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, February 1, 2020
Free Gardening Workshops
Feb 1 @ 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Black Mountain Library

On Sat., Feb. 1, 10 to 11:30 am, John Bowen and Barb Harrison, Buncombe Master Gardener Volunteers, will hold workshops on Starting Seeds Indoors and How to Sharpen Pruning Tools.

John will discuss how to start your seeds indoors and their requirements. He will talk about supplies, when to start, soil, light, water, scarification, stratification, and more. We will provide you with free materials to get you started ~ seed starter soil, containers, and seeds to take home (limited quantities). Please bring your small pruning tools as Barb will demonstrate how to sharpen them. After the demo, we will have tables set-up for you to sharpen your tools to get them ready for your chores.

Workshops are held at the Black Mountain Library’s Education Room at 105 N. Dougherty Street. Our presentations are in partnership with Black Mountain Blooms Seed Lending Library and Buncombe County Extension Master Gardener Volunteers.

Monday, February 3, 2020
Early Bird tickets: 23rd annual French Broard River Festival
Feb 3 all-day
Hot Springs Campground & Spa

INTRO-IMAGE_1024px

Kick off spring in the mountains at the 23rd annual French Broad River Festival.  It’s part outdoor adventure, part music festival with whitewater rafting, biking, hiking, kid’s village, camping, great music, and much more.  Painter John, a popular FBRF musician, compares the atmosphere to “a big potluck at your best friend’s house”.  If you’ve been you know . . . what better way to enjoy spring in these mountains?

Weekend passes include camping

$120 online by 3/31/20
$125 online by 4/30/20
$140 at gate
$65 Saturday only
$45 whitewater rafting

Early Bird Tickets: Connect Beyond Festival
Feb 3 all-day

Connection. A word that by definition means to join together to establish a link, so as to provide access and communication. Connect Beyond Festival has established that link and is using music, film, and storytelling to create connections. More than just an event, Connect Beyond Festival is a movement to develop a network of people inspired by creative mediums and united in the pursuit of equality and social justice. Our goal is to inspire a sense of community and personal engagement.

Lauded as “Asheville’s version of SXSW” (Ashvegas) this event is perfect for those who are looking for a more dynamic festival experience – one that prioritizes exploration and participation just as much as entertainment. If you’re looking to broaden your horizons, to engage with others, and want to leave a festival with more than just a hangover, Connect Beyond Festival is just the place to be.

Wednesday, February 5, 2020
Early Bird tickets: 23rd annual French Broard River Festival
Feb 5 all-day
Hot Springs Campground & Spa

INTRO-IMAGE_1024px

Kick off spring in the mountains at the 23rd annual French Broad River Festival.  It’s part outdoor adventure, part music festival with whitewater rafting, biking, hiking, kid’s village, camping, great music, and much more.  Painter John, a popular FBRF musician, compares the atmosphere to “a big potluck at your best friend’s house”.  If you’ve been you know . . . what better way to enjoy spring in these mountains?

Weekend passes include camping

$120 online by 3/31/20
$125 online by 4/30/20
$140 at gate
$65 Saturday only
$45 whitewater rafting

Early Bird Tickets: Connect Beyond Festival
Feb 5 all-day

Connection. A word that by definition means to join together to establish a link, so as to provide access and communication. Connect Beyond Festival has established that link and is using music, film, and storytelling to create connections. More than just an event, Connect Beyond Festival is a movement to develop a network of people inspired by creative mediums and united in the pursuit of equality and social justice. Our goal is to inspire a sense of community and personal engagement.

Lauded as “Asheville’s version of SXSW” (Ashvegas) this event is perfect for those who are looking for a more dynamic festival experience – one that prioritizes exploration and participation just as much as entertainment. If you’re looking to broaden your horizons, to engage with others, and want to leave a festival with more than just a hangover, Connect Beyond Festival is just the place to be.

Thursday, February 6, 2020
Farmer Incubator Program – Apply Now!
Feb 6 all-day
SAHC

Farmer Incubator Program – Apply Now!

Farming = a long-term game. Traditionally, farming was a lifelong+ learning process, with families passing along experience, knowledge, and land accrued by multiple generations. Today, your experience in farming may be different. This program is part of a collaborative support system to help “incubate” farm businesses as they grow.

Farming is a business… What’s your business plan?

Do you have a farm business idea? Make it a reality! You are invited to join Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy’s Farmer Incubator Program, a “business incubator” for farm operations.

Advanced Enterprise Development
Feb 6 @ 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Madison County Extension Office

Farming on a small scale requires a variety of production, management and business skills. After the initial start-up years, it can be challenging to understand what your financial numbers and production records mean for your business and enterprise development, and then how to make decisions to move your business forward.This 4-hour training will dig deep into  enterprise development and adaptive management for beginning and experienced small farmers.

Explore & Utilize:

  1. Strategic business planning tools & techniques
  2. Established farmers recordkeeping and decision-making processes
  3. Adaptive decision-making with your own farm records
Friday, February 7, 2020
LEAF 50th Festival Line Up and Tickets
Feb 7 all-day
Lake Eden Arts Festival
Saturday, February 8, 2020
Early Bird tickets: 23rd annual French Broard River Festival
Feb 8 all-day
Hot Springs Campground & Spa

INTRO-IMAGE_1024px

Kick off spring in the mountains at the 23rd annual French Broad River Festival.  It’s part outdoor adventure, part music festival with whitewater rafting, biking, hiking, kid’s village, camping, great music, and much more.  Painter John, a popular FBRF musician, compares the atmosphere to “a big potluck at your best friend’s house”.  If you’ve been you know . . . what better way to enjoy spring in these mountains?

Weekend passes include camping

$120 online by 3/31/20
$125 online by 4/30/20
$140 at gate
$65 Saturday only
$45 whitewater rafting

Early Bird Tickets: Connect Beyond Festival
Feb 8 all-day

Connection. A word that by definition means to join together to establish a link, so as to provide access and communication. Connect Beyond Festival has established that link and is using music, film, and storytelling to create connections. More than just an event, Connect Beyond Festival is a movement to develop a network of people inspired by creative mediums and united in the pursuit of equality and social justice. Our goal is to inspire a sense of community and personal engagement.

Lauded as “Asheville’s version of SXSW” (Ashvegas) this event is perfect for those who are looking for a more dynamic festival experience – one that prioritizes exploration and participation just as much as entertainment. If you’re looking to broaden your horizons, to engage with others, and want to leave a festival with more than just a hangover, Connect Beyond Festival is just the place to be.

Farmer Incubator Program – Apply Now!
Feb 8 all-day
SAHC

Farmer Incubator Program – Apply Now!

Farming = a long-term game. Traditionally, farming was a lifelong+ learning process, with families passing along experience, knowledge, and land accrued by multiple generations. Today, your experience in farming may be different. This program is part of a collaborative support system to help “incubate” farm businesses as they grow.

Farming is a business… What’s your business plan?

Do you have a farm business idea? Make it a reality! You are invited to join Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy’s Farmer Incubator Program, a “business incubator” for farm operations.

LEAF 50th Festival Line Up and Tickets
Feb 8 all-day
Lake Eden Arts Festival
NC Brewers and Music Festival CANCELLED
Feb 8 all-day
Historic Rural Hill

UPDATED INFO:

To make the transition from this year to the 2021 event as seamless and exciting as possible, we have already worked with our artists, our brewers, and our vendors to make sure that we are able to carry over this year’s lineup and infrastructure to next year’s festival date. In addition, we are also in conversation with Eventbrite regarding the best options we can offer you when it comes to making a choice about how your ticket investment plays out. 

Because this decision affects you as much as it does us, we will offer full refunds of all ticket purchases to any of you who would prefer that option. We understand the inconvenience that this change might cause you, and we ask that you offer us your patience while we organize that process. As another option, we would also like to offer you the opportunity to retain your ticket purchase and to roll it over into next year’s attendance. Any ticket that has already been purchased for 2020 will be honored at our 2021 festival in lieu of a refund. That is a choice we are allowing you to make, and we will be delighted to have you back as our guests then! 

Please check back with us often as we continue to plan for the 2021 (“unofficial 10th Anniversary”) North Carolina Brewers and Music Festival. Again, thank you for your patience and understanding, but mostly for your continued support at the festival. We couldn’t keep putting on this event without you, and we continue to be thankful year after year. 

 

Along with a rich Americana lineup, North Carolina Brewers and Music Festival also shines a spotlight on local brewers and their contribution to North Carolina’s vibrant culinary scene. Over 50 breweries offering a selection of craft beers will be featured on-site throughout the weekend. Tasting tickets, which include access to beer samples plus a commemorative sampling glass, are available for purchase for $50 ($39 for early birds).

North Carolina Brewers and Music Festival began as a fundraising effort to preserve the historic site of Rural Hill. The site, which boasts extensive hiking trails, is a beloved landmark in the Central NC region and is home to many educational field trips and events. Since its inception, the North Carolina Brewers and Music Festival has continued to support the awareness of Rural Hill and attract diverse crowds from all over the country.

Friday music-only passes with sets from Acoustic Syndicate and Fireside Collective are $15. Saturday music-only passes with sets from the Steep Canyon Rangers and Hayes Carll are $22 for early birds. For attendees who would like to sample an unlimited assortment of celebrated North Carolina brews on Saturday, Tasting Tickets (which include daily entrance to the festival for music happenings) are available at the Early Bird price of $39. Camping options are available for attendees who would like to make the most of their weekend. Two-Day weekend tent camping, premium tent camping, and RV/Camper camping with hook-ups are available for $45, $65, and $85 respectively. North Carolina Brewers and Music Festival is a family-friendly event. Children 4 and under are free. A Children’s Ticket is available for kids 5 – 15 for $8.

Farm Dreams
Feb 8 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Arthur R. Edington Education & Career Center

Explore Sustainable Farming

If you’re in the exploratory stages of starting your own farm, this entry-level workshop is designed just for you. You will receive practical, common-sense information on sustainable farming and how to move forward.

Learn about sustainable farming careers in Western North Carolina.

Discover and assess your resources, skills and farming intentions.

Begin to develop an educational plan toward farming.

Connect with regional training opportunities and support networks.

Prioritize your next steps toward your farming goals.

Hear from experienced farmers running successful farms in WNC.

Homestead Dreams
Feb 8 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Creekside Farms Education Center

One-Day Workshop on Land-Based Living

Homestead Dreams is an entry-level workshop designed to help you incorporate small-scale sustainability and self-sufficiency into your life. Whether you own or rent a home, or live in a rural or urban setting, you can move towards self-reliance now.

Homestead Dreams: Design and Plan for Living on Your Land
Feb 8 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Creekside Farms Education Center

One-Day Workshop on Land-Based Living

Homestead Dreams is an entry-level workshop designed to help you incorporate small-scale sustainability and self-sufficiency into your life. Whether you own or rent a home, or live in a rural or urban setting, you can move towards self-reliance now.

Wednesday, February 12, 2020
Early Bird tickets: 23rd annual French Broard River Festival
Feb 12 all-day
Hot Springs Campground & Spa

INTRO-IMAGE_1024px

Kick off spring in the mountains at the 23rd annual French Broad River Festival.  It’s part outdoor adventure, part music festival with whitewater rafting, biking, hiking, kid’s village, camping, great music, and much more.  Painter John, a popular FBRF musician, compares the atmosphere to “a big potluck at your best friend’s house”.  If you’ve been you know . . . what better way to enjoy spring in these mountains?

Weekend passes include camping

$120 online by 3/31/20
$125 online by 4/30/20
$140 at gate
$65 Saturday only
$45 whitewater rafting

Early Bird Tickets: Connect Beyond Festival
Feb 12 all-day

Connection. A word that by definition means to join together to establish a link, so as to provide access and communication. Connect Beyond Festival has established that link and is using music, film, and storytelling to create connections. More than just an event, Connect Beyond Festival is a movement to develop a network of people inspired by creative mediums and united in the pursuit of equality and social justice. Our goal is to inspire a sense of community and personal engagement.

Lauded as “Asheville’s version of SXSW” (Ashvegas) this event is perfect for those who are looking for a more dynamic festival experience – one that prioritizes exploration and participation just as much as entertainment. If you’re looking to broaden your horizons, to engage with others, and want to leave a festival with more than just a hangover, Connect Beyond Festival is just the place to be.

Friday, February 14, 2020
LEAF 50th Festival Line Up and Tickets
Feb 14 all-day
Lake Eden Arts Festival
Valentine’s Day Sweetheart Special: Buy 1, Get 1 Free Chimney Rock Park
Feb 14 all-day
Chimney Rock Park
Valentine’s Day Sweetheart Special: Buy 1, Get 1 Free

Time: Park hours
Cost: Buy one regular-price adult ticket and get one free when you purchase your tickets online Feb. 14 – 16.

Looking for a unique, romantic place to spend the day with your sweetheart? The fantastic views at Chimney Rock offer the perfect setting! For Valentine’s Day Weekend, receive one free adult admission, when you purchase one adult admission ticket.

This offer is only available for online ticket purchases and is only valid February 14-16, 2020. We will be posting these tickets on our website starting Thursday, February 13th. Stay tuned.

In February the Park is open weather permitting. Be sure to check our website for weather alerts before you visit.

The North Carolina Arboretum Sweets with Your Sweetie
Feb 14 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

As part of the Arboretum’s “Love Birds” month-long celebration, the Arboretum will host a “Sweets with Your Sweetie” hot cocoa bar at the Baker Exhibit Center during Valentine’s Day weekend.
Guests can enjoy a free cup of hot chocolate (while supplies last) followed by a free guided hike starting at 1 p.m. Hikes will focus on the natural history of the Arboretum, including some of the region’s more prominent birds, and will be about one- to two- miles in length. Please note: Guided hikes will be on a first-come, first-served basis. The event is free; however, standard parking fees apply for non-members

Saturday, February 15, 2020
Early Bird tickets: 23rd annual French Broard River Festival
Feb 15 all-day
Hot Springs Campground & Spa

INTRO-IMAGE_1024px

Kick off spring in the mountains at the 23rd annual French Broad River Festival.  It’s part outdoor adventure, part music festival with whitewater rafting, biking, hiking, kid’s village, camping, great music, and much more.  Painter John, a popular FBRF musician, compares the atmosphere to “a big potluck at your best friend’s house”.  If you’ve been you know . . . what better way to enjoy spring in these mountains?

Weekend passes include camping

$120 online by 3/31/20
$125 online by 4/30/20
$140 at gate
$65 Saturday only
$45 whitewater rafting

Early Bird Tickets: Connect Beyond Festival
Feb 15 all-day

Connection. A word that by definition means to join together to establish a link, so as to provide access and communication. Connect Beyond Festival has established that link and is using music, film, and storytelling to create connections. More than just an event, Connect Beyond Festival is a movement to develop a network of people inspired by creative mediums and united in the pursuit of equality and social justice. Our goal is to inspire a sense of community and personal engagement.

Lauded as “Asheville’s version of SXSW” (Ashvegas) this event is perfect for those who are looking for a more dynamic festival experience – one that prioritizes exploration and participation just as much as entertainment. If you’re looking to broaden your horizons, to engage with others, and want to leave a festival with more than just a hangover, Connect Beyond Festival is just the place to be.

Farmer Incubator Program – Apply Now!
Feb 15 all-day
SAHC

Farmer Incubator Program – Apply Now!

Farming = a long-term game. Traditionally, farming was a lifelong+ learning process, with families passing along experience, knowledge, and land accrued by multiple generations. Today, your experience in farming may be different. This program is part of a collaborative support system to help “incubate” farm businesses as they grow.

Farming is a business… What’s your business plan?

Do you have a farm business idea? Make it a reality! You are invited to join Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy’s Farmer Incubator Program, a “business incubator” for farm operations.

LEAF 50th Festival Line Up and Tickets
Feb 15 all-day
Lake Eden Arts Festival
NC Brewers and Music Festival CANCELLED
Feb 15 all-day
Historic Rural Hill

UPDATED INFO:

To make the transition from this year to the 2021 event as seamless and exciting as possible, we have already worked with our artists, our brewers, and our vendors to make sure that we are able to carry over this year’s lineup and infrastructure to next year’s festival date. In addition, we are also in conversation with Eventbrite regarding the best options we can offer you when it comes to making a choice about how your ticket investment plays out. 

Because this decision affects you as much as it does us, we will offer full refunds of all ticket purchases to any of you who would prefer that option. We understand the inconvenience that this change might cause you, and we ask that you offer us your patience while we organize that process. As another option, we would also like to offer you the opportunity to retain your ticket purchase and to roll it over into next year’s attendance. Any ticket that has already been purchased for 2020 will be honored at our 2021 festival in lieu of a refund. That is a choice we are allowing you to make, and we will be delighted to have you back as our guests then! 

Please check back with us often as we continue to plan for the 2021 (“unofficial 10th Anniversary”) North Carolina Brewers and Music Festival. Again, thank you for your patience and understanding, but mostly for your continued support at the festival. We couldn’t keep putting on this event without you, and we continue to be thankful year after year. 

 

Along with a rich Americana lineup, North Carolina Brewers and Music Festival also shines a spotlight on local brewers and their contribution to North Carolina’s vibrant culinary scene. Over 50 breweries offering a selection of craft beers will be featured on-site throughout the weekend. Tasting tickets, which include access to beer samples plus a commemorative sampling glass, are available for purchase for $50 ($39 for early birds).

North Carolina Brewers and Music Festival began as a fundraising effort to preserve the historic site of Rural Hill. The site, which boasts extensive hiking trails, is a beloved landmark in the Central NC region and is home to many educational field trips and events. Since its inception, the North Carolina Brewers and Music Festival has continued to support the awareness of Rural Hill and attract diverse crowds from all over the country.

Friday music-only passes with sets from Acoustic Syndicate and Fireside Collective are $15. Saturday music-only passes with sets from the Steep Canyon Rangers and Hayes Carll are $22 for early birds. For attendees who would like to sample an unlimited assortment of celebrated North Carolina brews on Saturday, Tasting Tickets (which include daily entrance to the festival for music happenings) are available at the Early Bird price of $39. Camping options are available for attendees who would like to make the most of their weekend. Two-Day weekend tent camping, premium tent camping, and RV/Camper camping with hook-ups are available for $45, $65, and $85 respectively. North Carolina Brewers and Music Festival is a family-friendly event. Children 4 and under are free. A Children’s Ticket is available for kids 5 – 15 for $8.

Valentine’s Day Sweetheart Special: Buy 1, Get 1 Free Chimney Rock Park
Feb 15 all-day
Chimney Rock Park
Valentine’s Day Sweetheart Special: Buy 1, Get 1 Free

Time: Park hours
Cost: Buy one regular-price adult ticket and get one free when you purchase your tickets online Feb. 14 – 16.

Looking for a unique, romantic place to spend the day with your sweetheart? The fantastic views at Chimney Rock offer the perfect setting! For Valentine’s Day Weekend, receive one free adult admission, when you purchase one adult admission ticket.

This offer is only available for online ticket purchases and is only valid February 14-16, 2020. We will be posting these tickets on our website starting Thursday, February 13th. Stay tuned.

In February the Park is open weather permitting. Be sure to check our website for weather alerts before you visit.

The North Carolina Arboretum Sweets with Your Sweetie
Feb 15 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

As part of the Arboretum’s “Love Birds” month-long celebration, the Arboretum will host a “Sweets with Your Sweetie” hot cocoa bar at the Baker Exhibit Center during Valentine’s Day weekend.
Guests can enjoy a free cup of hot chocolate (while supplies last) followed by a free guided hike starting at 1 p.m. Hikes will focus on the natural history of the Arboretum, including some of the region’s more prominent birds, and will be about one- to two- miles in length. Please note: Guided hikes will be on a first-come, first-served basis. The event is free; however, standard parking fees apply for non-members

Asheville Celtic Festival
Feb 15 @ 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
Western North Carolina Agricultural Center -

Asheville Celtic Festival

Failte (Welcome)… to The Asheville Celtic Festival, a Winter Indoor Celtic Festival bringing the Celtic Spirit of the Seven Nations to the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, will be held inside of the Davis Center at the WNC Agricultural Center giving us comfortable setting in the winter months.

Feel the Vibes of Early Settlers from the Celtic Nations

Participate in Entertaining Battles and Performances

Learn About Celtic History and Traditions

Listen to LIVE Celtic Music

Explore your Family Background

See Characters in 1700 Period Dress

Shop the Celtic Crafts and Buy a Kilt

Eat Traditional Foods

Drink the Stouts & Ales

Rest by the Fire

Attractions

Live Celtic Music

Traditional Food & Drink

Kilts and Accessories

Scottish Althletes

Scottish Crafts and Gifts

Scottish and Irish Dog Clubs

Armored Sword Fighting at The Castle

Family Heritage Research

SAHC Community Farm Tour
Feb 15 @ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
SAHC Community Farm

SAHC Community Farm

Community Farm Tour

Saturday, February 15 — 11 am to 1 pm

SAHC Community Farm

Despite modern technology, food insecurity and lack of sustainable agriculture still present challenges for many people in our region. Tour the 1.5-mile Discovery Trail with Community Farm Manager Chris Link and engage in discussion about food, our innovative purpose for the Community Farm, and various environmental projects here. Free for Members and $10 for Non-Members. Pre-Registration is required.