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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.

Saturday, April 29, 2023
Spring Photo Contest: “Spring Trails”
Apr 29 all-day
Chimney Rock State Park

NC State Parks’ Year of the Trail continues with a celebration of how our trails transform each spring. Bring your camera on your next excursion in the park and capture budding wildflowers, spring hikers, or whatever you encounter along the way. You may even win a prize for your efforts!

GREAT PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO 3 WINNING ENTRIES

1st Prize: The winning photo will be our Facebook cover photo for two weeks, and the photographer will receive two annual passes to Chimney Rock State Park and lunch for four at the Old Rock Café.

2nd Prize: After the first place photo, the second place photo will be our Facebook cover photo for one week. The photographer will receive one annual pass to Chimney Rock State Park and lunch for two at the Old Rock Café.

3rd Prize: The third place photographer will receive two adult day passes (or one family pack of day passes) to Chimney Rock State Park and lunch for two at the Old Rock Café.

Weigh In on Waste Pro: Please Take Our Contract Survey
Apr 29 all-day
online

Buncombe County currently contracts its curbside trash pickup service with Waste Pro for non-municipal county residents. The contract is set to expire on December 31, 2024. The Board of Commissioners, Solid Waste, and County administration are currently looking for input from residents to help guide the decision to either extend the contract for two years, renegotiate with new or different services, or look for bids from other companies. Please take just a couple of minutes to answer a few questions to provide your input.

Take the survey here.

If you’ll remember last year, we had our Let’s Talk Trash survey. The goal of that survey was to determine whether or not Buncombe County should utilize convenience sites apart from the Transfer Station for more options for trash disposal services for residents. While that survey did take in a lot of input concerning Waste Pro, Buncombe County wanted to dedicate this outreach solely to the Waste Pro contract. The Board of Commissioners is set to decide on the contract with the help of the input from this survey in June 2023.

Stay tuned to buncombecounty.org and Engage Buncombe for more opportunities to provide input and to stay engaged with Buncombe County services.

Work out for free at Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center
Apr 29 all-day
Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center

Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) recently renovated fitness centers at Linwood Crump Shiloh and Stephens-Lee community centers – and community members can enjoy use of cardio equipment, exercise machines, free weights, open gym time, and more through June 30, 2023. During this time, APR will waive membership and daily pass fees so more people can access the necessities for a regular fitness routine. Locals can sign up online or at either community center to receive a fitness center key fob that can be scanned at either location.

 

“Our team is committed to creating spaces in which everyone feels welcome,” according to D. Tyrell McGirt, APR Director. “We are in the community building business. The gyms and fitness rooms at these two locations are filled with everything you’d expect from other top-notch fitness facilities and dedicated to body positivity and accessible wellness. By waiving the cost to use them for the first six months of the year, we hope more friends and neighbors will be able to connect with each other and maintain healthy lifestyles.”

Work out for free at Stephens-Lee Community Center
Apr 29 all-day
Stephens-Lee Community Center

Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) recently renovated fitness centers at Linwood Crump Shiloh and Stephens-Lee community centers – and community members can enjoy use of cardio equipment, exercise machines, free weights, open gym time, and more through June 30, 2023. During this time, APR will waive membership and daily pass fees so more people can access the necessities for a regular fitness routine. Locals can sign up online or at either community center to receive a fitness center key fob that can be scanned at either location.

 

“Our team is committed to creating spaces in which everyone feels welcome,” according to D. Tyrell McGirt, APR Director. “We are in the community building business. The gyms and fitness rooms at these two locations are filled with everything you’d expect from other top-notch fitness facilities and dedicated to body positivity and accessible wellness. By waiving the cost to use them for the first six months of the year, we hope more friends and neighbors will be able to connect with each other and maintain healthy lifestyles.”

Highland Brewing MEADOW Opening Weekend
Apr 29 – Apr 30 all-day
Highland Brewing Company
April 28 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Live Music with Pink Beds and Kuf Knotz & Christine Elise

April 29 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Live Music with Akita

April 30 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Live Music with Queen Bee & the Honeylovers

April 30 @ 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Meadow Market

Food Scraps Drop Off: Buncombe County Landfill
Apr 29 @ 8:00 am – 12:30 pm
Buncombe County Landfill – Convenience Center

Food Scraps Drop Off

The City of Asheville, in partnership with Buncombe County and the Natural Resources Defense Council, is offering a FREE Food Scrap Drop-Off program in two locations for all Buncombe County residents.  This organic matter will be collected and turned into good clean compost, keeping it OUT of our landfill and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

 

Register for Food Scraps Drop Off

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Need a handy kitchen countertop food scrap bin?  Let us know on the registration form! We’ll be having bin giveaways at city and county facilities and would love to give you one.

 

Locations

Buncombe County Landfill – Convenience Center

85 Panther Branch Road, Alexander

    • Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
    • Saturday, 8 a.m. – 12:30 pm

Murphy Oakley Community Center and Library – “Food Scrap Bin Shelters” on the east side of the parking lot

749 Fairview Road, Asheville

    • Dawn – Dusk

Stephens-Lee Recreation Center “Food Scrap Shed” next to the Community Garden on the North side of the parking lot

30 Washington Carver Avenue, Asheville

    • Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
    • Saturday, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
    • Sunday, 12 – 4 p.m.

West Asheville Library – “Food Scrap Bin Shelters” on the south side of the building

942 Haywood Road, Asheville

    • Library open hours
Food Scraps Drop Off: Stephens-Lee Recreation Center
Apr 29 @ 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
Stephens-Lee Recreation Center

Food Scraps Drop Off

The City of Asheville, in partnership with Buncombe County and the Natural Resources Defense Council, is offering a FREE Food Scrap Drop-Off program in

two locations for all Buncombe County residents.  This organic matter will be collected and turned into good clean compost, keeping it OUT of our landfill and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

 

Register for Food Scraps Drop Off

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Need a handy kitchen countertop food scrap bin?  Let us know on the registration form! We’ll be having bin giveaways at city and county facilities and would love to give you one.

 

Locations

Stephens-Lee Recreation Center “Food Scrap Shed” next to the Community Garden on the North side of the parking lot

30 Washington Carver Avenue, Asheville

    • Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
    • Saturday, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
    • Sunday, 12 – 4 p.m.

Murphy Oakley Community Center and Library – “Food Scrap Bin Shelters” on the east side of the parking lot

749 Fairview Road, Asheville

    • Dawn – Dusk

West Asheville Library – “Food Scrap Bin Shelters” on the south side of the building

942 Haywood Road, Asheville

Library open hours

 

Buncombe County Landfill – Convenience Center85 Panther Branch Road, Alexander

        • Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
        • Saturday, 8 a.m. – 12:30 pm
Get Hooked: Kids Fishing Tournament
Apr 29 @ 8:00 am – 11:00 am
Charles D. Owen Park

We’ve got some reel big news, and even bigger prizes for this year’s Kids Fishing Tournament at Charles D. Owen Park on Saturday, April 29. The event is open to all youth 15 and under. Competitors will be divided into age groups (0-5, 6-10, and 11-15) with prizes in each for Biggest Fish (grand prize), Smallest Fish, and Most Fish Caught.

The Grand Prizes for each age group for the biggest fish caught will be a Waterways kayak for ages 11-15, a guided fishing trip for ages 6-10, and a prize to be determined for ages 0-5.

This is a catch-and-release tournament. Each fish that is caught must be brought one at a time to the measuring station. After each fish has been measured, it will be released back into the pond. Your $10 registration fee includes a bucket, bait, breakfast, plus snacks and drinks. You must be in the measuring station line before the horn goes off to have your fish measured. Competitors must bring their own fishing poles.

No fishing license is required for residents under 16 years old. No boat fishing is allowed by competitors. All competitors must be accompanied by an adult but the adult may not cast or reel. Only one fishing pole may be in the water per participant.

Pre-registration is recommended but we will also be taking walk-ups the day of the event. Registration will open at 7 a.m. and the fishing begins at 8 a.m. and will end promptly at 11 a.m. Prizes will be handed out at 11:30 a.m., and you must be present to accept your prize.

Biltmore Estate: Ciao! From Italy Sculptural Postcard Display
Apr 29 @ 8:30 am
Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.

Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.

Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!

3rd Annual Spring Fling Ross Farm Nursery Greenhouses + Appalachian Standard
Apr 29 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Ross Farm

3rd Annual Spring Fling with over 20 craft artists, live music & food truck. 22 Living Greenhouses full of exotic plants, annuals, perennials, veggie starts, bushes and trees. Our very own Appalachian Standard CBD products for purchase.
Raffle with proceeds benefiting Asheville’s very own Dementia Partners!

Asheville Parks + Rec. 2023 Winter-Spring program guide
Apr 29 @ 10:00 am
online

The beginning of the year is a great time for Ashevillians of all ages to explore, connect, and discover. Asheville Parks & Recreation  (APR)’s new winter-spring program guide is filled with registration dates, information, and listings for hundreds of fitness and active living offerings, sports and clubs, arts and culture programs, out-of-school time activities, outdoor recreation, special events, parks and facilities’ hours of operation, and more.

 

The free guide is available at all APR community centers and online as a PDF or enhanced digital flipbook. Community members may also download the APR app for iPhone or search programs on avlREC.com.

Winter-Spring 2023 Guide Highlights

  • Exercise at fitness centers with a free membership (through June 30, 2023).

  • Walk, roll, or run your way to 50 miles in February and March during the Fit 50 Challenge for a free T-shirt.

  • Celebrate Black Legacy Month with food, art, and festivals throughout the city in February.

  • Meet neighbors over cards, board games, bingo, trivia contests, and community meals.

  • Get an up-close look at big trucks, small trucks, transit buses, construction rigs, rescue vehicles, and public works equipment during Truck City AVL on April 15.

  • Experience the fun, fellowship, fitness, arts, and competition of Asheville-Buncombe Senior Games and Silver Arts Classic for local adults over 50..

  • Flex creativity at art, painting, writing, scrapbooking, and crafting classes.

  • Connect with neighbors over sports such as basketball, flag football, volleyball, pickleball, tennis, and archery for kids, teens, and adults.

  • Enjoy the honor of dirty hands with community garden workdays and Green Thumbs Garden Club at Grove Street Community Center’s greenhouse.

  • Witness the power of gravity at the Montford Pinewood Derby in May.

  • Refine square, tap, line, and West African dance skills at multiple locations.

  • And so much more!

Cradle Fee Free Days for Kids- Entrada Libre para los ninos
Apr 29 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Cradle of Forestry

Join us at the Cradle of Forestry on April 29 and 30 as we celebrate children with FREE admission days!

Walk the paved trails, pack a picnic lunch for your family, explore the Discovery Center and make it a fun filled day at the Cradle deep in the heart of Pisgah National Forest.

These complimentary admission days are made possible due to the generous support received from the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences.

Detalles del evento
Los niños hasta los 18 años disfrutarán de entrada libre el 29 y 30 de abril.

Disfruten de los senderos pavimentados, traigan una merienda para la familia, exploren el Centro de Descubrimiento y aprovechen estos días llenos de diversión en el corazón del Bosque Nacional Pisgah.

Estos días de entrada libre son posibles gracias al generoso apoyo del Museo de Ciencias Naturales de Carolina del Norte.

WHAT TO BRING

Comfortable Walking Shoes
Water Bottle
Jacket/Rain Gear
Camera

Qué traer
Zapatos cómodos para caminar
Agua
Impermeable/Paraguas
Cámara

ecoEXPLORE Botany Season Summit: Celebrating Native Azaleas
Apr 29 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum
Join ecoEXPLORE in wrapping up Botany Field Season by celebrating Native Azaleas! Did you know the NC Arboretum is home to the National Native Azalea Collection? We’ll gather here and begin with a guided hike to view our Spring Azaleas and many other wildflowers in bloom. We’ll also have crafts, a discussion about careers in Botany, Horticulture, and more! This event takes place during the weekend-long City Nature Challenge and EcoEXPLORERS can earn points toward their Bioblitz Badge by taking photographs of wild plants we see on our excursion. Event spaces are limited, and pre-registration is required!
This event is for kids aged 5-13 and their families
Food Scraps Drop Off: West Asheville Library
Apr 29 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
West Asheville Library

Food Scraps Drop Off

The City of Asheville, in partnership with Buncombe County and the Natural Resources Defense Council, is offering a FREE Food Scrap Drop-Off program in

two locations for all Buncombe County residents.  This organic matter will be collected and turned into good clean compost, keeping it OUT of our landfill and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

 

Register for Food Scraps Drop Off

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Need a handy kitchen countertop food scrap bin?  Let us know on the registration form! We’ll be having bin giveaways at city and county facilities and would love to give you one.

 

Locations

West Asheville Library – “Food Scrap Bin Shelters” on the south side of the building

942 Haywood Road, Asheville

Library open hours

Stephens-Lee Recreation Center “Food Scrap Shed” next to the Community Garden on the North side of the parking lot

30 Washington Carver Avenue, Asheville

    • Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
    • Saturday, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
    • Sunday, 12 – 4 p.m.

Murphy Oakley Community Center and Library – “Food Scrap Bin Shelters” on the east side of the parking lot

749 Fairview Road, Asheville

    • Dawn – Dusk

 

Buncombe County Landfill – Convenience Center85 Panther Branch Road, Alexander

        • Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
        • Saturday, 8 a.m. – 12:30 pm
Klondyke Native Pollinator Planting
Apr 29 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Klondyke Apartments

Join our planting day at Klondyke Apartments! We will be working with volunteers and community members to plant the roundabout with native pollinator plants.

The Apartments are located at 500 Montford Ave, Asheville. If you drive to the end of Montford Ave there is a turn in on the right to the apartments at the dead end. Once in the complex, stay to your left and you can’t miss the big roundabout where we will be planting. Park in the lot to the right (as you enter) of the roundabout.

Asheville GreenWorks will supply shovels, trowels, gloves, and light snacks.

Mystery of George Masa Documentary Screening
Apr 29 @ 10:00 am
East Asheville Public Library

George Masa taking a photograph.

Join the East Asheville Library and Buncombe County Special Collections for a screening of the documentary The Mystery of George Masa followed by a Q&A session with the documentarian, Paul Bonesteel, founder of Bonesteel Films. This free event will be Saturday, April 29 at 10 a.m. at the East Asheville Library.

The Mystery of George Masa details the life of Masahara Iizuka, a Japanese immigrant who came to the Asheville in 1915, where he focused his camera and his passions on preserving the beauty of the wilderness he discovered. Eighteen years after his arrival, his death left behind thousands of photographs and an impressive legacy that included a role in the founding of two great national treasures, The Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Appalachian Trail.

Paul Bonesteel is a filmmaker from North Carolina with a commitment to telling stories that illuminate and inspire. His other documentaries include Muni, a story about Black caddies turned golfers during the Jim Crow Era, The Day Carl Sandburg Died, and America’s First Forest: Carl Schenck and the Asheville Experience.

After the film, please be sure to visit the exhibit Masa’s Mountains: An Exhibit of The Work & Legacy of Photographer George Masa on display throughout the month of May at the East Asheville Library.

To dive deeper into the story of George Masa and view even more of his photographs visit Buncombe County Special Collections in person at Pack Memorial Library or online.

 

Gatherings of Artists + Writers Coffee
Apr 29 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

TFAC invites all artists: painters, sculptors, writers, performers & more — to a casual weekly drop-in gathering on Saturday mornings at 9 AM to share your works in progress, alert others, and chat about art and what’s happening in your community.

The first weekly Coffee is Saturday, August 20 at 9 am.

No RSVP needed, just drop by!

Free parking available on Melrose Avenue, behind and alongside TFAC.

Ross Farm’s Spring Fling with Appalachian Standard
Apr 29 @ 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Ross Farm

We’re doing it AGAIN y’all!!
Join us for the third annual Spring Fling, taking place at:
91 Holbrook Road, Candler, NC, 28571
April 29, 2023
11:00 AM to 4PM
Our beautiful greenhouses are over-flowing with spring vibes and are full of unique plants, live music, a mechanical bull, h-e-m-p goodies, and fantastic vendors, ready to launch us into the warm season.

Come experience one heck of a unique venue as we have bluegrass jams, a set with HUG – Hendersonville Ukulele Group, the Substandards, almost madi, and a SURPRISE band! We’ll also have all the Farm Fam favs like Lauren Daviss of @fiddyshadesofgreen, Amy and Jesse Ross, and MS. SUSIE (#protectmssusieatallcosts).

Almost Madi will be joining us to play gentle tunes as you peruse our wonderful line-up of craft vendors, which will include artisan food vendors like App Wyld, as well as beautiful jewelry, amazing art, glass blowers, ceramics, and of course a wide selection (and maybe even a few special drops) of green goodness from Appalachian Standard!

The Spring Fling is *FREE* to the public. Parking is available on site but can be limited so it is recommended that groups carpool. This is an outdoor event. The first 100 people to join us will receive a goodie bag!

Smoky Mountain Relay
Apr 29 @ 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Nantahala Outdoor Center

Join racers and spectators for a celebration and after party at Big Wesser!

About the Race

A scenic, wild, team adventure in the mountains of Western North Carolina, the Smoky Mountain Relay is an adventure that is not to be missed. This course will challenge you and your friends with tough legs and reward you with stories to last a lifetime. Choose from 6 person, 9 person, or 12 person teams to split up the 36 legs.

The 200-mile+ course begins at the Pink Beds Trail Loop picnic area just outside of Brevard, NC In the Pisgah National Forest and ends on our main campus in Bryson City.

Book your lodging at one of our overnight options including: platform tents, the Basecamp bunkhouse, luxury Cabins, and the Dogwood Motel. Learn more about our lodging options here.

Forest Bathing at the NC Arboretum!
Apr 29 @ 1:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Join a certified forest therapy guide for a relaxing 2.5-hour stroll through the forest on the peaceful Arboretum grounds. Through a series of invitations, you’ll have the opportunity to be present in the moment, deepening your connection with nature and community, and enjoying the many gifts nature has to offer. Your guide will share mindfulness practices designed to connect you more deeply to your inner landscapes, as well as the world around you. Inspired by Shinrin-Yoku, the Japanese art of immersing oneself in a forest environment, a forest bathing walk invites you to spend time in nature in a way that invites healing for ourselves, our fraught ecosystems, and our community. It is true nature therapy!

  • Special, discounted rate of $45/person (includes parking!)
  • Occurs on select dates each month
  • Max group size is 15 for a more intimate experience
Guided Trail Walk
Apr 29 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Hit the trails and learn more about The North Carolina Arboretum’s botanically diverse forest with a guided trail walk! April through October, this free hiking program is led by trained volunteer guides who take small groups of participants along woodland trails and through a variety of forest types. Depending on the season and each guide’s area of expertise, topics of discussion may include wildflowers, plant and tree identification, natural history and more.

Guided trail walks are limited to 15 people, including the guide, and are not recommended for guests under 16 years of age. Groups depart from the Baker Visitor Center Lobby on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m..

Walks last 1.5 – 2.5 hours, are approximately one to two miles in length. As this program is held rain or shine, all participants should dress appropriately for the weather.

There is no pre-registration; walks are first-come first served and sign up sheets are located in the Baker Visitors Center.

Walks are FREE; however, donations to The North Carolina Arboretum Society are appreciated. Regular parking fees apply. Arboretum Society Members always park free.

Know Before You Go

  • Guided Trail Walks are not recommended for guests under 16 years of age.
  • Guided Trail Walks are rain or shine and all participants should be dressed comfortably and for the weather.
  • Hikes cover 1-2 miles and last 1.5-2 hours.
  • Well-behaved leashed pets are welcome to accompany their owners. In the rare case that a pet is disruptive or negatively impacts the experience, the pet and its owner may be asked to excuse themselves from the guided walk.
  • COVID-19 Safety: In order to hear the guide and fully participate in the trail walk, participants will be in close proximity to one another for extended periods of time. While face coverings are not required, participants should use their best judgement to keep themselves and others safe while enjoying the trails. Individuals who are experiencing flu-like symptoms or suspect they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should not participate.
  • At this time, no more than 6 spaces may be filled by a single family/group through pre-registration for any one Guided Trail Walk. If additional spaces are available on the day of the Walk, additional members of the family/group may participate. We apologize for any inconvenience and look forward to welcoming larger groups in the future.
The Block Party presented by Looking Glass Realty AVL
Apr 29 @ 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Liberty St. Block

The Second Annual Block Party will be held on Saturday, April 29th from 2:00 – 7:00 PM on South Liberty Street at the crossroads of East Chestnut and Merrimon Place in Asheville, North Carolina.

The event is free to enter, but a recommended donation at the door is encouraged, with all donations going directly to benefit The Pisgah Conservancy, an organization that leads sustainable projects to improve and preserve Pisgah National Forest.

The event will feature live music from several performers, including Red Clay Revival, The Larry Keel Experience, DJ Logic, and an interactive drum performance by Billy Zanski.

There will also be over 15 local craft vendors and fun activities for the whole family, such as yard games, a board breaking station from Premier Martial Arts Studio and more.

Food sold on-site by Pulp & Sprout, Smashville Food Truck, and sweet treats by Sunshine Sammies.

Craft beverages will be sold by One World Brewing, The Whale and N/A beverages by Headspace Elixirs. Complementary water provided by Blue Moon Water.

Pisgah National Forest is one of the most visited National Forests in the nation, with millions of visitors each year. The Pisgah Conservancy has successfully led projects focused on improving the forest’s trail systems and access points in a sustainable way, developing a close relationship with the National Forest Service in the process. The Block Party aims to create awareness and financial support for The Pisgah Conservancy’s work, which is crucial in the face of unprecedented growth in the outdoor recreation economy and the region as a whole.

The Block Party committee consists of seven individuals from Looking Glass Realty’s Asheville office, who donate their time and talents to organize the event. This year, event coordinator Jessica Grion of Pisgah Brewing has joined the team, and the committee is excited to work with The Pisgah Conservancy once again to make the event a success.

Please click the link below to learn more about our Sponsorship Opportunities for this year’s event: Block Party Sponsorship Opportunities.

Want to volunteer? Contact Jessica at [email protected].

This is a rain or shine event! Donations at the door can be made by Cash, Venmo and Paypal.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for additional event information and updates.

Thank you kindly for your support! Happy trails and see you on the Block!

~ Looking Glass Realty

Sistas Caring 4 Sistas 1st Annual Black Maternal Health Fundraiser
Apr 29 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Hi-Wire Brewing

Ready for an evening of celebration and inspiration? Join us for the 1st Annual Black Maternal Health Fundraiser on April 29 in Asheville. Featuring Omari Maynard, Cooking with Comedy Catering, The Hypnotic Band, and more.

Sistas Caring 4 Sistas is a community-based doula program founded by women of color for women of color who could benefit from this evidence-based form of birth support. Our doulas work in partnerships dedicated towards healthy, equitable outcomes as part of a larger social justice movement that is committed to eliminating health disparities for birthing individuals, families and infants of color.

Keynote speaker, Omari Maynard, is an artist, activist, and educator. He has received his bachelor degree in Marketing from Hampton University, an MBA and a Masters in Sport Business Management from the University of Central Florida, and a Masters degree in Special Education from Long Island University. Before becoming a full time creative he worked in the field of sports and education for twenty plus years.

In 2016 Omari and his life partner, Shamony Gibson, started their own business. Art-fulliving is a lifestyle and event planning business with an emphasis on artistic expression. Unfortunately, Shamony transitioned on October 6th, 2019, due to medical malpractice after giving birth to their second child.

After the tragic and preventable death of his beloved partner, Shamony Gibson, Omari and his mother-in-law, Shawnee Gibson founded the ARIAH Foundation. The foundation seeks to support individuals, families and communities who experience the devastating Aftershock associated with maternal/infant morbidity and mortality. ARIAH provides mental, physical, emotional and/or spiritual assistance to support the affected families as they navigate the impact of these traumatic experiences.

Since the passing of his life partner and creation of The ARIAH Foundation Omari has been featured in the award-winning documentary, Aftershock, streaming on Hulu now and other platforms such as Good Morning America, ABC Nightline, The Breakfast Club on Power 105, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal, raising awareness on this tragic epidemic.

Get ready to enjoy an evening to remember! Food will be catered by Chef Clarence Robinson’s “Cooking with Comedy”, live music by “Hypnotic Band”, a silent auction, and a story that will show you why SistasCaring4Sistas exists!

Attire: Red and Black

We look forward to seeing you there!

Please email: [email protected] if you are interested in sponsoring this event.

PATIO: Buck Curran
Apr 29 @ 6:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

– ALL AGES
– LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED

BUCK CURRAN

No Love Is Sorrow is the latest album by guitarist-singer-songwriter Buck Curran. Since 2005, Buck has recorded and performed as one half of the psych-folk duo Arborea. To date, Arborea has released five albums, including 2013’s ESP-Disk’ release Fortress of the Sun (All Music Favorite Folk Favorite Singer-Songwriter Albums 2013). Buck has also produced several various artists compilations: We Are All One, In the Sun: a tribute to Robbie Basho (2010), Basket Full of Dragons – a Tribute to Robbie Basho Vol II (2016), Ten Years Gone: A Tribute to Jack Rose (Tompkins Square 2019), along with the archival live recording; Robbie Basho Live in Forlì, Italy 1982 (2018).

Buck has developed his intense, intimate and mesmerising approach to live concerts through two decades of playing and touring extensively throughout the US, UK, and Europe with Arborea, performing key shows and festivals (Green Man Festival, Moseley Folk Festival, Philadelphia Folk Festival, etc). He also draws inspiration from the deep well of Folk and Rock of the 1960s  (Robbie Basho, Bert Jansch, Peter Green, Tim Buckley, etc.)

In 2016 Buck released his first solo album Immortal Light, followed in 2018 by Morning Haikus, Afternoon Ragas, listed among the ‘Best Albums of 2018’ according to Folk Radio UK and Aquarium Drunkard.

In April of 2020 Curran released his third solo album ‘No Love Is Sorrow’. Later that month he was interviewed by Jason Woodbury for Aquarium Drunkard Transmissions. In May 2020, Premier Guitar Magazine published a feature article and NPR published a Tiny Desk Concert recorded at Buck’s apartment in Bergamo, Italy. No Love is Sorrow was also listed among the ‘Best Albums of 2020’ by Folk Radio UK and Aquarium Drunkard.

Curran’s music invokes swarming natural forces, looking for the borderline between the real and the sublime and, maybe, the supernatural Jesse Jarnow/Relix Magazine
 
There’s a burning darkness to these songs, as Curran’s rough-hewn voice and droning psych-folk melodies curl like smoke, but there’s also a desperate hope that cracks the surface  ~Lars Gotrich/NPR-Tiny Desk
 
Guitar tones linger and reverberate with a mystical translucence  Dusted Mag
 
The elegant tones that neo-folk artist Buck Curran draws from voice and guitar have a capacity to linger in the air long after the notes have faded. Recorded at the American guitarist’s home in northern Italy shortly before the area went into lockdown, ‘No Love Is Sorrow’ is a beautiful piece of work, interspersing space, atmospheric instrumentals with more complete songs like spooky western “Ghost On The Hill’, the ballad “Deep In The Lovin’ Arms of My Babe'” and the title track. Curran sings with the gravelly decorum of Mark Lanegan but the songs remain, bewitchingly, just over the next horizon. – 8/10 Peter Watts/UNCUT Magazine
 
THE ASHEVILLE ROCK ACADEMY Showcase
Apr 29 @ 6:30 pm
White Horse Black Mountain

The Asheville Rock Academy’s talented students have played some high profile gigs, including the Main stage at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. Academy bands have also played with Cliff Williams of AC/DC, Victor Wooten and Roy Wooten of Bela Fleck and the Flecktones fame, guitar shredder Joe Stump and American Idol’s Caleb Johnson. The future of rock is in good hands with these committed teen musicians and their dedicated teachers.

The Rock Academy is an Asheville Music School that teaches Year-Round Rock Band Performance Classes to students 7-17. Students learn to perform a wide variety of musical styles and songs of various genres including blues, classic rock, hard rock, punk, surf, and more.

Our music students grow into real musicians and take their skills “on the road” to play in front of live audiences at some of the top venues in the area (The Orange Peel, Gray Eagle, White Horse, Aloft Hotel, Biltmore Park, Folkmoot, Bacon-fest, and many more!). Our bands have even played on stage at The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio!

Visit The Rock Academy Website

For Family Members of the Rock Academy, CLICK HERE for a special discounted rate.

Sunday, April 30, 2023
ASAP’s 2023 Local Food Guide
Apr 30 all-day
online

The free, definitive resource for finding local food and farms also features farm stories and recipes.

 

The 2023 Local Food Guide, ASAP’s annual free publication for finding local food and farms, hits newsstands this week. This definitive resource lists hundreds of Appalachian Grown certified farms, farmers markets, restaurants, groceries, travel destinations, and more throughout Western North Carolina and surrounding counties in Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, and South Carolina. A digital version of the print Guide may be viewed at asapconnections.org/guide.

 

In addition to the listing content, the 2023 edition features stories that highlight the variety of farming across the region. Jake Puckett, of Crow Fly Farms in Marion, NC, details his passion for holistic animal management. Malcolm Banks, of Yellow Mountain Gardens in Franklin, NC, describes his mission to teach his neighbors—and the world—to grow their own food. Gwen and Jay Englebach, of Black Trumpet Farm in Leicester, NC, talk about building a business and customer relationships. Rounding out the issue are seasonal recipes from chefs at Cultura, Little Chango, The Montford, and Red Fiddle Vittles.

 

Find Local Food Guide copies at farmers markets, visitors centers, libraries, community centers, groceries, restaurants, and other partner businesses throughout the region. They are also available to pick up in the lobby of ASAP’s office in Asheville at 306 W. Haywood St., Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Contact ASAP if you need help locating a copy in your area.

 

In addition to the print Guide, ASAP maintains the online Local Food Guide at appalachiangrown.org. This database, with more than 1,400 listings, is updated throughout the year and is searchable by products, locations, activities, and more.

 

The 2023 Local Food Guide is made possible in part with support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the Agricultural Marketing Service and Beginning Farmer Rancher Development Fund, as well as the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina and Asheville Regional Airport.

Biltmore Blooms
Apr 30 all-day
Biltmore Estate Gardens

Spring at Biltmore, one of the estate’s most glorious seasons, invites you to experience a spring break mountain escape with all the charm of a European retreat. Immerse yourself in thousands of colorful tulips as Biltmore Blooms transforms our gardens and grounds. Explore Italian Renaissance Alive and Ciao! From Italy. Savor our Winery’s award-winning vintages and, of course, the timeless elegance of Biltmore House.

  • Daytime access to 8,000 acres of gardens and grounds, including:
    • 75+ Acres of formal and informal gardens
    • 20+ Miles of hiking, biking, and walking trails
  • Antler Hill Village & Winery
  • Complimentary Wine Tasting
  • Complimentary Parking

Gardens & Grounds admission does NOT include Biltmore House entry.

Chamber Challenge: Asheville’s Annual 5k Celebrating Workplace Wellness Registration Open
Apr 30 – Apr 29 all-day
online
Grab your colleagues, your friends, even your family, and celebrate workplace wellness in this fun 5k. You might walk every step or sprint to the finish – either way we know you’re up to the challenge!

Register by April 2 for early registration rates, and by April 16 to get your race shirt.

Join us for free trainings starting March 21st

Hosted by the YMCA of Western North Carolina
Tuesdays starting March 21st • 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Meet in the Asheville Chamber parking lot top level (36 Montford Ave.)

• Open to everyone: share this info with co-workers or another business and encourage them to join a training.
• All fitness levels welcome: from first-time 5k walkers to active runners who want to improve.

The Chamber Challenge is designed to promote community wellness through friendly competition between businesses in the Asheville area. Encourage your co-workers, family and friends to participate. Whether you walk every step or sprint to the finish, we know you’re up to the challenge!

Register for the 2023 Chamber Challenge

Register by April 16th for your free race shirt. After April 16th, limited quantities of shirts may be available for $10.

Registration fee:

$35 – Early Registration until April 2rd

$40 – April 3-30

$45 – Late Registration May 1-5

City of Asheville: Plastic Reduction Survey
Apr 30 all-day
online

City of Asheville
                                                logoThe City of Asheville is seeking feedback from businesses and residents on how we can curb the use of single-use plastics, particularly plastic bags and styrofoam foodware containers, in our community.

This short survey should take less than ten minutes to complete and will ask residents and businesses to share their experiences with these products, what actions they would like to see the City take and what kind of support would be necessary to reduce the consumption of these single-use plastic products.

The survey will remain open through April 30 and results will inform City Staff’s recommendation on next steps to City Council in October, 2023. Staff will also share results and any additional engagement opportunities with the community on the project page.

Asheville Outlets Hosts Drive Electric Earth Day
Apr 30 @ 12:00 am – 4:00 pm
Asheville Outlets

Asheville Outlets will host Drive Electric Earth Day on Sunday, April 30, 2023, from 12 noon to 4:00 p.m. Spectators will be able to view and ride in a wide range of electric vehicles including the Ford Lightning and Rivian Electric Trucks, the VW ID4, the Hyundai Ioniq 5, and the Kia EV 6, Bolt EVs and EUVs, plus there will be a “Vintage EVs” section and much more. Visitors will get a chance to test the latest electric bikes and scooters and learn about solar and the expanded solar tax credit. Attendees can also meet members of the Blue Ridge EV Club and Tesla Owners of Western North Carolina groups and learn how to get involved. Tesla and EVgo Electric Vehicle Charging Stations are on the property. For more information, visit ShopAshevilleOutlets.com.