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, January 13, 2021
Mary Magdalene Monthly Sacred Circle
Jan 13 @ 7:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Online

Each month Adora will explore alchemical interventions and lead a guided meditation for healing and empowerment.

Pre-registration required:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mary-magdalene-monthly-sacred-circle-tickets-129486689173

Saturday, January 16, 2021
UNC Asheville Courses for Community Residents Great Smokies Writing Program
Jan 16 all-day
Online

The GSWP, now celebrating its 20th year of workshops with some of Western North Carolina’s finest authors, is offering five-week, 10-week and 15-week courses including poetry, prose, feature-writing, editing and revision. These Spring 2021 Semester courses have start dates ranging from late January to mid March. Registration is now open, with course descriptions, instructor bios, cost information and more, available at greatsmokies.unca.edu.

Elizabeth Lutyens teaches a group of students.

Weekly Sound Baths
Jan 16 @ 11:00 am – 11:45 am
Skinny Beats Sound Shop

Come relax in a meditative soundscape of crystal singing bowls, gongs, and many other eclectic instruments. We provide cushioned mats, pillows, and blankets. Sound sessions are ongoing every Saturday and Sunday at 11am. Ask about booking a private session. Please RSVP as we are currently limiting capacity.

Weekly Sound Therapy Meditations Skinny Beats Drum Shop
Jan 16 @ 11:00 am – 11:45 am
Skinny Beats Drum Shop

Weekly sound healing sessions are held here at Skinny Beats Sound Shop (4 Eagle St – Asheville, NC) every Saturday and Sunday at 11:00 AM. We lay yoga mats on the floor and lower the blinds to create a meditative space that helps you clear your mind and relax to our unique soundscape of crystal singing bowls, expansive gongs, handpans, didgeridoos, rainsticks, and more. We are currently limiting public sessions to 10 people. Please call for info regarding private sessions.

Sunday, January 17, 2021
Weekly Sound Therapy Meditations Skinny Beats Drum Shop
Jan 17 @ 11:00 am – 11:45 am
Skinny Beats Drum Shop

Weekly sound healing sessions are held here at Skinny Beats Sound Shop (4 Eagle St – Asheville, NC) every Saturday and Sunday at 11:00 AM. We lay yoga mats on the floor and lower the blinds to create a meditative space that helps you clear your mind and relax to our unique soundscape of crystal singing bowls, expansive gongs, handpans, didgeridoos, rainsticks, and more. We are currently limiting public sessions to 10 people. Please call for info regarding private sessions.

FREE Random Acts of Fringe: Flying Solo Workshop Writing
Jan 17 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Online w/ The Asheville Fringe Festival

Flying-Solo-sq.jpg

One of the most unique things about The Asheville Fringe Arts Festival is our Random Acts of Fringe. These short, site-specific performances are mostly free and open to the public. This year, most of our RAFs are happening on social media, so be sure to follow us there for more information about these shows.

Writers at Home
Jan 17 @ 3:00 pm
Online w/ Malaprop's

The Writers at Home reading series features work from UNCA’s Great Smokies Writing Program and The Great Smokies Review.  RSVP here to receive an email on the day of the event with the link you’ll need to attend.

Like most of our events, this event is free. If you decide to attend and to purchase the authors’ books, we ask that you purchase from Malaprop’s. When you do this you are supporting our work and keeping more dollars in our community. If you would like to support us without purchasing a book, you may purchase a gift card or make a donation of any amount. Thank you!

Wednesday, January 20, 2021
Law of Attraction Discussion Group — Visualization exercises in LOA
Jan 20 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Online
Law of Attraction (LOA) is a powerful guideline that can be utilized within our lives, and impacts ourselves as well as the collective consciousness. Let’s discuss practical, everyday ways we use and apply these tools in 2020! This session’s discussion will be, “Visualization exercises in LOA.” No advance prep, reading or knowledge required. Come with an open mind and heart, free of judgement, and let’s learn together! This is an inclusive, informal, interactive discussion for people will all levels of LOA understanding.

Some other topics we will cover in future discussions include:
– How to utilize LOA to manifest best case scenarios
– Gratitude practices as a tool in manifestation
– Honoring your own feelings, emotions and well being (and others) as a form of self care while manifesting
– Staying grounded, avoiding toxic positivity and spiritual bypassing when manifesting
– Visualization exercises in LOA
– Manifesting on specific themes (love, money, good health, etc.)

Discussions will be held by Kathryn Brahaney, myself. I’ve utilized Law of Attraction in having a significantly better recovery than anticipated from two major car accidents, in receiving a job offer that allowed me to relocate to Asheville, NC (where I live now) and in finding my favorite apartment to date in a city I wasn’t sure would be in my budget. I started these discussions to share my experience using Law of Attraction and to provide opportunities to learn more that are accessible and affordable. Looking forward to sharing more with you all and chatting about how we can use LOA in navigating the rest of 2020 and beyond!

Thursday, January 21, 2021
Reiki Healing Experience
Jan 21 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Online

Join us to soak in the beautiful healing energy of Reiki!
With so much happening in the world around us – it’s so important to create time and space for us to come back home to ourselves.
In this Reiki session, there is nothing for you “to do” but just relax and receive.
The Reiki energy is intuitively guided and knows exactly what you specifically need in each moment to feel at peace, calm, and whole.
And where two or more are gathered – this energy is amplified!
Looking forward to being together & sharing in this beautiful field.
This is a free event. Donations are always welcomed if you feel called: Venmo @Callie or PayPal [email protected]
ALL ARE WELCOME! See you soon
Saturday, January 23, 2021
Weekly Sound Therapy Meditations Skinny Beats Drum Shop
Jan 23 @ 11:00 am – 11:45 am
Skinny Beats Drum Shop

Weekly sound healing sessions are held here at Skinny Beats Sound Shop (4 Eagle St – Asheville, NC) every Saturday and Sunday at 11:00 AM. We lay yoga mats on the floor and lower the blinds to create a meditative space that helps you clear your mind and relax to our unique soundscape of crystal singing bowls, expansive gongs, handpans, didgeridoos, rainsticks, and more. We are currently limiting public sessions to 10 people. Please call for info regarding private sessions.

Sunday, January 24, 2021
Weekly Sound Therapy Meditations Skinny Beats Drum Shop
Jan 24 @ 11:00 am – 11:45 am
Skinny Beats Drum Shop

Weekly sound healing sessions are held here at Skinny Beats Sound Shop (4 Eagle St – Asheville, NC) every Saturday and Sunday at 11:00 AM. We lay yoga mats on the floor and lower the blinds to create a meditative space that helps you clear your mind and relax to our unique soundscape of crystal singing bowls, expansive gongs, handpans, didgeridoos, rainsticks, and more. We are currently limiting public sessions to 10 people. Please call for info regarding private sessions.

FREE Random Acts of Fringe: Flying Solo Workshop Performance
Jan 24 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Online w/ Asheville Fringe Arts Festival

Flying-Solo-sq.jpg

One of the most unique things about The Asheville Fringe Arts Festival is our Random Acts of Fringe. These short, site-specific performances are mostly free and open to the public. This year, most of our RAFs are happening on social media, so be sure to follow us there for more information about these shows.

So You Want to Hike a Long Distance Trail?
Jan 24 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Online w/ Blue Ridge Hiking Company
Has it always been your dream to hike a long distance trail, but you’re not quite sure where to start, or how to start, or which trail to hike, or which direction to go, or what to bring, and 100 other questions? This will be a great opportunity to ask your questions to a thru-hike veteran – and also hear what other participants want to know. The call will kick-off with tips and practical advice for planning a thru-hike, followed by a Q&A and group discussion.
Saturday, January 30, 2021
Weekly Sound Therapy Meditations Skinny Beats Drum Shop
Jan 30 @ 11:00 am – 11:45 am
Skinny Beats Drum Shop

Weekly sound healing sessions are held here at Skinny Beats Sound Shop (4 Eagle St – Asheville, NC) every Saturday and Sunday at 11:00 AM. We lay yoga mats on the floor and lower the blinds to create a meditative space that helps you clear your mind and relax to our unique soundscape of crystal singing bowls, expansive gongs, handpans, didgeridoos, rainsticks, and more. We are currently limiting public sessions to 10 people. Please call for info regarding private sessions.

Sunday, January 31, 2021
Weekly Sound Therapy Meditations Skinny Beats Drum Shop
Jan 31 @ 11:00 am – 11:45 am
Skinny Beats Drum Shop

Weekly sound healing sessions are held here at Skinny Beats Sound Shop (4 Eagle St – Asheville, NC) every Saturday and Sunday at 11:00 AM. We lay yoga mats on the floor and lower the blinds to create a meditative space that helps you clear your mind and relax to our unique soundscape of crystal singing bowls, expansive gongs, handpans, didgeridoos, rainsticks, and more. We are currently limiting public sessions to 10 people. Please call for info regarding private sessions.

Wednesday, February 3, 2021
Law of Attraction Discussion Group — Visualization exercises in LOA
Feb 3 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Online
Law of Attraction (LOA) is a powerful guideline that can be utilized within our lives, and impacts ourselves as well as the collective consciousness. Let’s discuss practical, everyday ways we use and apply these tools in 2020! This session’s discussion will be, “Visualization exercises in LOA.” No advance prep, reading or knowledge required. Come with an open mind and heart, free of judgement, and let’s learn together! This is an inclusive, informal, interactive discussion for people will all levels of LOA understanding.

Some other topics we will cover in future discussions include:
– How to utilize LOA to manifest best case scenarios
– Gratitude practices as a tool in manifestation
– Honoring your own feelings, emotions and well being (and others) as a form of self care while manifesting
– Staying grounded, avoiding toxic positivity and spiritual bypassing when manifesting
– Visualization exercises in LOA
– Manifesting on specific themes (love, money, good health, etc.)

Discussions will be held by Kathryn Brahaney, myself. I’ve utilized Law of Attraction in having a significantly better recovery than anticipated from two major car accidents, in receiving a job offer that allowed me to relocate to Asheville, NC (where I live now) and in finding my favorite apartment to date in a city I wasn’t sure would be in my budget. I started these discussions to share my experience using Law of Attraction and to provide opportunities to learn more that are accessible and affordable. Looking forward to sharing more with you all and chatting about how we can use LOA in navigating the rest of 2020 and beyond!

Friday, February 5, 2021
Mindfulness Now: Meditation for All Moments
Feb 5 @ 11:30 am – 12:15 pm
Asheville Community Yoga

Fridays 11:30 am – 12:15 pm
We have the power to shape our lives and our future through the simple art of awareness. By learning mindfulness skills, we gain the freedom to live more authentically with greater clarity and confidence.
Utilizing the peaceful setting of Asheville Community Yoga, we will practice together in a supportive small group setting where meaningful connections can be made. Participants will take away a memorable experience and priceless tools that will instill the inspiration to meet each moment more fully, influencing the course of our life and the world we live in.
Sessions Include:
-Sitting Meditation
-Walking Meditations
-Mindful Movement (Yoga)
-Deep Relaxation (Yoga Nidra)
-Mindful Sharing
-MBSR (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction)
Click here to view a short presentation of Mindfulness Now:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRyPybflBE4#t=13
Wednesday, February 10, 2021
Mary Magdalene Monthly Sacred Circle
Feb 10 @ 7:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Online

Each month Adora will explore alchemical interventions and lead a guided meditation for healing and empowerment.

Pre-registration required:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mary-magdalene-monthly-sacred-circle-tickets-129486689173

Friday, February 12, 2021
Mindfulness Now: Meditation for All Moments
Feb 12 @ 11:30 am – 12:15 pm
Asheville Community Yoga

Fridays 11:30 am – 12:15 pm
We have the power to shape our lives and our future through the simple art of awareness. By learning mindfulness skills, we gain the freedom to live more authentically with greater clarity and confidence.
Utilizing the peaceful setting of Asheville Community Yoga, we will practice together in a supportive small group setting where meaningful connections can be made. Participants will take away a memorable experience and priceless tools that will instill the inspiration to meet each moment more fully, influencing the course of our life and the world we live in.
Sessions Include:
-Sitting Meditation
-Walking Meditations
-Mindful Movement (Yoga)
-Deep Relaxation (Yoga Nidra)
-Mindful Sharing
-MBSR (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction)
Click here to view a short presentation of Mindfulness Now:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRyPybflBE4#t=13
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
Law of Attraction Discussion Group — Visualization exercises in LOA
Feb 17 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Online
Law of Attraction (LOA) is a powerful guideline that can be utilized within our lives, and impacts ourselves as well as the collective consciousness. Let’s discuss practical, everyday ways we use and apply these tools in 2020! This session’s discussion will be, “Visualization exercises in LOA.” No advance prep, reading or knowledge required. Come with an open mind and heart, free of judgement, and let’s learn together! This is an inclusive, informal, interactive discussion for people will all levels of LOA understanding.

Some other topics we will cover in future discussions include:
– How to utilize LOA to manifest best case scenarios
– Gratitude practices as a tool in manifestation
– Honoring your own feelings, emotions and well being (and others) as a form of self care while manifesting
– Staying grounded, avoiding toxic positivity and spiritual bypassing when manifesting
– Visualization exercises in LOA
– Manifesting on specific themes (love, money, good health, etc.)

Discussions will be held by Kathryn Brahaney, myself. I’ve utilized Law of Attraction in having a significantly better recovery than anticipated from two major car accidents, in receiving a job offer that allowed me to relocate to Asheville, NC (where I live now) and in finding my favorite apartment to date in a city I wasn’t sure would be in my budget. I started these discussions to share my experience using Law of Attraction and to provide opportunities to learn more that are accessible and affordable. Looking forward to sharing more with you all and chatting about how we can use LOA in navigating the rest of 2020 and beyond!

Friday, February 19, 2021
Mindfulness Now: Meditation for All Moments
Feb 19 @ 11:30 am – 12:15 pm
Asheville Community Yoga

Fridays 11:30 am – 12:15 pm
We have the power to shape our lives and our future through the simple art of awareness. By learning mindfulness skills, we gain the freedom to live more authentically with greater clarity and confidence.
Utilizing the peaceful setting of Asheville Community Yoga, we will practice together in a supportive small group setting where meaningful connections can be made. Participants will take away a memorable experience and priceless tools that will instill the inspiration to meet each moment more fully, influencing the course of our life and the world we live in.
Sessions Include:
-Sitting Meditation
-Walking Meditations
-Mindful Movement (Yoga)
-Deep Relaxation (Yoga Nidra)
-Mindful Sharing
-MBSR (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction)
Click here to view a short presentation of Mindfulness Now:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRyPybflBE4#t=13
Wednesday, February 24, 2021
UNCA Visiting Writers Series Claudia Rankine
Feb 24 @ 7:00 pm
Online

Each year, the Department of English brings visiting writers across genres for readings and master classes with students, hosted by our Writer-in-Residence, Wiley Cash. In recent years, the department has hosted several award-winning writers, including Ben Fountain, Camille Dungy, David Ebershoff, Chrystal Hana Kim, Frank X Walker, and many others.

http://claudiarankine.com/

Acclaimed poet, essayist and Guggenheim Fellow, Claudia Rankine, will present a reading and talk via zoom on Wednesday, February 24th at 7:00 PM. One of the most prominent voices in literary and critical race studies, Rankine is the author of Just Us: An American Conversation (2020), and six collections of poetry, including Citizen: An American Lyric and Don’t Let Me Be Lonely; three plays including HELP, which premiered in March of 2020 at The Shed, NYC, The White Card, which premiered in February 2018 (ArtsEmerson/American Repertory Theater) and published by Graywolf Press in 2019, and Provenance of Beauty: A South Bronx Travelogue; as well as numerous video collaborations. She is also the co-editor of several anthologies including The Racial Imaginary: Writers on Race in the Life of the Mind (FENCE, 2015). In 2016, she co-founded The Racial Imaginary Institute (TRII).

Saturday, February 27, 2021
A stroll through Warren Wilson
Feb 27 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Ingles on Tunnel Road

We will meet at the Ingles on Tunnel Road. I’m not that familiar with this Ingles, but if there is a gas station at this Ingles please park over by it. I have a white Hyundai and will stand outside the car. Suggested car pool donation will be $2-$3 each as this is not a far drive to the trailhead.
Meeting time is 9:45 with a departure of 10 a.m.
We will then drive out to Warren Wilson to the trailhead which is in a parking area for one of the living areas. Parking is at a minimum so car pool if you can. If carpooling, please wear a mask in your driver’s car and sanitize your hands.

Once we arrive at the trailhead we will meander through the woods. I haven’t done this trail for probably 4 years so I hope it will all come back. But you might want to plan on a few mishaps and a retracing of steps.

We start out gradually uphill, will past through a dark forest with trees planted in rows, find the trail that goes down hill for a least half a mile, turn left and head towards Swannanoa River, walk up to a man made lake, retrace our steps, head towards the agricultural area of WW, turn right, crawl through the fence and pick the trail back up, now going uphill and re-intersect the trail we started out on.

This trail isn’t hard but it does have it’s ups and downs.
Bring a snack if you like but we won’t be stopping for a meal.
As usual wear shoes with a good tread, bring water, and a hiking pole if needed. There are no creek crossings.

What we’re about

For those who love to hike with a destination and photography in mind. Hikes will be categorized by slow (turtle hikes), moderate, and adventurous.
This group is intended for those whom like photography combined with hiking in nature.

Monday, March 1, 2021
Hike with a Naturalist
Mar 1 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Chimney Rock State Park

Spend an hour hiking one of our six different trails with a naturalist. This is educational excursion will give you a better understanding of the flora and fauna that can be found in the Park. You may even learn some of the Park’s history as well.

Thursday, March 4, 2021
Weekly 30 Minute Meditation for Moms
Mar 4 @ 9:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Online w/ Awakening Asheville

Hosted by Sahaja Yoga Meditation DFW
Join this FREE evening session for Meditation, specifically for Moms.

About this Event
We are creating this Meditation space for moms 💟 that can help
🤲 create a supportive community of moms who can come together and meditate
🤲 build a meditation routine
🤲 implement self-care, and take pause in hectic lives
🤲 bring calmness and balance that can reflect on kids and household
🤲 share experiences and learn to grow in this journey together

Join this FREE evening session for Meditation, specifically for Moms. Meditation is a simple way to de-stress, and it can help bring peace and balance, especially in these hectic times.

What we’re about

COVID-19 UPDATE: An email was sent out to Awakening Asheville advising all in-person meetups should be postponed or moved to virtual attendance only. Please contact hosts with any questions. Thank you, and be well! Courtney

We are an LGBTQ+ BIPOC safe spiritual group that enjoys the coming together of community lightworkers sharing our journeys. We offer meditations, healing energy, and many different workshops. Come join us!

Friday, March 5, 2021
Daily Meditation + Support
Mar 5 @ 3:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Online w/ Awakening Asheville

Hosted by: the Buddhist Studies Institute

FREE – ONLINE – 30 MINUTES – DAILY
🌺Guided meditation support and community🌺

🌸Stabilization and Liberation:
In order to liberate our minds– we need stable calm.

🌸Consistency & Commitment:
Stabilizing in calm clear presence takes consistent training.

🌸Support & Community:
Daily Meditation is a container and support for your meditation focus.

Expand your meditation circle- join us online any day or every day!

Formerly known as 100 Days of practice to support a Tibetan Yogis tradition to practice 100 days in the winter, this has now been expanded to continue daily. To learn more and register: https://buddhiststudiesinstitute.org/100-days-of-practice/

What we’re about

COVID-19 UPDATE: An email was sent out to Awakening Asheville advising all in-person meetups should be postponed or moved to virtual attendance only. Please contact hosts with any questions. Thank you, and be well! Courtney

We are an LGBTQ+ BIPOC safe spiritual group that enjoys the coming together of community lightworkers sharing our journeys. We offer meditations, healing energy, and many different workshops. Come join us!

Monday, March 8, 2021
Hike with a Naturalist
Mar 8 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Chimney Rock State Park

Spend an hour hiking one of our six different trails with a naturalist. This is educational excursion will give you a better understanding of the flora and fauna that can be found in the Park. You may even learn some of the Park’s history as well.

Tuesday, March 9, 2021
The Classic Hikes of the Smokies: Mingus Creek
Mar 9 @ 9:00 am
Great Smoky Mountains National Park

 Mingus Creek

4 miles | easy

Historic cemeteries and mill, wildflowers

2021 CLASSIC HIKES OF THE SMOKIES

Discover America’s most-visited national park with a guided day hike! The Classic Hikes of the Smokies feature interpretation of the history, flora, and fauna of park trails. Hikes vary in distance, difficulty, and location within the park to provide a comprehensive overview of the Smokies, exposing hikers to high Appalachian vistas, streams teeming with aquatic life, the best collection of log structures on the Eastern Seaboard, and much more.

After completing registration…
You will receive an email the Friday before the hike with directions, and more information. All hikes begin at 9 a.m

30 Minute Meditation for Moms
Mar 9 @ 9:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Online w/ Awakening Asheville

Hosted by Sahaja Yoga Meditation DFW
Join this FREE evening session for Meditation, specifically for Moms.

About this Event
We are creating this Meditation space for moms 💟 that can help
🤲 create a supportive community of moms who can come together and meditate
🤲 build a meditation routine
🤲 implement self-care, and take pause in hectic lives
🤲 bring calmness and balance that can reflect on kids and household
🤲 share experiences and learn to grow in this journey together

Join this FREE evening session for Meditation, specifically for Moms. Meditation is a simple way to de-stress, and it can help bring peace and balance, especially in these hectic times.

Led by experienced instructors, this 30 min guided meditation session will help you feel the much needed calmness

What we’re about

COVID-19 UPDATE: An email was sent out to Awakening Asheville advising all in-person meetups should be postponed or moved to virtual attendance only. Please contact hosts with any questions. Thank you, and be well! Courtney

We are an LGBTQ+ BIPOC safe spiritual group that enjoys the coming together of community lightworkers sharing our journeys. We offer meditations, healing energy, and many different workshops. Come join us!

We welcome everyone and encourage all to share their expertise and offerings. If you have an event or gathering you wish to share, please contact the group organizer for postings. There is no charge to post, but in exchange for being able to promote for free, we encourage event hosts to offer something at no cost at some point, so the knowledge and spiritual expansion of this group can be available to all regardless of their finances.

Wednesday, March 10, 2021
Mary Magdalene Monthly Sacred Circle
Mar 10 @ 7:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Online

Each month Adora will explore alchemical interventions and lead a guided meditation for healing and empowerment.

Pre-registration required:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mary-magdalene-monthly-sacred-circle-tickets-129486689173