Calendar of Events
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.
Wednesday, December
13, 2023
LAZOOM: CITY COMEDY TOUR
Daytime Christmas Tours Historic Johnson Farm
Downtown Asheville Brisk Hike
Learn Asheville’s history, discover hidden gems, and laugh at LaZoom’s quirky sense of adventure.
- Guided comedy tour bus of historical Asheville
- 90-Minutes – tours run daily
- 15-minute break at Green Man Brewing
- $39 per person (ages 13+ only)
Christmas decorations on the porch of the farm house.
Guided tours will be at 10:30 AM each day.
$15 adults, $10 students, $10 seniors (65+), free 4 and under
Self-guided tours will be from 1-3 PM each day with a volunteer in the house to answer questions.
$8 adults, $5 students, $5 seniors (65+), free 4 and under
All tours include hot chocolate and cookies and a visit with the Heritage Weavers & Fiber Artists.
WEDNESDAY HIKE
Asheville urban hike 5+ miles
Please join us for a brisk downtown hike! The planned route will include neighborhoods, wooded trail, and views of the city from the ridge. We planned this route with the lovely views and fall foliage in mind. 🍁🍂
Please remember to bring or wear a headlamp, bright colors, and reflective gear if you have it. Keep in mind that we will be walking on some roads without sidewalks however, they are not heavily trafficked. 🦺
We will start and end the hike at White Labs where we can enjoy food and drinks after.
Thursday, December
14, 2023
BCAlerts From CodeRED
Stay informed. Get emergency notifications and general Buncombe County information on your smartphone, telephone, or email.
Sign up for BCAlerts today
Holiday Light Trail Tour
Spring Conference Registration Open
Youth Garden Grant
Growing Minds Farm to School Mini-Grant
Biltmore Estate: Ciao! From Italy Sculptural Postcard Display
Gardening Guide for Our Mountains
LAZOOM: CITY COMEDY TOUR
Daytime Christmas Tours Historic Johnson Farm
Playful Experiential for Emotional Health
Sign up for BCAlerts today
Here is what you need to know.
What is CodeRED?
Along with emergency and critical messages, the CodeRED notification system will also enhance community engagement via the release of important but non-emergency information such as vaccine site notifications, inclement weather closures and schedule changes, and other county service information.
Sign up for BC Alerts by texting BCAlert(not case sensitive) to 99411 or visit to sign up for the new system. If residents have previously signed up for Nixle BC Alerts, they will need to re-register in order to continue receiving notifications after June 30.
Alerts to choose from:
- Emergency
- General
- Recreation Services
- Election Reminders
- Governing
- Weather
NOTICE: For CodeRED support, please call 1-866-939-0911. For all other questions email [email protected].
Evenings, across the county
The best thing about being in a small town during the holiday season is that everyone joins in on bringing the holiday cheer! This year, homes and businesses across the county are festively decorated, and welcome visitors to view their holiday displays. Follow the trail for a fun evening with your loved ones, driving to view the best lights the area has to offer. There is no competition here, just a bunch of people who love this time of year! This self-guided tour is free, a suggested route will be available here on December 1st. (Please note, many of the Downtown Hendersonville locations are best viewed by foot. Additionally, some displays may be up beyond December 26th.)
Any and all local homes and businesses are invited to register to be on this year’s trail (registration closes 11/30). Register here.
Save the date for our 31st Annual Spring Conference, March 8-10, 2024, at Mars Hill University. Registration opens Wednesday, December 6, 2023.
Friday pre-conferences in 2024 will include full-day workshops from JM Fortier (founder of Jardins de la Grelinette and the Market Gardener Institute), Jeannie Dunne (director of Red Moon Herbs), and Ember Phoenix (Soul Thrive Apothecary).
Our main conference program will feature over 60 classes on 13 learning tracks, including Cooking, Earth Stewardship, Farming Business, Farming Production, Forest Farming, Food Justice, Gardening, Herbs, Living on the Land, Mushrooms, Permaculture, Pollinators & Pests, and Soils. For a deeper dive into these fields, the conference will also include nine half-day classes including speakers like Jesse Frost of the No-Till Market Garden Podcast and workshops exploring fermentation on the farm and in the kitchen, lean farming, seed saving, building your farm brand, fruit tree propagation, and more.
In early 2024, 50 organizations will be awarded $500 in funding and a collection of gardening supplies for their youth garden program.
Since 1982, the Youth Garden Grant has supported school and youth educational garden projects that enhance the quality of life for youth and their communities.
In early 2024, fifty organizations will be awarded $500 in funding and a collection of gardening supplies for their youth garden program.
¡Pueden aplicar a los programas en español! Para ver esta oportunidad de subvención en español, visite nuestra página web en español.
Eligibility
Any organization in the United States or US Territories planning a new or improving an existing garden program that serves at least 15 youth between the ages of 0 and 18 is eligible to apply.
KidsGardening grantees from any 2022 or 2023 grant program (Budding Botanist, GroMoreGood Grassroots, Lots of Compassion, and Little Seeds Pollinator Pals) and previous Youth Garden winners from any year are not eligible.
Organizations must:
- Support, work with, or serve communities with a majority of individuals that are under-resourced (systematically denied resources and opportunities based on race, gender, ethnicity, income level, abilities, geographic location, etc., or currently experiencing hardship such as a natural disaster, etc.)
- Have fifteen or more youth participate in the garden program.
- Have received less than $10,000 in grants for the garden program during 2022 and 2023 combined.
ASAP’s Growing Minds mini-grants help early childhood education (ECE) centers and K-12 schools throughout the 23 westernmost counties of North Carolina provide children positive experiences with healthy local foods through these components of farm to school: school gardens, farm field trips and farmer classroom visits, and local foods served in meals, snacks, and/or taste tests.
Mini-grant applications are available three times during the 2023-2024 school year. You may apply one time during this cycle. Mini-grants must be used within a year after receiving the funding.
Applications due by:
- November 30, 2023
- January 30, 2024
- March 30, 2024
If you have questions about your eligibility to apply for funding, please email us at [email protected] before submitting your application. We are unable to provide mini-grants to schools located outside of our 23-county service area or to folks who have received a grant from us within the past year. Learn more and apply here!
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!
Living in Western North Carolina means there is always something to do in the garden, from preparing soil and pruning to fertilizing and transplanting. But when and how? You’ll find the answers in A Gardening Guide for Our Mountains.
Created by NC State Extension Master GardenerSM volunteers of Buncombe County (BCEMG), the guide provides a complete month-by-month description of what to do (and not to do), along with tips on invasive species, mulching, composting, and creating bird- and pollinator-friendly habitats.
This quick reference makes the perfect holiday gift for the gardeners in your life, whether they are old hands, new to gardening, or new to gardening in the mountains. A Gardening Guide for Our Mountains will get them off to the right start and keep their gardens growing all year long. Plus, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that funds raised through this publication go to support the many educational and outreach programs provided by BCEMG volunteers.
How to order: Send $13 (checks payable to Buncombe County Extension Master Gardener) to N.C. Cooperative Extension, Buncombe County Center, 49 Mount Carmel Road, Asheville, N.C. 28806, ATTN: Buncombe County Master Gardeners. Include mailing address for shipping and a phone number, in case we have a question about your order.
Copies are available for pick up at the office for $10. Please call in advance. 828-255-5522.
To learn more about the NC State Extension Master Gardener Program in Buncombe County, go to: https://www.buncombemastergardener.org/
Learn Asheville’s history, discover hidden gems, and laugh at LaZoom’s quirky sense of adventure.
- Guided comedy tour bus of historical Asheville
- 90-Minutes – tours run daily
- 15-minute break at Green Man Brewing
- $39 per person (ages 13+ only)
Christmas decorations on the porch of the farm house.
Guided tours will be at 10:30 AM each day.
$15 adults, $10 students, $10 seniors (65+), free 4 and under
Self-guided tours will be from 1-3 PM each day with a volunteer in the house to answer questions.
$8 adults, $5 students, $5 seniors (65+), free 4 and under
All tours include hot chocolate and cookies and a visit with the Heritage Weavers & Fiber Artists.
Join us for an enriching and experiential meetup, where we’ll explore the powerful connection between body, mind, and heart. The session will begin with a Meditation for Emotional Healing, a proven method to alleviate the impact of unhealthy emotions. Led by Bill, a Heartfulness meditation certified trainer and valued member of our meetup, this 15-20 minute meditation invites both beginners and experienced practitioners to delve into the transformative journey of inner balance. We’ll follow up with an emotion identification and coloring exercise. Come, engage in these exercises designed to deepen your connection with self, and discover the profound synergy of mind-body-heart alignment.
Friday, December
15, 2023
BCAlerts From CodeRED
Stay informed. Get emergency notifications and general Buncombe County information on your smartphone, telephone, or email.
Sign up for BCAlerts today
Holiday Light Trail Tour
Spring Conference Registration Open
Youth Garden Grant
Growing Minds Farm to School Mini-Grant
Biltmore Estate: Ciao! From Italy Sculptural Postcard Display
Gardening Guide for Our Mountains
LAZOOM: CITY COMEDY TOUR
Daytime Christmas Tours Historic Johnson Farm
LAZOOM Tours: BAND AND BEER TOUR
Sign up for BCAlerts today
Here is what you need to know.
What is CodeRED?
Along with emergency and critical messages, the CodeRED notification system will also enhance community engagement via the release of important but non-emergency information such as vaccine site notifications, inclement weather closures and schedule changes, and other county service information.
Sign up for BC Alerts by texting BCAlert(not case sensitive) to 99411 or visit to sign up for the new system. If residents have previously signed up for Nixle BC Alerts, they will need to re-register in order to continue receiving notifications after June 30.
Alerts to choose from:
- Emergency
- General
- Recreation Services
- Election Reminders
- Governing
- Weather
NOTICE: For CodeRED support, please call 1-866-939-0911. For all other questions email [email protected].
Evenings, across the county
The best thing about being in a small town during the holiday season is that everyone joins in on bringing the holiday cheer! This year, homes and businesses across the county are festively decorated, and welcome visitors to view their holiday displays. Follow the trail for a fun evening with your loved ones, driving to view the best lights the area has to offer. There is no competition here, just a bunch of people who love this time of year! This self-guided tour is free, a suggested route will be available here on December 1st. (Please note, many of the Downtown Hendersonville locations are best viewed by foot. Additionally, some displays may be up beyond December 26th.)
Any and all local homes and businesses are invited to register to be on this year’s trail (registration closes 11/30). Register here.
Save the date for our 31st Annual Spring Conference, March 8-10, 2024, at Mars Hill University. Registration opens Wednesday, December 6, 2023.
Friday pre-conferences in 2024 will include full-day workshops from JM Fortier (founder of Jardins de la Grelinette and the Market Gardener Institute), Jeannie Dunne (director of Red Moon Herbs), and Ember Phoenix (Soul Thrive Apothecary).
Our main conference program will feature over 60 classes on 13 learning tracks, including Cooking, Earth Stewardship, Farming Business, Farming Production, Forest Farming, Food Justice, Gardening, Herbs, Living on the Land, Mushrooms, Permaculture, Pollinators & Pests, and Soils. For a deeper dive into these fields, the conference will also include nine half-day classes including speakers like Jesse Frost of the No-Till Market Garden Podcast and workshops exploring fermentation on the farm and in the kitchen, lean farming, seed saving, building your farm brand, fruit tree propagation, and more.
In early 2024, 50 organizations will be awarded $500 in funding and a collection of gardening supplies for their youth garden program.
Since 1982, the Youth Garden Grant has supported school and youth educational garden projects that enhance the quality of life for youth and their communities.
In early 2024, fifty organizations will be awarded $500 in funding and a collection of gardening supplies for their youth garden program.
¡Pueden aplicar a los programas en español! Para ver esta oportunidad de subvención en español, visite nuestra página web en español.
Eligibility
Any organization in the United States or US Territories planning a new or improving an existing garden program that serves at least 15 youth between the ages of 0 and 18 is eligible to apply.
KidsGardening grantees from any 2022 or 2023 grant program (Budding Botanist, GroMoreGood Grassroots, Lots of Compassion, and Little Seeds Pollinator Pals) and previous Youth Garden winners from any year are not eligible.
Organizations must:
- Support, work with, or serve communities with a majority of individuals that are under-resourced (systematically denied resources and opportunities based on race, gender, ethnicity, income level, abilities, geographic location, etc., or currently experiencing hardship such as a natural disaster, etc.)
- Have fifteen or more youth participate in the garden program.
- Have received less than $10,000 in grants for the garden program during 2022 and 2023 combined.
ASAP’s Growing Minds mini-grants help early childhood education (ECE) centers and K-12 schools throughout the 23 westernmost counties of North Carolina provide children positive experiences with healthy local foods through these components of farm to school: school gardens, farm field trips and farmer classroom visits, and local foods served in meals, snacks, and/or taste tests.
Mini-grant applications are available three times during the 2023-2024 school year. You may apply one time during this cycle. Mini-grants must be used within a year after receiving the funding.
Applications due by:
- November 30, 2023
- January 30, 2024
- March 30, 2024
If you have questions about your eligibility to apply for funding, please email us at [email protected] before submitting your application. We are unable to provide mini-grants to schools located outside of our 23-county service area or to folks who have received a grant from us within the past year. Learn more and apply here!
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!
Living in Western North Carolina means there is always something to do in the garden, from preparing soil and pruning to fertilizing and transplanting. But when and how? You’ll find the answers in A Gardening Guide for Our Mountains.
Created by NC State Extension Master GardenerSM volunteers of Buncombe County (BCEMG), the guide provides a complete month-by-month description of what to do (and not to do), along with tips on invasive species, mulching, composting, and creating bird- and pollinator-friendly habitats.
This quick reference makes the perfect holiday gift for the gardeners in your life, whether they are old hands, new to gardening, or new to gardening in the mountains. A Gardening Guide for Our Mountains will get them off to the right start and keep their gardens growing all year long. Plus, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that funds raised through this publication go to support the many educational and outreach programs provided by BCEMG volunteers.
How to order: Send $13 (checks payable to Buncombe County Extension Master Gardener) to N.C. Cooperative Extension, Buncombe County Center, 49 Mount Carmel Road, Asheville, N.C. 28806, ATTN: Buncombe County Master Gardeners. Include mailing address for shipping and a phone number, in case we have a question about your order.
Copies are available for pick up at the office for $10. Please call in advance. 828-255-5522.
To learn more about the NC State Extension Master Gardener Program in Buncombe County, go to: https://www.buncombemastergardener.org/
Learn Asheville’s history, discover hidden gems, and laugh at LaZoom’s quirky sense of adventure.
- Guided comedy tour bus of historical Asheville
- 90-Minutes – tours run daily
- 15-minute break at Green Man Brewing
- $39 per person (ages 13+ only)
Christmas decorations on the porch of the farm house.
Guided tours will be at 10:30 AM each day.
$15 adults, $10 students, $10 seniors (65+), free 4 and under
Self-guided tours will be from 1-3 PM each day with a volunteer in the house to answer questions.
$8 adults, $5 students, $5 seniors (65+), free 4 and under
All tours include hot chocolate and cookies and a visit with the Heritage Weavers & Fiber Artists.
Wanna hear the best local music and drink the best local beers? Hop aboard LaZoom’s Purple Bus and rock out with a local band while we take you on a journey to Asheville’s premiere local breweries.
Saturday, December
16, 2023
BCAlerts From CodeRED
Stay informed. Get emergency notifications and general Buncombe County information on your smartphone, telephone, or email.
Sign up for BCAlerts today
Holiday Light Trail Tour
Spring Conference Registration Open
Biltmore Estate: Ciao! From Italy Sculptural Postcard Display
Gardening Guide for Our Mountains
LAZOOM: CITY COMEDY TOUR
LAZOOM Tours: Kids’ Comedy Tour
Sign up for BCAlerts today
Here is what you need to know.
What is CodeRED?
Along with emergency and critical messages, the CodeRED notification system will also enhance community engagement via the release of important but non-emergency information such as vaccine site notifications, inclement weather closures and schedule changes, and other county service information.
Sign up for BC Alerts by texting BCAlert(not case sensitive) to 99411 or visit to sign up for the new system. If residents have previously signed up for Nixle BC Alerts, they will need to re-register in order to continue receiving notifications after June 30.
Alerts to choose from:
- Emergency
- General
- Recreation Services
- Election Reminders
- Governing
- Weather
NOTICE: For CodeRED support, please call 1-866-939-0911. For all other questions email [email protected].
Evenings, across the county
The best thing about being in a small town during the holiday season is that everyone joins in on bringing the holiday cheer! This year, homes and businesses across the county are festively decorated, and welcome visitors to view their holiday displays. Follow the trail for a fun evening with your loved ones, driving to view the best lights the area has to offer. There is no competition here, just a bunch of people who love this time of year! This self-guided tour is free, a suggested route will be available here on December 1st. (Please note, many of the Downtown Hendersonville locations are best viewed by foot. Additionally, some displays may be up beyond December 26th.)
Any and all local homes and businesses are invited to register to be on this year’s trail (registration closes 11/30). Register here.
Save the date for our 31st Annual Spring Conference, March 8-10, 2024, at Mars Hill University. Registration opens Wednesday, December 6, 2023.
Friday pre-conferences in 2024 will include full-day workshops from JM Fortier (founder of Jardins de la Grelinette and the Market Gardener Institute), Jeannie Dunne (director of Red Moon Herbs), and Ember Phoenix (Soul Thrive Apothecary).
Our main conference program will feature over 60 classes on 13 learning tracks, including Cooking, Earth Stewardship, Farming Business, Farming Production, Forest Farming, Food Justice, Gardening, Herbs, Living on the Land, Mushrooms, Permaculture, Pollinators & Pests, and Soils. For a deeper dive into these fields, the conference will also include nine half-day classes including speakers like Jesse Frost of the No-Till Market Garden Podcast and workshops exploring fermentation on the farm and in the kitchen, lean farming, seed saving, building your farm brand, fruit tree propagation, and more.
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!
Living in Western North Carolina means there is always something to do in the garden, from preparing soil and pruning to fertilizing and transplanting. But when and how? You’ll find the answers in A Gardening Guide for Our Mountains.
Created by NC State Extension Master GardenerSM volunteers of Buncombe County (BCEMG), the guide provides a complete month-by-month description of what to do (and not to do), along with tips on invasive species, mulching, composting, and creating bird- and pollinator-friendly habitats.
This quick reference makes the perfect holiday gift for the gardeners in your life, whether they are old hands, new to gardening, or new to gardening in the mountains. A Gardening Guide for Our Mountains will get them off to the right start and keep their gardens growing all year long. Plus, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that funds raised through this publication go to support the many educational and outreach programs provided by BCEMG volunteers.
How to order: Send $13 (checks payable to Buncombe County Extension Master Gardener) to N.C. Cooperative Extension, Buncombe County Center, 49 Mount Carmel Road, Asheville, N.C. 28806, ATTN: Buncombe County Master Gardeners. Include mailing address for shipping and a phone number, in case we have a question about your order.
Copies are available for pick up at the office for $10. Please call in advance. 828-255-5522.
To learn more about the NC State Extension Master Gardener Program in Buncombe County, go to: https://www.buncombemastergardener.org/
Learn Asheville’s history, discover hidden gems, and laugh at LaZoom’s quirky sense of adventure.
- Guided comedy tour bus of historical Asheville
- 90-Minutes – tours run daily
- 15-minute break at Green Man Brewing
- $39 per person (ages 13+ only)
Kids’ Comedy Tour: Wildly funny, this educational and entertaining tour features the perfect blend of Asheville’s history and kid-centric comedy. Geared specifically toward the 5–12 year old crowd, you’ll explore the town with our famously outlandish tour guides leading the way.
- Perfect for birthday parties
- Makes for memorable school field trips
- Tickets are $27 per person
- Beverages available for purchase at the LaZoom Room
- Departs from 76 Biltmore Avenue