetry lovers: Dark City Poet’s Society is returning to the Black Mountain Library. DCPS is a completely free poetry group that is open to poets of all ages and experience levels. Join us at the Black Mountain Library from 6-7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month for our (respectful) critique group. DCPS will meet at BAD Craft from 6-7 p.m. on the third Tuesday for our monthly open mic Poetry Night. Find out more on Instagram @darkcitypoetssociety or contact the Black Mountain Library.

Saturday, February 10, 2024
Greater Greenville Master Gardener Symposium
Feb 10 @ 7:30 am – 5:00 pm
Greenville Convention Center

Join us at the Greenville Convention Center for the Greater Greenville Master Gardener Symposium. Featuring entertaining and informative speakers from near and far, the annual GGMG symposium is held on February 10th. Furthering their mission of educating the public, the symposium provides attendees with an inspiring and engaging day and an introduction to new ideas in the ever-changing world of horticulture.

Parking off of Eisenhower Drive.

Artists + Writers Coffee
Feb 10 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

Saturdays from 10:30 AM – 12 PM

TFAC Pavilion (park/enter at rear of building)
Free drop-in event
FREE Fruit Tree Pruning Workshop + Workday
Feb 10 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
George Washington Carver Edible Park
Come out to the Dr. George Washington Carver Edible Park in the East End Valley Street Legacy Neighborhood for a FREE Fruit Tree Pruning Workshop & Workday! Local ethnobotanist Marc Williams and Bountiful Cities Staff member Kelly Applegate will be guiding folks in pruning fruit trees in the urban food forest. We will give a tour and history of the park and then start looking at how to prune and manage fruit trees! NC Extension Master Gardeners will also have soil test kits, NC Extension publications about growing and maintaining fruit trees, and examples of pruning tools and sharpeners available for the public. If you are interested in learning more about growing fruit trees, urban food forests, or community gardens this event is for you!
Bring gloves, water, and yourself! Snacks will be provided and we will have some tools but the more the merrier. We can’t wait to gather in community with you all!
If you have any questions reach out to Kelly at [email protected] .
How to make kuzu (kudzu root starch)
Feb 10 @ 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Stevens Lee Community Center

Please join us for our next free Community Garden Network Workshop, where we will join Lauren “LB” Bacchus, Executive Director of Kudzu Culture, for a hands-on demonstration teaching how kuzu (kudzu root starch) is made. Kuzu has a long legacy of use in Asia, especially in Japan, as an ingredient in macrobiotic cooking. Kuzu is a strong alkaline, and has been traditionally used to make a soothing gooey drink called kuzuyu, among other foods such as noodles, mochi, breads, and soups. LB is an experimental fiber artist whose sculptural work is made from abundant, often invasive, plant material. LB is passionate about learning from traditional craft, and sharing research and processes with others, and has taught eco-art workshops for children and adults at a variety of schools in WNC. This workshop is presented in collaboration with The City of Asheville. For more info go to https://kudzuculture.net/. Please RSVP via the ticket link, and if you have any questions please contact Ta’rin’ii [email protected] or Isa Whitaker at [email protected].

Sunday, February 11, 2024
Dear Valentine: A Love Letter Writing Workshop
Feb 11 @ 2:00 pm – 4:15 pm
Story Parlor

Led by certified Inward & Artward Creative Facilitator, Tikva Kingrea, this pre-Valentine’s Day workshop offers space to connect + craft a love letter from the heart. We’ll talk about the history and styles of love letters complete with examples, what elements go into writing a love letter, how to find and capture meaningful moments, and provide the needed materials to complete a written letter.
For partners and individuals alike, this workshop is designed for everyone looking for a shared meaningful experience to tap into a more intentional way of connection and expression. From die-hard romantics, to self-love-devotees, to “Galentines” enthusiasts, to folks where the “L” word needs a little TLC — there’s something for everyone — whether you’re looking to write a love letter to yourself, your longtime beloved, your cat, or a ghost who won’t let up their haunt in your heart, join us!

Participants will walk away with:
– creative ways of thinking about letter-writing-
a wax-sealed envelope and letter
– meaningful connection exercises
– a shared experience
– snacks

Tuesday, February 13, 2024
Live Stream | AMA with Lauren Harr of Gold Leaf Literary
Feb 13 @ 5:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Virtual w/ Malaprop's Bookstore
Tuesday, January 9, 2024 – 5:30pm to 6:00pm
Tuesday, February 13, 2024 – 5:30pm to 6:00pm

Join Lauren Harr, co-founder of Gold Leaf Literary Services, to ask burning questions about the book world, author events, and the business of writing.

This event is scheduled to occur monthly at the dates and times listed above.

To join, email [email protected] with the subject “I have a question!” and you’ll receive the Zoom link for the upcoming event.

Founded by two long-time booksellers in 2016, Gold Leaf Literary Services is dedicated to educating and assisting authors in various stages of their careers. For more, visit www.goldleafliterary.com.

Dark City Poet’s Society
Feb 13 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Black Mountain Library

Great news for poets and poetry lovers: Dark City Poet’s Society is returning to the Black Mountain Library. DCPS is a completely free poetry group that is open to poets of all ages and experience levels. Join us at the Black Mountain Library from 6-7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month for our (respectful) critique group. DCPS will meet at BAD Craft from 6-7 p.m. on the third Tuesday for our monthly open mic Poetry Night. Find out more on Instagram @darkcitypoetssociety or contact the Black Mountain Library.

Thursday, February 15, 2024
Online Seminar: Tomato Varieties for Home Gardens
Feb 15 all-day
NC Cooperative Extension Master Gardener

Do you love growing tomatoes but find the variety choices overwhelming? Do you know what new varieties are recommended for WNC? Master Gardener Phil Roudebush and Dr. Reza Shekasteband from the NCSU Horticultural Research Station will discuss tomato types and varieties, culture, and disease resistance. They will also share new varieties and research from the NCSU Tomato Breeding and Genetics program and give you a glimpse into the future of tomatoes in WNC.

Gardening in the Mountains: Tomato Varieties for Home Gardens
Feb 15 @ 10:00 am
online

Calling all gardeners crazy about growing tomatoes! Learn best varieties to grow, their culture and disease management.

Gardening in the Mountains presents:

Tomato Varieties for Home Gardens

FREE Virtual Event

Presenters: Phil Roudebush, Extension Master GardenerSM Volunteer and
Dr. Reza Shekasteband, NCSU Horticultural Research Station

Do you love growing tomatoes but find the variety choices overwhelming? Do you know what new varieties are recommended for WNC? Master Gardener Phil Roudebush and Dr. Reza Shekasteband from the NCSU Horticultural Research Station will discuss tomato types and varieties, culture and disease resistance. They will also share new varieties and research from the NCSU Tomato Breeding and Genetics program and give you a glimpse into the future of tomatoes in WNC.

Registration: The talk is free but registration is required. Please click on the link below to register. If you encounter problems registering or if you have questions, call 828-255-5522.

Zoom seminar access: After registration, you will receive an email with instructions and a link to join this online live broadcast via Zoom. The ability to access Zoom through a computer, tablet or smartphone with a reliable internet connection is necessary to attend.

Friday, February 16, 2024
Juniper Bends February Reading
Feb 16 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Flatiron Writers Room
Join us for a post-Valentine’s Day exploration of LOVE in all its forms. Our February reading takes place at the Flatiron Writers Room in West Asheville. Doors at 6:30pm, reading starts at 7pm. Free!
Featured readers: • Sebastian Matthews (Creative Nonfiction) • Amy Reed (YA Fiction) • Tony Robles (Poetry) • Kelly Kelbel (Prose) Readers will have their books available for sale.
Saturday, February 17, 2024
Saturday Seminar at The Learning Garden presents: Pruning Tool Workshop
Feb 17 all-day
NC Cooperative Extension Master Gardener

Gardening tools are key to successful pruning. You need the right tool for the right job, and you need to correctly maintain and care for those tools. Are you sure, for example, when to use your anvil pruners or your bypass pruners instead? This workshop will cover the different kinds of pruning tools, their uses, and their care. Ergonomic pruners and other tools will also be covered.

Bring your pruners, and loopers to learn how to clean and sharpen them.

Artists + Writers Coffee
Feb 17 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

Saturdays from 10:30 AM – 12 PM

TFAC Pavilion (park/enter at rear of building)
Free drop-in event
Tuesday, February 20, 2024
Dark City Poet’s Society
Feb 20 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Black Mountain Library

Great news for poets and poetry lovers: Dark City Poet’s Society is returning to the Black Mountain Library. DCPS is a completely free poetry group that is open to poets of all ages and experience levels. Join us at the Black Mountain Library from 6-7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month for our (respectful) critique group. DCPS will meet at BAD Craft from 6-7 p.m. on the third Tuesday for our monthly open mic Poetry Night. Find out more on Instagram @darkcitypoetssociety or contact the Black Mountain Library.

Thursday, February 22, 2024
56TH ANNUAL WINTER VEGETABLE CONFERENCE
Feb 22 @ 8:30 am – 4:00 pm
Crowne Plaza Resort

Two days of educational programs, trade show featuring over 40 vendors and the annual meeting of the NC Tomato Growers Association

This is the largest commercial vegetable grower event in the region with a high quality educational program put together by vegetable extension specialist/agents at NC State University. We hope that you take advantage of this opportunity to learn about current issues associated with vegetables and take time with the representatives from agricultural companies and other businesses that support our industry during our 2-day trade show.

  • New education track for small farms/direct market growers/organic production
  • A sponsored lunch and awards program will be included at noon on Thursday.
  • Pesticide credits will be available for attendees. (X,O, D, N)
  • NC Private Applicator Recertification Class (V)
  • Fumigation Recertification Class (Z)
  • There will be a trade show again this year with a large number of sponsors and exhibitors setting up their displays for attendees to visit. Interested vendors should register early.

    SPONSORS/EXHIBITORS

    We welcome sponsors for our event. Sponsorships give you the opportunity to showcase your business and allow us to make this a special conference for attendees. Sponsorships also support scholarships. Details are included on the sponsorship ticket descriptions in the “get tickets” link above. If you need to be invoiced and send a check, please contact Ellen Moss at [email protected].

    SCHOLARSHIP DONATIONS

    This year we will be holding a 50/50 raffle and a silent auction to support our scholarship fund. Raffle prices are $10/each or 12 for $100. During the conference see the Registration Desk to purchase your raffle tickets or for more information. Drawing will occur at the Tomato Growers Association Luncheon on Thursday. You Must Be Present to Win! If you are not interested in purchasing a raffle ticket or bidding on the silent auction, but would still like to support the scholarship fund, donations are greatly appreciated! Your generosity ensures that NCTGA continues to support future generations of farmers with an endowment fund used to offer merit/need-based scholarships. You can make a donation through this Eventbrite page via the donations ticket button. Details are included in the “get tickets” link above. If you need to be invoiced and send a check, or need a receipt for a tax deduction please contact Ellen Moss at [email protected].

The Learning Garden presents: Vegetable Garden Series: Planning Your Vegetable Garden
Feb 22 @ 10:00 am – 11:30 am
NC Cooperative Extension Buncombe County Center

Presenter: Mary Alice Ramsey, Extension Master GardenerSM Volunteer

“As the Garden Sleeps, the Gardener Plans”.  Join Mary Alice Ramsey as she presents Planning Your VegeGarden. Mary Alice has been growing vegetables in her home garden for years. She will highlight the basics of vegetable gardening planning, how to create the right-size garden and how to select which vegetables to grow. She will share information on garden tools and structures, seed and plant sources, getting started and keeping records.

Mary Alice’s Garden has been included in the Gardens of Fairview tours each spring and her garden was featured in Southern Living magazine in August of 2017.

Registration: The talk is free, but seating is limited and registration is required. This will be an indoor program. Please click on the link below to register. If you encounter problems registering or if you have questions, call 828-255-5522

Veggie Series : Planning your vegetable garden
Feb 22 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
NC Cooperative Extension - Buncombe County Center

Presenter: Mary Alice Ramsey, Extension Master GardenerSM Volunteer

“As the Garden Sleeps, the Gardener Plans”.  Join Mary Alice Ramsey as she presents Planning Your Vegetable Garden. Mary Alice has been growing vegetables in her home garden for years. She will highlight the basics of vegetable gardening planning, how to create the right-size garden and how to select which vegetables to grow. She will share information on garden tools and structures, seed and plant sources, getting started and keeping records.

Mary Alice’s Garden has been included in the Gardens of Fairview tours each spring and her garden was featured in Southern Living magazine in August of 2017.

Registration: The talk is free, but seating is limited and registration is required. This will be an indoor program. Please dress appropriate for the weather.

 

If you encounter problems registering or if you have questions, call 828-255-5522.

Saturday, February 24, 2024
Artists + Writers Coffee
Feb 24 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

Saturdays from 10:30 AM – 12 PM

TFAC Pavilion (park/enter at rear of building)
Free drop-in event
Sunday, February 25, 2024
Belonging in a Divided World: Restoring Connection to Your Self and Your Life
Feb 25 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Story Parlor

This highly-experiential two-day workshop addresses the epidemic disconnection from our true selves, from other people, and from the natural world—major causes of personal unhappiness and planetary crisis—and gives participants tools for mending the separation, a fundamental step toward healing and wholeness.

Using a synthesis of the wisdom of our ancient ancestors and the latest in neuroscience and the psychology of belonging, we will immerse ourselves in the dynamics and collective awareness of the workshop group to:

  • Identify, explore and revise unhealthy stories about ourselves and our world,

  • Learn and practice essential skills in connecting deeply to others,

  • Experience ancient ways of being in relationship with the other-than-human, and

  • Innovate creative ways to foster belonging and connection in our everyday lives.

Monday, February 26, 2024
Virtual Writers Workshops
Feb 26 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
online w/ Carl Sandburg Home

Join writers and poets from across the country each month for a virtual writing workshop. A link will be added to their name when more details and sign-up information becomes available. These workshops are geared towards amateur writers, ages 16 and older recommended. Follow us on Facebook for notifications too.

2024 Virtual Writers Workshops

January 23 – Tony Robles
February 26 – Ruba Ahmed
March – Amber Rose Crowtree

2023 Workshop Writers : Angela Evans, Tom Tenbrunsel, Robert Edward Miss, Kenneth Chamblee, Yasmin Mays, Shannon Yong, Jennifer McGaha, Erica Reid, Raymond McNally, Jane Waldrop, Francis Pearce, Eric Nelson, Darren Todd.