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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.

Thursday, October 3, 2019
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.

Creating Peace Within and Without
Oct 5 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Unity of The Blue Ridge
Sunday, October 6, 2019
Forestry Camp Bar & Restaurant Opens in South Asheville!
Oct 6 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
Wands for Wildlife collection has begun!
Oct 6 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….
Uncommon Market at New Belgium
Oct 6 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
New Belgium Brewery

Come out for the last outdoor market of the year and shop for uncommon treasures including antiques, vintage decor, art, jewelry, home furnishings and more

Monday, October 7, 2019
Standing Strong Seeks Sponsors
Oct 7 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 7 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….
Tuesday, October 8, 2019
Drink Coffee, Support Special Olympics
Oct 8 all-day
various locations in buncombe county

Buncombe County Special Olympics’ annual Coffee for Champions fundraiser returns for a third year on October 1. During the month of October, local coffee shops donate up to five cents for each cup of coffee purchased at their establishments to support Special Olympics training and competitions for area youth and adults.

“We are a completely volunteer-driven, donation-funded program focused on inclusionary sporting opportunities for individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities,” said Karla Furnari of Buncombe County Recreation Services, who is also a Buncombe County Special Olympics coach and Local Coordinator. “Coffee for Champions helps build connections between our athletes and the community. It also allows us to move away from labor intensive fundraising campaigns that often pull volunteers from other critical program needs such as coaching and transporting athletes.”

A map on the organization’s website lists participating coffee shops:

  • Donating Five Cents Per Cup
    • Ivory Road Café & Kitchen (1854 Brevard Road in Arden)
    • Mosaic Café & Coffee House (1 Town Square Boulevard in Biltmore Park)
    • Trout Lily Market (1297 Charlotte Highway in Fairview)
  • Donating One Cent Per Cup
    • Dynamite Roasting Company (3198 US Highway 70 in Black Mountain)
    • PennyCup Coffee Company West (362 Depot Street in Asheville’s River Arts District)
    • PennyCup Coffee Company East (6 Beverly Road in Asheville’s Haw Creek)
    • PennyCup Coffee Company North (857 Merrimon Avenue in North Asheville)
    • Round Earth Roasters (518 Hendersonville Road in Asheville)

Buncombe County Special Olympics is made possible through funding from donors and support from Buncombe County Government. To donate or volunteer, visit buncombecountyspecialolympics.org.

Special Olympics was founded by Eunice Kennedy in 1968 to celebrate changing attitudes about the talents of people with intellectual disabilities. Buncombe County Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for youth and adults. Sports include alpine skiing and snowboarding, aquatics, athletics, basketball, bocce, bowling, cheerleading, gymnastics, powerlifting, soccer, and tennis. The organization also offers the Adaptive Athlete Program in a partnership with South Slope CrossFit and Buncombe County Recreation Services.

Open House at Sola Salon Studios South Asheville
Oct 8 all-day
Sola Salon Studios South Asheville

Sola Salon Studios, the locally owned and operated home to multiple independent beauty salons, hosts a public open house on Tuesday, October 8, 2019, at its South Asheville location at 1636 Hendersonville Road. Visitors are invited to drop in between 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. to meet the salon owners, visit their unique studios, learn about the services that each business offers, collect beauty product giveaways, and enter free raffles for a variety of the luxury hair, skin, permanent makeup, and lash services offered by Sola’s salon owners. Light refreshments served.

Wands for Wildlife collection has begun!
Oct 8 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 Wellness Fair at The Free Clinics: Free Flu Shots, Health Screenings & Voter Registration
Oct 8 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
The Free Clinics

The Free Clinics (TFC) continues our efforts to make Henderson and Polk Counties healthier places to live, work, and play with a community wellness event featuring free flu shots, health screenings, and voter registration.

The event is free and the community is welcome to attend. Working in partnership with Walgreens, Western North Carolina AIDS Project (WNCAP), and the League of Women Voters of Henderson County (LWV) to present the event, TFC encourages residents of Henderson and Polk counties to take advantage of the free flu shots provided by Walgreens, along with screenings for blood sugar and blood pressure by TFC nurses, free HIV and Hepatitis C tests offered by WNCAP, and voter registration facilitated by LWV.

“Make plans to get vaccinated before flu season begins! It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies that protect against flu to develop in the body,” says RN Jacquelyn Rose, TFC’s Clinical Services Director.  Rose adds, “The CDC recommends that people get a flu shot by the end of October,” and clarifies that no pre-registration is required for the event and individuals may drop in to be seen on a first-come, first-serve basis.

For more information about the Fall Wellness Fair, please contact Clinical Services Director Jacquelyn Rose at 828.697.8422 or [email protected].

107th Cherokee Indian Fair
Oct 8 @ 5:30 pm – 11:00 pm
Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds

It’s over a century old. It’s a cornucopia of sights and sounds—a treat for all your senses. It’s a carnival and an agriculture show. It’s an art show and a game show. There’s food, music, and rides. It’s pure, unfiltered fair entertainment with that unmistakable Cherokee touch.

General admission is $10 per person at the ticket booth (gate), Tuesday through Saturday. Children ages 6 to 10 are $5 per person. Youth under 6 years old will be admitted for free. Enrolled members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and other federally recognized tribes will receive free admission with their enrollment card.

Tuesday: Parade Day (gates open at 5:30 p.m. and close at 11 p.m.)

Wednesday: Children’s Day (gates open at 9 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. and from noon until closing, youth 17 years old and younger are admitted for free and will get a wristband to enjoy complimentary rides)

Thursday: Elder’s Day (gates open at 9 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. and all Elder’s ages 59 and a half are admitted for free)

Friday: Veterans’ Day (gates open at 9 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. and all Veterans’ are admitted for free)

Saturday: Community Day (gates open at 9 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. and will feature a variety of traditional competitions for the communities to compete against one another for a chance to win cash prizes)