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.

Sunday, February 16, 2020
LEAF Volunteers is now LEAF WeX
Feb 16 all-day
LEAF
We’ve opted to shift the name and give some different benefits.
WHAT is changing? The name, WeX Star Crew benefit, & Festival HQ
– Regular Volunteers are now WeX. Work 10 hours in exchange for Weekend (Fri to Sun) Ticket
– Plus Volunteers are now WeX Plus. Work 15 hours in exchange for a Weekend Plus (Thu to Sun) Ticket
– Star Volunteers are now WeX Star. Work 20 hours in exchange for a Weekend Plus (Thu to Sun) Ticket AND a Culinary Passport -OR- a Star Guest Pass Ticket (Thu to Sun). Guest passes are LIMITED.

We’ll update our Auto-Reply as well as make a note on the website when the guest pass is no longer an available option. Those who have submitted completed applications prior to the cut off will have the guest pass option.

WeX Headquarters (HQ) will now be located under the Ship with a designated lounging area for WeXs. Make sure to come by and say hello!! You’ll pick up official schedule cards and culinary passes here as well.

Monday, February 17, 2020
Asheville Mardi Gras: Parade day volunteer opportunities
Feb 17 all-day
South Slope Asheville
Asheville Mardi Gras Parade February 23
The 13th annual Asheville Mardi Gras parade will take place on February 23 in South Slope and we’re looking for parade day volunteers. The Asheville Mardi Gras parade is an all-inclusive, family friendly, full-color spectacle that is fun, entertaining, full of music, floats, dancing and celebrating. Spectators receive beads and candy and the photo opportunities are always amazing.

Details include: 

* About 20-25 volunteers needed for this rain or shine event.
*Setting up, manning and breaking down street barricades
*Assisting with krewe and float line up and timing as the parade begins
*Identifying parked cars that might need to be towed and checking for obstacles to smooth crowd control along the parade route.
*Coordinating with the Parade Logistics manager and city police
*Carrying 1 or 2 parade banners (Costumes optional but always encouraged!)
*Assisting with end of parade float disbursement
*Trash pick up following the parade set up and marching route. This is mostly paper trash and beads.  It’s rarely more than a few bags total.
*Returning barricades, cones, etc. to the post-parade collection point
Confirmed Volunteer perks include $10 gift card to Vortex Donuts & Coffee and a free beer at Catawba.  Possibly more perks to come!
Send an email to [email protected] if you’re interested in helping out.
EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems: food and farm help/resources in WNC
Feb 17 all-day
WNC

The Center for Environmental Farming Systems is a partnership of North Carolina State University, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

 

Managing Disease Holistically
Feb 17 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
SAHC Community Farm

We’ll take a deep dive into ecologically-based preventive, cultural, and integrated practices to reduce the impact of the disease on your farm in this one-day workshop. You will gain a thorough understanding of what causes disease, identification techniques, and best management practices for reducing the damage that crop disease can cause.

Tuesday, February 18, 2020
Asheville Mardi Gras: Parade day volunteer opportunities
Feb 18 all-day
South Slope Asheville
Asheville Mardi Gras Parade February 23
The 13th annual Asheville Mardi Gras parade will take place on February 23 in South Slope and we’re looking for parade day volunteers. The Asheville Mardi Gras parade is an all-inclusive, family friendly, full-color spectacle that is fun, entertaining, full of music, floats, dancing and celebrating. Spectators receive beads and candy and the photo opportunities are always amazing.

Details include: 

* About 20-25 volunteers needed for this rain or shine event.
*Setting up, manning and breaking down street barricades
*Assisting with krewe and float line up and timing as the parade begins
*Identifying parked cars that might need to be towed and checking for obstacles to smooth crowd control along the parade route.
*Coordinating with the Parade Logistics manager and city police
*Carrying 1 or 2 parade banners (Costumes optional but always encouraged!)
*Assisting with end of parade float disbursement
*Trash pick up following the parade set up and marching route. This is mostly paper trash and beads.  It’s rarely more than a few bags total.
*Returning barricades, cones, etc. to the post-parade collection point
Confirmed Volunteer perks include $10 gift card to Vortex Donuts & Coffee and a free beer at Catawba.  Possibly more perks to come!
Send an email to [email protected] if you’re interested in helping out.
Managing Pests Holistically
Feb 18 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
SAHC Community Farm

In this one day workshop, you will gain an ecological understanding of pests including their biology, how to sample for pest and beneficial insects, and their relationship to soil and nutrient management. You will also learn management strategies that are commonly used to prevent pest damage, promote beneficials, and be equipped to develop a plan to manage pest outbreaks effectively on your farm.

Wednesday, February 19, 2020
Asheville Mardi Gras: Parade day volunteer opportunities
Feb 19 all-day
South Slope Asheville
Asheville Mardi Gras Parade February 23
The 13th annual Asheville Mardi Gras parade will take place on February 23 in South Slope and we’re looking for parade day volunteers. The Asheville Mardi Gras parade is an all-inclusive, family friendly, full-color spectacle that is fun, entertaining, full of music, floats, dancing and celebrating. Spectators receive beads and candy and the photo opportunities are always amazing.

Details include: 

* About 20-25 volunteers needed for this rain or shine event.
*Setting up, manning and breaking down street barricades
*Assisting with krewe and float line up and timing as the parade begins
*Identifying parked cars that might need to be towed and checking for obstacles to smooth crowd control along the parade route.
*Coordinating with the Parade Logistics manager and city police
*Carrying 1 or 2 parade banners (Costumes optional but always encouraged!)
*Assisting with end of parade float disbursement
*Trash pick up following the parade set up and marching route. This is mostly paper trash and beads.  It’s rarely more than a few bags total.
*Returning barricades, cones, etc. to the post-parade collection point
Confirmed Volunteer perks include $10 gift card to Vortex Donuts & Coffee and a free beer at Catawba.  Possibly more perks to come!
Send an email to [email protected] if you’re interested in helping out.
Hands on Asheville Volunteer Drive
Feb 19 all-day
Buncombe County

The role a caring adult can play in the life of a student cannot be overstated. We are recruiting volunteers to help middle grade students understand the importance of budgeting and finances as well as choosing a career path. Click the links below for more information:
10th Annual Battle of the Badges Blood Drive
Feb 19 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
First Baptist Church

Buncombe County and Asheville first responders are facing off for a lifesaving cause. Local heroes are rolling up their sleeves – and encouraging the community to do the same – as they vie for the most pints donated at the Annual Battle of the Badges Blood Drive. Congratulations to the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office for once again taking the award home last year.

All donors that day will receive a special T-shirt. Help save a life, and show your support for our local unsung heroes, your emergency first responders.

For more information on donating blood or to make an appointment, you can call 1-800-RED-CROSS, or visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code avlbattleofbadges. You can also download the Blood Donor App on the Apple App Store or Google Play to schedule your appointment today.

Thursday, February 20, 2020
Asheville Mardi Gras: Parade day volunteer opportunities
Feb 20 all-day
South Slope Asheville
Asheville Mardi Gras Parade February 23
The 13th annual Asheville Mardi Gras parade will take place on February 23 in South Slope and we’re looking for parade day volunteers. The Asheville Mardi Gras parade is an all-inclusive, family friendly, full-color spectacle that is fun, entertaining, full of music, floats, dancing and celebrating. Spectators receive beads and candy and the photo opportunities are always amazing.

Details include: 

* About 20-25 volunteers needed for this rain or shine event.
*Setting up, manning and breaking down street barricades
*Assisting with krewe and float line up and timing as the parade begins
*Identifying parked cars that might need to be towed and checking for obstacles to smooth crowd control along the parade route.
*Coordinating with the Parade Logistics manager and city police
*Carrying 1 or 2 parade banners (Costumes optional but always encouraged!)
*Assisting with end of parade float disbursement
*Trash pick up following the parade set up and marching route. This is mostly paper trash and beads.  It’s rarely more than a few bags total.
*Returning barricades, cones, etc. to the post-parade collection point
Confirmed Volunteer perks include $10 gift card to Vortex Donuts & Coffee and a free beer at Catawba.  Possibly more perks to come!
Send an email to [email protected] if you’re interested in helping out.
Friday, February 21, 2020
Asheville Mardi Gras: Parade day volunteer opportunities
Feb 21 all-day
South Slope Asheville
Asheville Mardi Gras Parade February 23
The 13th annual Asheville Mardi Gras parade will take place on February 23 in South Slope and we’re looking for parade day volunteers. The Asheville Mardi Gras parade is an all-inclusive, family friendly, full-color spectacle that is fun, entertaining, full of music, floats, dancing and celebrating. Spectators receive beads and candy and the photo opportunities are always amazing.

Details include: 

* About 20-25 volunteers needed for this rain or shine event.
*Setting up, manning and breaking down street barricades
*Assisting with krewe and float line up and timing as the parade begins
*Identifying parked cars that might need to be towed and checking for obstacles to smooth crowd control along the parade route.
*Coordinating with the Parade Logistics manager and city police
*Carrying 1 or 2 parade banners (Costumes optional but always encouraged!)
*Assisting with end of parade float disbursement
*Trash pick up following the parade set up and marching route. This is mostly paper trash and beads.  It’s rarely more than a few bags total.
*Returning barricades, cones, etc. to the post-parade collection point
Confirmed Volunteer perks include $10 gift card to Vortex Donuts & Coffee and a free beer at Catawba.  Possibly more perks to come!
Send an email to [email protected] if you’re interested in helping out.
EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems: food and farm help/resources in WNC
Feb 21 all-day
WNC

The Center for Environmental Farming Systems is a partnership of North Carolina State University, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

 

Saturday, February 22, 2020
Asheville Mardi Gras: Parade day volunteer opportunities
Feb 22 all-day
South Slope Asheville
Asheville Mardi Gras Parade February 23
The 13th annual Asheville Mardi Gras parade will take place on February 23 in South Slope and we’re looking for parade day volunteers. The Asheville Mardi Gras parade is an all-inclusive, family friendly, full-color spectacle that is fun, entertaining, full of music, floats, dancing and celebrating. Spectators receive beads and candy and the photo opportunities are always amazing.

Details include: 

* About 20-25 volunteers needed for this rain or shine event.
*Setting up, manning and breaking down street barricades
*Assisting with krewe and float line up and timing as the parade begins
*Identifying parked cars that might need to be towed and checking for obstacles to smooth crowd control along the parade route.
*Coordinating with the Parade Logistics manager and city police
*Carrying 1 or 2 parade banners (Costumes optional but always encouraged!)
*Assisting with end of parade float disbursement
*Trash pick up following the parade set up and marching route. This is mostly paper trash and beads.  It’s rarely more than a few bags total.
*Returning barricades, cones, etc. to the post-parade collection point
Confirmed Volunteer perks include $10 gift card to Vortex Donuts & Coffee and a free beer at Catawba.  Possibly more perks to come!
Send an email to [email protected] if you’re interested in helping out.
Coach Needed at Hominy Valley Elementary Girls on the Run!
Feb 22 all-day
Hominy Valley Elementary
Image

 

We are in URGENT need of two assistant coaches at Hominy Valley Elementary on one or both program days (greater need on Wednesdays). The team practices on Mondays and Wednesdays from 2:15 pm to 3:45 pm.

With your support, 15 girls will grow their confidence, learn to stand up for themselves and others, and realize their voices matter. You don’t even need to like running!

EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems: food and farm help/resources in WNC
Feb 22 all-day
WNC

The Center for Environmental Farming Systems is a partnership of North Carolina State University, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

 

Farmer Incubator Program – Apply Now!
Feb 22 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.

Flat Rock Playhouse seeking volunteers
Feb 22 all-day
Flat Rock Playhouse

Flat Rock Playhouse and The Supporting Players are excited to announce they are welcoming volunteers who will participate in various programs that take you behind-the-scenes at the State Theatre of North Carolina.

“The Supporting Players of Flat Rock Playhouse is a great way to meet and work with people that are like-minded and have a desire to come alongside the staff to help secure the future of performing arts in western North Carolina, “ remarks Karolyn Killian, President of Supporting Players. “It is a pleasure and a joy to volunteer my time and talent for such a wonderful group of people that are dedicated to excellence in live theatre and our community!”

The Supporting Players are a unique way to get an inside look into life on the Rock while making an impact on our community. If you are interested in joining this passionate collective of volunteers and becoming part of the Flat Rock Playhouse family, make sure to tune into WTZQ on March 10th at 8:00 am to hear from some of the Supporting Players. Additionally, you can visit flatrockplayhouse.org/volunteer or email [email protected] to learn more!

Hands on Asheville Volunteer Drive
Feb 22 all-day
Buncombe County

The role a caring adult can play in the life of a student cannot be overstated. We are recruiting volunteers to help middle grade students understand the importance of budgeting and finances as well as choosing a career path. Click the links below for more information:
LEAF Volunteers is now LEAF WeX
Feb 22 all-day
LEAF
We’ve opted to shift the name and give some different benefits.
WHAT is changing? The name, WeX Star Crew benefit, & Festival HQ
– Regular Volunteers are now WeX. Work 10 hours in exchange for Weekend (Fri to Sun) Ticket
– Plus Volunteers are now WeX Plus. Work 15 hours in exchange for a Weekend Plus (Thu to Sun) Ticket
– Star Volunteers are now WeX Star. Work 20 hours in exchange for a Weekend Plus (Thu to Sun) Ticket AND a Culinary Passport -OR- a Star Guest Pass Ticket (Thu to Sun). Guest passes are LIMITED.

We’ll update our Auto-Reply as well as make a note on the website when the guest pass is no longer an available option. Those who have submitted completed applications prior to the cut off will have the guest pass option.

WeX Headquarters (HQ) will now be located under the Ship with a designated lounging area for WeXs. Make sure to come by and say hello!! You’ll pick up official schedule cards and culinary passes here as well.

ASAP Business of Farming Conference
Feb 22 @ 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
AB Tech Conference Center

The conference focuses on the business side of farming, offering beginning and established farmers financial, legal, management, and marketing tools to improve their farm businesses and make new professional connections.

The conference offers over a dozen workshops led by farmers and regional professionals, including Achieve Your Farm Financial Goals, Developing Your Farm Brand, Selling to Restaurants, and more. The popular Grower-Buyer Meeting gives farmers the chance to meet with buyers from area restaurants, groceries, and distributors. Farmers can receive individual support on legal, tax, labor, recordkeeping, and marketing issues during the extended lunch. Breakfast and lunch featuring local farm products is provided.

For the second year, the conference will include a free summit and leadership training for farmers market managers as well as a new farmers market fundraising forum. With more than 100 independent markets across the region, farmers markets are an important outlet for farmers to sell their products, build their customer base, and strengthen community ties. Interested market managers should contact Mike McCreary, [email protected], to pre-register for the summit.

Registration for the Business of Farming Conference is now open at asapconnections.org or by contacting ASAP at (828) 236-1282. Attendance is $75 per person by Feb. 1 and $95 beginning Feb. 2, with a discount for farm partners registering together. Sponsors for the Business of Farming Conference include Ingles Markets, Farm Burger, and Biltmore. Additional support comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Buncombe County Strategic Partnership, Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, and the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission.

7th Annual Spartanburg 2020 Home and Garden Shows
Feb 22 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium

Home & Garden Show

2020 Arts and Crafts Home Tour
Feb 22 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Nest Reality
Arts & Crafts Home Tour
SABC is proud to once again participate in the National Arts & Crafts Conference with our Arts & Crafts Home Tour.  This conference draws Arts & Crafts enthusiasts from all over the country for a weekend of seminars, group discussions, demonstrations, selling shows and our home tour.
This year the Home Tour will include historic homes in National Register listed Norwood Park which offers an eclectic mix of houses mostly built between 1912 and the 1930s.

Docents will be available in each home to answer questions. Participants should be able to walk several city blocks and negotiate stairs & public walkways. Tour will happen rain or shine, please bring a raincoat or umbrella as needed.  There are no paper tickets for this event.

National Arts & Crafts Conference Home Tour
Feb 22 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County

The Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County is pleased to offer five or more unique historic homes for the February 2020 National Arts & Crafts Conference Home Tour. All homes are located in National Register listed Norwood Park which offers an eclectic mix of houses mostly built between 1912 and the 1930s. Docents will be available in each home to answer questions. Participants should be able to walk several city blocks and negotiate stairs & public walkways. Tour will happen rain or shine, please bring a raincoat or umbrella as needed.  There are no paper tickets for this event.

Guests can purchase tickets by clicking here!

Or volunteer as a docent here!

Special thanks to Gray Line Trolley Tours of Asheville for their support of this event, Norwood Park residence and Delce Dyer for helping coordinate the homes and Bruce Johnson, founder and Director of the National Arts & Crafts Conference.  Due to their support and our wonderful guests, this event is a successful fundraiser for PSABC.

Sunday, February 23, 2020
Arts and Crafts Home Tour
Feb 23 all-day
Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County

Every year, PSABC is proud to offer a home tour as part of the National Arts & Crafts Conference at the Omni Grove Park Inn. This conference draws Arts & Crafts enthusiasts from all over the country for a weekend of seminars, group discussions, demonstrations, selling shows and our home tour.

The Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County is pleased to offer five or more unique historic homes for the February 2020 National Arts & Crafts Conference Home Tour. All homes are located in National Register listed Norwood Park which offers an eclectic mix of houses mostly built between 1912 and the 1930s. Docents will be available in each home to answer questions. Participants should be able to walk several city blocks and negotiate stairs & public walkways. Tour will happen rain or shine, please bring a raincoat or umbrella as needed. There are no paper tickets for this event.

Flat Rock Playhouse seeking volunteers
Feb 23 all-day
Flat Rock Playhouse

Flat Rock Playhouse and The Supporting Players are excited to announce they are welcoming volunteers who will participate in various programs that take you behind-the-scenes at the State Theatre of North Carolina.

“The Supporting Players of Flat Rock Playhouse is a great way to meet and work with people that are like-minded and have a desire to come alongside the staff to help secure the future of performing arts in western North Carolina, “ remarks Karolyn Killian, President of Supporting Players. “It is a pleasure and a joy to volunteer my time and talent for such a wonderful group of people that are dedicated to excellence in live theatre and our community!”

The Supporting Players are a unique way to get an inside look into life on the Rock while making an impact on our community. If you are interested in joining this passionate collective of volunteers and becoming part of the Flat Rock Playhouse family, make sure to tune into WTZQ on March 10th at 8:00 am to hear from some of the Supporting Players. Additionally, you can visit flatrockplayhouse.org/volunteer or email [email protected] to learn more!

7th Annual Spartanburg 2020 Home and Garden Shows
Feb 23 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium

Home & Garden Show

2020 Arts and Crafts Home Tour
Feb 23 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Nest Reality
Arts & Crafts Home Tour
SABC is proud to once again participate in the National Arts & Crafts Conference with our Arts & Crafts Home Tour.  This conference draws Arts & Crafts enthusiasts from all over the country for a weekend of seminars, group discussions, demonstrations, selling shows and our home tour.
This year the Home Tour will include historic homes in National Register listed Norwood Park which offers an eclectic mix of houses mostly built between 1912 and the 1930s.

Docents will be available in each home to answer questions. Participants should be able to walk several city blocks and negotiate stairs & public walkways. Tour will happen rain or shine, please bring a raincoat or umbrella as needed.  There are no paper tickets for this event.

National Arts & Crafts Conference Home Tour
Feb 23 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County

The Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County is pleased to offer five or more unique historic homes for the February 2020 National Arts & Crafts Conference Home Tour. All homes are located in National Register listed Norwood Park which offers an eclectic mix of houses mostly built between 1912 and the 1930s. Docents will be available in each home to answer questions. Participants should be able to walk several city blocks and negotiate stairs & public walkways. Tour will happen rain or shine, please bring a raincoat or umbrella as needed.  There are no paper tickets for this event.

Guests can purchase tickets by clicking here!

Or volunteer as a docent here!

Special thanks to Gray Line Trolley Tours of Asheville for their support of this event, Norwood Park residence and Delce Dyer for helping coordinate the homes and Bruce Johnson, founder and Director of the National Arts & Crafts Conference.  Due to their support and our wonderful guests, this event is a successful fundraiser for PSABC.

Wednesday, February 26, 2020
Hands on Asheville Volunteer Drive
Feb 26 all-day
Buncombe County

The role a caring adult can play in the life of a student cannot be overstated. We are recruiting volunteers to help middle grade students understand the importance of budgeting and finances as well as choosing a career path. Click the links below for more information:
Home Repair Builders Challenge
Feb 26 all-day
Habitiat for Humanity

Do you work in the local home building industry? Ready for a friendly challenge to help community members in need? Gather 2-4 coworkers to spend a day volunteering with our Home Repair team and make critical repairs so low-income residents can live safely and with dignity in their homes and communities. Each group’s hours will be tracked and at the end of the challenge the group with the most will get a prize.

The lack of affordable housing in Buncombe County is no secret, but one need is often overshadowed by the demand for new units. Far too many of  our neighbors- homeowners often 62+ years old, whose families have lived here for generations- are having to live in unsafe and unhealthy conditions because they cannot afford
critical home repairs.
That’s why members of the local home building industry are coming together for a friendly
challenge to help meet this urgent community need. The Home Repair Builders Challenge will
take place March 2 to April 17. Groups will volunteer alongside Asheville Habitat’s Home
Repair team, and at the end of the challenge the team with the most accumulated hours will get a prize.