Skip to content

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, September 25, 2019
Sand Hill Community Garden Workday
Sep 25 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
BC Sports Park

Community Garden located at the Buncombe County Sports Park.  
The mission of Sand HIll Community Garden is to share in garden space, knowledge, and labor with all members of the community.  Using organic growing practices we promote community health and wellness by providing fresh produce for garden members and local people in need of food.

Thursday, September 26, 2019
Non Profits: Junior League 3rd Annual Volunteer Expo is Now Accepting Applications
Sep 26 all-day
accepting applications

The Junior League of Asheville, Inc. (JLA) will hold its third annual Volunteer Expo, on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at the Crowne Plaza Expo Center from 10am to 3pm. Modeled after a job fair, this free event will feature more than 70 local nonprofits looking to fill ongoing and future volunteer needs. Nonprofits in almost every area of community concern will be present at the event: health, poverty, legal aid, environmental stewardship, women’s issues, arts, civic leadership, technology, education and animal welfare.

Excitement for the Volunteer Expo continues to grow, with nonprofit participation growing year over year.  The 2019 event featured over 70 non-profits with attendance at well over 1,000 community members coming to network and sign up to volunteer with nonprofit organizations.

The 2020 Volunteer Expo will be accepting applications starting in September. Due to the increase in interest for booths at the Expo, this year the League plans to review all applications received instead of awarding booths on a first come first serve basis.  They hope this will ensure a good mix of volunteer opportunities in a variety of service areas as well as allow new nonprofits the chance to have a booth at the event.  There will be a silent auction fundraiser, Cheers to Volunteers, the evening before the Volunteer Expo from 6pm to 9pm at the Masonic Temple in downtown Asheville.  All community members are invited to attend both events. If you are a nonprofit interested in participating in the 2020 Volunteer Expo, please email us at [email protected].

Volunteers: Super Hero 5K, Goombay, Urban Odyssey, Under the Stars, Pride Parade
Sep 26 all-day
varies see below

Volunteer Hands

Asheville Running Experience’s Super Hero 5K/Super Villain 10K, Sept. 21

Be a Super Hero and volunteer at the four aid stations along both courses of the Super Hero 5K/Super Villain 10K on Saturday, September 21st from 8:30 a.m through 10:30 a.m.  In return..

Asheville Running Experience is making a donation to the Asheville Museum of Science (if the minimum number of volunteers is exceeded).  If you’re 21 or older, join the after party at the Salvage Station and get one free beer ticket at Salvage Station after you’ve completed your volunteer shift.  To sign up for a shift, please fill out this Google Form and contact AMOS Volunteer/Board Member Bryant Korzeniewski at Bryant.Korzeniewski@gmail.com with questions and/or for more details.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

YMI Cultural Center’s Goombay Festival, Sept 20 – Sept. 22
Drum Roll Please! Volunteers are needed for the 39th Annual Goombay Festival September 20th-22nd at Pack Square Park in Downtown Asheville. The YMI Cultural Center’s mission is to help promote intercultural ism and the preservation of cultural identity. For more information and to volunteer please contact Dewana Little
at dlittle@ymiculturalcenter.org

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Asheville Urban Odyssey,  Sept. 22

his urban scavenger hunt will take teams of four around the downtown area via a series of clues to sixteen different locations where they will be required to complete a task before receiving their next clue.  Two volunteers will staff each secret location, checking teams in and out, throughout the day. Contact [email protected] directly if you are interested in assisting with this event or sign up by CLICKING HERE.

8 volunteers from a local nonprofit are requested or 2 groups of 4 volunteers (there is a donation compensation for providing volunteers).

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6th Annual Under the Stars Event at Highland Brewing, Sept. 26

AMOS is seeking volunteers to help out during this event from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Thursday, September 26th.  For volunteering at “Under The Stars”, you get a FREE TICKET to the “Under The Stars” INCLUDING 1 FREE beer token (21+ only), FREE food, and a FREE Daily Family Pass to AMOS.  Additionally, you get a FREE TICKET to the Sirius.B Show that begins after the conclusion of “Under The Stars” at 9 p.m.  To sign up for a volunteer shift, please use this Google Spreadsheet and contact AMOS’ Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@ashevillescience.org with any questions.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Blue Ridge Pride Festival, September 28

Give us 2-4 hours. Enjoy a day of music and memories — and the knowledge that you helped to bring a community together! You’ll also get a little swag: a 11th Annual Festival Tee Shirt, snacks, a drink ticket, and our new Blue Ridge Pride Center buttons and stickers. Volunteer roles include: setup and breakdown, selling wristbands, beverages or merchandise, and assisting with volunteer check-in or VIP. Learn more and sign up here.

Youth Art Competition Application Deadline October 1, 2019
Sep 26 all-day

Hot Works 4th Asheville Fine Art Show, October 26 & 27, 2019 takes place in Pack Square Park, downtown Asheville. This art show is juried by art professionals and brings artists to sell his/her art in all discipline including paintings, sculpture, clay, glass, fiber, jewelry, wood and more. All art is original and personally handmade by the artist who is present at the show. There is something for everyone, in all price ranges. You will see many artists at this show who do not attend other shows in North Carolina or South Carolina.

As part of our commitment to bring art education into the community, a Youth Art Competition for grades K-8 or ages 5-13 is integrated within a 10×20 space at the Asheville Fine Art Show. Sponsored by Institute for the Arts & Education, the associated 501c3 non-profit organization, all students in grades K-8 or ages 5-13 are encouraged to enter his/her original and personally handmade art that will be publicly displayed in the art show the entire weekend. On Sunday, October 27 at 3pm, there is $250 in youth art awards presented. Students are exposed to the rules and entrepreneurship opportunity of doing art shows for a living. The program brings families to the art show and exposes them to great art.

Friday, September 27, 2019
Non Profits: Junior League 3rd Annual Volunteer Expo is Now Accepting Applications
Sep 27 all-day
accepting applications

The Junior League of Asheville, Inc. (JLA) will hold its third annual Volunteer Expo, on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at the Crowne Plaza Expo Center from 10am to 3pm. Modeled after a job fair, this free event will feature more than 70 local nonprofits looking to fill ongoing and future volunteer needs. Nonprofits in almost every area of community concern will be present at the event: health, poverty, legal aid, environmental stewardship, women’s issues, arts, civic leadership, technology, education and animal welfare.

Excitement for the Volunteer Expo continues to grow, with nonprofit participation growing year over year.  The 2019 event featured over 70 non-profits with attendance at well over 1,000 community members coming to network and sign up to volunteer with nonprofit organizations.

The 2020 Volunteer Expo will be accepting applications starting in September. Due to the increase in interest for booths at the Expo, this year the League plans to review all applications received instead of awarding booths on a first come first serve basis.  They hope this will ensure a good mix of volunteer opportunities in a variety of service areas as well as allow new nonprofits the chance to have a booth at the event.  There will be a silent auction fundraiser, Cheers to Volunteers, the evening before the Volunteer Expo from 6pm to 9pm at the Masonic Temple in downtown Asheville.  All community members are invited to attend both events. If you are a nonprofit interested in participating in the 2020 Volunteer Expo, please email us at [email protected].

Standing Strong Seeks Sponsors
Sep 27 all-day
Diana Wortham Theatre

JOIN US for standing strong!

Please join us on the evening of Thursday October 24, 2019 at the Diana Wortham Theatre. This event supports the quality health care and education programs that Planned Parenthood provides in the Asheville community.                                                                                                    STANDING STRONG details

Sponsor Lunch with Irin: 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Sponsor Reception with Irin: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Main Program: 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Private Champagne and Dessert Reception  8:00 to 9:00 p.m.

The Sponsor Reception ($1,000+) begins at 5:30 p.m. at Diana Wortham Theatre. Guests will meet Irin Carmon and enjoy complimentary wine and heavy hors d’oeuvres before the program.

Doors open for all at 6:30 p.m. with curtain time at 7:00 p.m. in the Diana Wortham Theatre. Irin will deliver the keynote address.

To close out an evening supporting our critical work, sponsors ($500 – $150) are invited to the Private Champagne and Dessert Reception immediately following the program.

Volunteers: Super Hero 5K, Goombay, Urban Odyssey, Under the Stars, Pride Parade
Sep 27 all-day
varies see below

Volunteer Hands

Asheville Running Experience’s Super Hero 5K/Super Villain 10K, Sept. 21

Be a Super Hero and volunteer at the four aid stations along both courses of the Super Hero 5K/Super Villain 10K on Saturday, September 21st from 8:30 a.m through 10:30 a.m.  In return..

Asheville Running Experience is making a donation to the Asheville Museum of Science (if the minimum number of volunteers is exceeded).  If you’re 21 or older, join the after party at the Salvage Station and get one free beer ticket at Salvage Station after you’ve completed your volunteer shift.  To sign up for a shift, please fill out this Google Form and contact AMOS Volunteer/Board Member Bryant Korzeniewski at Bryant.Korzeniewski@gmail.com with questions and/or for more details.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

YMI Cultural Center’s Goombay Festival, Sept 20 – Sept. 22
Drum Roll Please! Volunteers are needed for the 39th Annual Goombay Festival September 20th-22nd at Pack Square Park in Downtown Asheville. The YMI Cultural Center’s mission is to help promote intercultural ism and the preservation of cultural identity. For more information and to volunteer please contact Dewana Little
at dlittle@ymiculturalcenter.org

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Asheville Urban Odyssey,  Sept. 22

his urban scavenger hunt will take teams of four around the downtown area via a series of clues to sixteen different locations where they will be required to complete a task before receiving their next clue.  Two volunteers will staff each secret location, checking teams in and out, throughout the day. Contact [email protected] directly if you are interested in assisting with this event or sign up by CLICKING HERE.

8 volunteers from a local nonprofit are requested or 2 groups of 4 volunteers (there is a donation compensation for providing volunteers).

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6th Annual Under the Stars Event at Highland Brewing, Sept. 26

AMOS is seeking volunteers to help out during this event from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Thursday, September 26th.  For volunteering at “Under The Stars”, you get a FREE TICKET to the “Under The Stars” INCLUDING 1 FREE beer token (21+ only), FREE food, and a FREE Daily Family Pass to AMOS.  Additionally, you get a FREE TICKET to the Sirius.B Show that begins after the conclusion of “Under The Stars” at 9 p.m.  To sign up for a volunteer shift, please use this Google Spreadsheet and contact AMOS’ Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@ashevillescience.org with any questions.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Blue Ridge Pride Festival, September 28

Give us 2-4 hours. Enjoy a day of music and memories — and the knowledge that you helped to bring a community together! You’ll also get a little swag: a 11th Annual Festival Tee Shirt, snacks, a drink ticket, and our new Blue Ridge Pride Center buttons and stickers. Volunteer roles include: setup and breakdown, selling wristbands, beverages or merchandise, and assisting with volunteer check-in or VIP. Learn more and sign up here.

Youth Art Competition Application Deadline October 1, 2019
Sep 27 all-day

Hot Works 4th Asheville Fine Art Show, October 26 & 27, 2019 takes place in Pack Square Park, downtown Asheville. This art show is juried by art professionals and brings artists to sell his/her art in all discipline including paintings, sculpture, clay, glass, fiber, jewelry, wood and more. All art is original and personally handmade by the artist who is present at the show. There is something for everyone, in all price ranges. You will see many artists at this show who do not attend other shows in North Carolina or South Carolina.

As part of our commitment to bring art education into the community, a Youth Art Competition for grades K-8 or ages 5-13 is integrated within a 10×20 space at the Asheville Fine Art Show. Sponsored by Institute for the Arts & Education, the associated 501c3 non-profit organization, all students in grades K-8 or ages 5-13 are encouraged to enter his/her original and personally handmade art that will be publicly displayed in the art show the entire weekend. On Sunday, October 27 at 3pm, there is $250 in youth art awards presented. Students are exposed to the rules and entrepreneurship opportunity of doing art shows for a living. The program brings families to the art show and exposes them to great art.

Fumbles, Fouls, and False Starts: Lessons Learned Treating Athletes with Eating Disorders with Riley Nickols, PhD, CEDS
Sep 27 @ 9:30 am – 11:30 am
Goodwill Career Center

This presentation will overview common misperceptions about treating athletes with eating disorders and will discuss how both research and clinical experience specific to this population can inform treatment. This workshop is appropriate for athletes, coaches, trainers, physicians, physical therapists, dietitians, and therapists.

Strolling Through History: Active Bodies, Active Minds
Sep 27 @ 10:30 am
Pack Library

You can’t beat a walk with a friend over good conversation. So, why not take a walk with lots of friends and a history expert to boot? Buncombe County Libraries is excited to announce its Strolling Through History program focused on getting you moving while taking in some experiential history. “Each one of the strolls is a little different. We’ll talk about the evolution of the architecture, famous (or not quite so famous) residents, important events, and more,” explains Pack Memorial Librarian Katherine Calhoun Cutshall. “On our Haywood Street stroll, we talked about how the street has seen two major rebirths and discussed the careers of two WWI nurses who grew up on the street while it was mostly residential.”

Pack Librarians are always looking for innovative ways to showcase the library’s portfolio of initiatives and resources. “The North Carolina Room is a hidden gem in our library system, so programs like Strolling Through History bring the collection to the streets of downtown while showing off resources and programs in a fun new way,” notes Katherine. And of course, exercising your muscles and social skills are important at any age

So, how can you get involved with the monthly Strolling Through History? There are two versions: one for elder adults and one for babies and their caregivers. If you’re interested in participating, the elder adults strolls are the third Friday of every month, and the babies and caretakers strolls are the third Wednesday of every month (except July). All strolls will meet at Pack Memorial Library at 10:30 a.m., and participants should wear comfortable shoes and bring water to stay hydrated. Registration is required. 

Heritage Knits Book Release Party
Sep 27 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Echoview Fiber Mill

We’re hosting a book release party to celebrate our very own Christina Danaee’s Modern Hertiage Knits book. Come join us for food, drinks, and music! See all the knits from the book in person, buy a copy of the book, get it signed, and more!

Woods & Wilds: Live Storytelling
Sep 27 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
The Mothlight

Join Dogwood Alliance on Friday, September 27th for our annual Woods & Wilds Storytelling Event at The Mothlight in Asheville from 7-10pm. This year’s theme is “When the woods saved us and Why it’s dire to save them.” The evening will feature local storytellers as they share their stories of the wild! Join us as we celebrate 23 years of standing with the people and forests of the South!

Featuring Live Storytelling By: Nicole Townsend, Cortina Jenelle, Isa Abdul-Halim Whitaker, Indy Srinath, Ali McGhee, and more!

MC’s: Elizabeth Lashay Garland of Slay the Mic on 103.3 Asheville FM and Lucia Ibarra, The Wetland Wanderer of Dogwood Alliance

Tickets are $20. The link to purchase tickets will be shared on the Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/484175115491529/

All proceeds go to Dogwood Alliance to protect Southern forests & communities.

Saturday, September 28, 2019
Bookwalter Binge Gran Fondo Volunteers Needed
Sep 28 all-day
various

Call for Volunteers!! We are grateful that the Bookwalter Binge Gran Fondo supports conservation of land and water resources — and we need YOUR help to make it happen. Binge volunteers enjoy fun and camaraderie while helping in a variety of ways, from course marshals to Binge party hosting.

Council on Aging Offers Free Medicare Classes August-September
Sep 28 all-day
various see below

The Council on Aging of Buncombe County in conjunction with the N.C. Department of Insurance’s Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) announces its classes “Introduction to Medicare – Understanding the Puzzle” for August – September 2019. The classes will explain how Medicare works, the enrollment process, how to avoid penalties, and ways to save money.

The classes are free and open to the public.

Residents who are new to Medicare, caregivers, and others who help senior citizens with their Medicare insurance should consider attending this informative class. The information presented is unbiased and accurate. No products are sold, recommended, or endorsed.

Medicare Classes:  August – September 2019

  • Aug. 21, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. PM Blue Ridge Health, 2579 Chimney Rock Rd, Hendersonville
  • Aug.  23, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Goodwill, 1616 Patton Ave, Asheville
  • Aug. 28, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 150 Brian Berg Dr, Brevard
  • Sept. 5, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Reuter YMCA, 3 Town Square Blvd, Asheville
  • Sept. 13, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. OLLI/Reuter Center, UNCA, One University Heights, Asheville
  • Sept. 17, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Woodfin YMCA, 40 N Merrimon Ave #101, Asheville
  • Sept. 20, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Goodwill, 1616 Patton Ave, Asheville
  • Sept. 25, 2 p.m.- 4 p.m. Black Mountain YMCA, 25 Jane Jacobs Rd, Black Mountain
  • Oct. 1, 2 p.m.- 4 p.m. Ferguson YMCA, 31 Westridge Market Pl, Candler
Foster Parent Training Classes Announced for 2020
Sep 28 all-day
with in Buncombe County

News
                            article image

You might have heard about the need to recruit more foster parents in Buncombe County. “We currently have 300 kids in foster care in Buncombe County,” says Heather Hill-Pavone, Buncombe County Licensing Social Worker. “Only some of those kids get to stay in Buncombe County as we only have 100 licensed foster homes with BCHHS.” We need your help to let people in our community know about the upcoming Foster Parent Training Classes happening in 2020!

These courses begin the licensure process for becoming a foster parent. They are offered quarterly, for anyone in Buncombe County, who is interested in becoming a foster parent. While the next round of Foster Parent Training Classes starts on September 11, the classes for 2020 are NOW on the calendar! You can sign up by clicking this link.

2020 Schedule: 

  • Winter Classes: Jan 16, 2020 through Feb 20, 2020 (Thursdays) at Buncombe County Health and Human Services in Downtown Asheville
  • Spring Classes: March 25, 2020 through April 29, 2020 (Wednesdays) at Biltmore Church in Arden, NC
  • Summer Classes: June 2, 2020 through July 7, 2020 (Tuesdays) at Biltmore Church in Arden
  • Fall Classes: September 14, 2020 through October 19, 2020 (Mondays) at Buncombe County Health and Human Services in Downtown Asheville
Non Profits: Junior League 3rd Annual Volunteer Expo is Now Accepting Applications
Sep 28 all-day
accepting applications

The Junior League of Asheville, Inc. (JLA) will hold its third annual Volunteer Expo, on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at the Crowne Plaza Expo Center from 10am to 3pm. Modeled after a job fair, this free event will feature more than 70 local nonprofits looking to fill ongoing and future volunteer needs. Nonprofits in almost every area of community concern will be present at the event: health, poverty, legal aid, environmental stewardship, women’s issues, arts, civic leadership, technology, education and animal welfare.

Excitement for the Volunteer Expo continues to grow, with nonprofit participation growing year over year.  The 2019 event featured over 70 non-profits with attendance at well over 1,000 community members coming to network and sign up to volunteer with nonprofit organizations.

The 2020 Volunteer Expo will be accepting applications starting in September. Due to the increase in interest for booths at the Expo, this year the League plans to review all applications received instead of awarding booths on a first come first serve basis.  They hope this will ensure a good mix of volunteer opportunities in a variety of service areas as well as allow new nonprofits the chance to have a booth at the event.  There will be a silent auction fundraiser, Cheers to Volunteers, the evening before the Volunteer Expo from 6pm to 9pm at the Masonic Temple in downtown Asheville.  All community members are invited to attend both events. If you are a nonprofit interested in participating in the 2020 Volunteer Expo, please email us at [email protected].

Time Traveling Gala
Sep 28 all-day
Preservation Society of Asheville

Leave your passports at home and visit Europe in Asheville!

The party kicks off at a steel foundry turned luxury hotel and then travels from the heart of Asheville to England, Italy and France, with food and cocktails inspired by each location.

The homes we are visiting are historic and guests should be prepared for stairs and uneven surfaces.

Volunteers: Super Hero 5K, Goombay, Urban Odyssey, Under the Stars, Pride Parade
Sep 28 all-day
varies see below

Volunteer Hands

Asheville Running Experience’s Super Hero 5K/Super Villain 10K, Sept. 21

Be a Super Hero and volunteer at the four aid stations along both courses of the Super Hero 5K/Super Villain 10K on Saturday, September 21st from 8:30 a.m through 10:30 a.m.  In return..

Asheville Running Experience is making a donation to the Asheville Museum of Science (if the minimum number of volunteers is exceeded).  If you’re 21 or older, join the after party at the Salvage Station and get one free beer ticket at Salvage Station after you’ve completed your volunteer shift.  To sign up for a shift, please fill out this Google Form and contact AMOS Volunteer/Board Member Bryant Korzeniewski at Bryant.Korzeniewski@gmail.com with questions and/or for more details.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

YMI Cultural Center’s Goombay Festival, Sept 20 – Sept. 22
Drum Roll Please! Volunteers are needed for the 39th Annual Goombay Festival September 20th-22nd at Pack Square Park in Downtown Asheville. The YMI Cultural Center’s mission is to help promote intercultural ism and the preservation of cultural identity. For more information and to volunteer please contact Dewana Little
at dlittle@ymiculturalcenter.org

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Asheville Urban Odyssey,  Sept. 22

his urban scavenger hunt will take teams of four around the downtown area via a series of clues to sixteen different locations where they will be required to complete a task before receiving their next clue.  Two volunteers will staff each secret location, checking teams in and out, throughout the day. Contact [email protected] directly if you are interested in assisting with this event or sign up by CLICKING HERE.

8 volunteers from a local nonprofit are requested or 2 groups of 4 volunteers (there is a donation compensation for providing volunteers).

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6th Annual Under the Stars Event at Highland Brewing, Sept. 26

AMOS is seeking volunteers to help out during this event from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Thursday, September 26th.  For volunteering at “Under The Stars”, you get a FREE TICKET to the “Under The Stars” INCLUDING 1 FREE beer token (21+ only), FREE food, and a FREE Daily Family Pass to AMOS.  Additionally, you get a FREE TICKET to the Sirius.B Show that begins after the conclusion of “Under The Stars” at 9 p.m.  To sign up for a volunteer shift, please use this Google Spreadsheet and contact AMOS’ Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@ashevillescience.org with any questions.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Blue Ridge Pride Festival, September 28

Give us 2-4 hours. Enjoy a day of music and memories — and the knowledge that you helped to bring a community together! You’ll also get a little swag: a 11th Annual Festival Tee Shirt, snacks, a drink ticket, and our new Blue Ridge Pride Center buttons and stickers. Volunteer roles include: setup and breakdown, selling wristbands, beverages or merchandise, and assisting with volunteer check-in or VIP. Learn more and sign up here.

Youth Art Competition Application Deadline October 1, 2019
Sep 28 all-day

Hot Works 4th Asheville Fine Art Show, October 26 & 27, 2019 takes place in Pack Square Park, downtown Asheville. This art show is juried by art professionals and brings artists to sell his/her art in all discipline including paintings, sculpture, clay, glass, fiber, jewelry, wood and more. All art is original and personally handmade by the artist who is present at the show. There is something for everyone, in all price ranges. You will see many artists at this show who do not attend other shows in North Carolina or South Carolina.

As part of our commitment to bring art education into the community, a Youth Art Competition for grades K-8 or ages 5-13 is integrated within a 10×20 space at the Asheville Fine Art Show. Sponsored by Institute for the Arts & Education, the associated 501c3 non-profit organization, all students in grades K-8 or ages 5-13 are encouraged to enter his/her original and personally handmade art that will be publicly displayed in the art show the entire weekend. On Sunday, October 27 at 3pm, there is $250 in youth art awards presented. Students are exposed to the rules and entrepreneurship opportunity of doing art shows for a living. The program brings families to the art show and exposes them to great art.

PEAK (Parents of Estranged Adult Kids)
Sep 28 @ 8:30 am – 9:45 am
First Congregational Church Library

You adult child won’t speak to you? Find support through our weekly meetings, every Saturday, Sept. 7 – Nov. 9, 2019, 8:30 am to 9:45 am, at First Congregational Church Library, 1735 Fifth Avenue West.  It’s not about who’s right or wrong.  It’s about getting on with life.

Sand Hill Community Garden Workday
Sep 28 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am
BC Sports Park

Community Garden located at the Buncombe County Sports Park.
The mission of Sand HIll Community Garden is to share in garden space, knowledge, and labor with all members of the community.  Using organic growing practices we promote community health and wellness by providing fresh produce for garden members and local people in need of food.

Old Town Swannanoa & Beacon Blanket Tour
Sep 28 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Swannanoa Valley Museum & History Center

Swannanoa was once home to a thriving downtown, known to locals as “The Station.” Bordered by the Beacon Blanket mill and the railroad tracks, Swannanoa’s downtown included cafes, grocery stores, a drug store, a bank, a movie theater, a five-and-dime, and other variety stores. Join us for a walking tour of the old downtown area and the historic buildings that were once a part of the mill town. Learn about the history of this area, and see what’s happening in the old downtown today.

Difficulty: Easy, less than 0.5 miles on paved road

2019 Blue Ridge Pride Festival
Sep 28 @ 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Pack Square Park

Blue Ridge Pride is back and better than ever! The festivities begin on Friday evening with Friday in the Park, an opportunity for youth performers to showcase their talents on the stage at Pack Square Park!

A procession from Scandals Nightclub on Grove St. kicks off Saturday’s event at 10:00 a.m., come out and show your pride all the way from Scandals to Pack Square Park!

Finally, the festival begins at Pack Square Park at 11:00 a.m. The family-friendly environment features exciting vendors of all kinds, food, music at two different stages, dancing, performances, an inflatable bounce house, educational and community resources, and more!

Meet the Creator of Denton the Dragon!
Sep 28 @ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
New Morning Gallery

Bring the kids and have a fun afternoon with face painting, children’s books and a dragon puppet! Jeff will be signing copies of “The Last Dragon and Other Tales” for purchase.

East Asheville Library Farewell Party
Sep 28 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
East Asheville Library

.

The East Asheville Library will be closing this fall to make way for construction of the new and improved East Asheville Library, opening in early 2021. We don’t have exact dates for the closing and reopening of the library, but the East Asheville Friends of the Library will be holding a farewell party for our old building on Saturday, September 28 from 3 to 6pm.

The current East Asheville Library was built in 1966. While the building has been well-loved and well-used over the past 53 years, we’re looking forward to moving into a new facility that will be almost 5 times bigger, with several meeting and study rooms, expanded children and teen areas, an enhanced playground area and much more parking.

Help us say farewell to our beloved old library building in preparation for construction of the new one with food, games, music, and lots of fun! This event is free and everyone is invited.

Art opening at Flood Gallery: “Minimalia: The Commonwealth of Sentiments.” Photography & Poetry by Oğuz Erdur
Sep 28 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Flood Gallery Fine Art Center

“Minimalia: The Commonwealth of Sentiments.”
Photography & Poetry by Oğuz Erdur
Also showing:
Sculptural & Functional Ceramics by Joey Sheehan
Opening reception – Sept. 28 • 6-9 pm
Exhibit through Dec. 30

“Minimalia: The Commonwealth of Sentiments.” is a new photographic exhibit of dream-like, surreal experimentations and poetry by Oğuz Erdur, assistant professor of anthropology at UNC Asheville, from Istanbul, Turkey. The collection of micro-photography images were made with a lensbaby lens. Lensbaby is a line of camera lenses for SLR cameras that combine a simple lens with a bellows or ball and socket mechanism for use in special-effect photography, often used in selective focus photography and bokeh effects. Featuring a hybrid collection of poems, photographic close-ups and prose reflections, the exhibition centers on themes of existential angst and the quest for meaning. Erdur will also be reading his poetry at the exhibit opening.

Joey Sheehan began his study in clay over 14 years ago when he received a BFA in ceramics from Virginia Tech. He completed a 2 year residency at the Odyssey Center and another year there as the studio technician, and has been making pots in Western North Carolina ever since. Sheehan is extremely interested in classical shapes and forms but with a contemporary look at surface. He works to build a relationship between the shape, function, and surface of each piece while also telling a story of the firing process. His work has been shown all over the eastern US and he is a member of the Southern Highland Craft Guild and the Piedmont Craftsman.

Sunday, September 29, 2019
Asheville Quilt Show
Sep 29 all-day
WNC Ag Center

The 37th Asheville Quilt Show includes Demonstrations, Gift shop, Silent Auction, Special Exhibits, Kids Sewing, Quilts for Sale, Opportunity Quilt and food on site. Over 300 quilts from across the country will be exhibited.

Non Profits: Junior League 3rd Annual Volunteer Expo is Now Accepting Applications
Sep 29 all-day
accepting applications

The Junior League of Asheville, Inc. (JLA) will hold its third annual Volunteer Expo, on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at the Crowne Plaza Expo Center from 10am to 3pm. Modeled after a job fair, this free event will feature more than 70 local nonprofits looking to fill ongoing and future volunteer needs. Nonprofits in almost every area of community concern will be present at the event: health, poverty, legal aid, environmental stewardship, women’s issues, arts, civic leadership, technology, education and animal welfare.

Excitement for the Volunteer Expo continues to grow, with nonprofit participation growing year over year.  The 2019 event featured over 70 non-profits with attendance at well over 1,000 community members coming to network and sign up to volunteer with nonprofit organizations.

The 2020 Volunteer Expo will be accepting applications starting in September. Due to the increase in interest for booths at the Expo, this year the League plans to review all applications received instead of awarding booths on a first come first serve basis.  They hope this will ensure a good mix of volunteer opportunities in a variety of service areas as well as allow new nonprofits the chance to have a booth at the event.  There will be a silent auction fundraiser, Cheers to Volunteers, the evening before the Volunteer Expo from 6pm to 9pm at the Masonic Temple in downtown Asheville.  All community members are invited to attend both events. If you are a nonprofit interested in participating in the 2020 Volunteer Expo, please email us at [email protected].

Youth Art Competition Application Deadline October 1, 2019
Sep 29 all-day

Hot Works 4th Asheville Fine Art Show, October 26 & 27, 2019 takes place in Pack Square Park, downtown Asheville. This art show is juried by art professionals and brings artists to sell his/her art in all discipline including paintings, sculpture, clay, glass, fiber, jewelry, wood and more. All art is original and personally handmade by the artist who is present at the show. There is something for everyone, in all price ranges. You will see many artists at this show who do not attend other shows in North Carolina or South Carolina.

As part of our commitment to bring art education into the community, a Youth Art Competition for grades K-8 or ages 5-13 is integrated within a 10×20 space at the Asheville Fine Art Show. Sponsored by Institute for the Arts & Education, the associated 501c3 non-profit organization, all students in grades K-8 or ages 5-13 are encouraged to enter his/her original and personally handmade art that will be publicly displayed in the art show the entire weekend. On Sunday, October 27 at 3pm, there is $250 in youth art awards presented. Students are exposed to the rules and entrepreneurship opportunity of doing art shows for a living. The program brings families to the art show and exposes them to great art.

Asheville Humane’s 35th Anniversary Celebration
Sep 29 @ 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Highland Brewing Company (The Meadow)

This September marks Asheville Humane Society’s 35th Anniversary, and they want to thank our animal-loving community for making their lifesaving work possible! Come cheers to 35 years on Sunday, September 29 from 3 – 7 PM at The Meadow, Highland Brewing’s outdoor space. Pack your fold-up chair or blanket and bring the whole family (pets included!) for a fun-filled day, including:
• Live performances by Ben Phan and the Jim Arrendell Dance Band
• Vegetarian & vegan fare from Gypsy Queen Cuisine, Papa John’s & The Hop Ice Cream will be available for purchase
• Contests and games for you and your pet including Most Talented Pet and Pet/Person Look-alike Contest
• Kid-friendly activities
• Raffle items with proceeds benefiting AHS
• Craft beer will be available for purchase from Highland Brewing
All well-behaved, leashed (or safely contained) pets are welcome!