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, April 19, 2020
Burlesque Brunch
Apr 19 @ 12:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

Burlesque Brunch

Join us on the third Sunday of every month for Burlesque Brunch!
  • 18 +
  • SEATED SHOW
  • 11 AM DOORS/ 12 PM 

Burlesque Brunch is a monthly burlesque and belly dance show with a classic speakeasy feel. Join us every month and relax and enjoy our dancing dames and dandies in an up close and intimate setting. It’s a Sunday afternoon to delight the senses!

Tuesday, April 21, 2020
Hong Kong Ballet’s ALICE (in wonderland) CANCELLED
Apr 21 @ 7:30 pm
Peace Center

Get ready for a wild ride down the rabbit hole…

Bursting with energy and imagination, Septime Webre’s extravagant ALICE (in wonderland) explodes with jaw-dropping excitement and fantasy. This giddy, over-the-top reimagining of Lewis Carroll’s classic tale promises a spectacular adventure overflowing with exhilarating fun.

Webre’s choreography showcases a dizzying array of dances that merge traditional ballet with contemporary energy, capturing the topsy-turvy magic of Wonderland and the bizarre characters that confront Alice on her incredible journey. With mastery and unexpected humor, Webre reimagines the familiar tale as a fusion of dance, theater, and puppetry that is both visually stunning and enormously entertaining. ALICE (in wonderland) features sleek and chic costumes from Cirque du Soleil designer Liz Vandal, James Kronzer’s bold, hypnotic sets, and a thrilling original score by Matthew Pierce.

“Highly creative, whimsical, and entertaining” – Metro Arts

“A giddy parade, a pop-art dream, a feat of fevered imagination” – The Washington Post

ABOUT THE COMPANY
Hong Kong Ballet is one of the premier ballet companies in Asia and is internationally recognized as a world-class institution that represents Hong Kong’s unique character. Since 1979, Hong Kong Ballet has evolved into a vibrant company with a repertoire that combines 19th to 21st century classical masterpieces, acclaimed contemporary works, and newly commissioned ballets. Septime Webre, former Artistic Director of The Washington Ballet, joined the company as its artistic director in July 2017.

Official Website


Enjoy Drinks & Light Bites

Hold a table at Genevieve’s Theater Lounge at the Peace CenterClick here to see a sample menu and make a reservation.

Peace Interlude – A Musical Happy Hour

Go down the rabbit hole of dance, music, and storytelling to rediscover Carroll’s classic tale in our FREE Peace Interlude Musical Happy Hour on April 2.

Master Class with Hong Kong Ballet

Hong Kong Ballet will lead a master class on Tuesday, April 21, 2020 at 10:30 am. To inquire about becoming a participant, email [email protected].

Wednesday, April 22, 2020
Free Online West African Drumming & Dance for Kids Hosted by LEAF
Apr 22 @ 9:00 am – 10:00 am
LEAF Global Arts Online

Image may contain: 3 people, people sitting, people standing and outdoor

We invite young LEAFers to join LEAF Resident Teaching Artist Adama Dembele for a virtual drumming and dance class for elementary age kids. Adama is a master djembefola (djembe player) from the Ivory Coast, West Africa, and has been a part of LEAF since 2005. He currently teaches year round after school classes with LEAF Schools & Streets, and he is excited to offer video classes in which students can take a journey to explore the sounds, rhythms and movements of West African culture right from their own home!

https://www.facebook.com/events/199994081418039/

Baby Boogie Dance Party LIVE!
Apr 22 @ 10:00 am – 10:45 am
Baby Steps Dance Asheville

Join me on Wednesday mornings at 10:00am (EST) through the month of April for “Baby Boogie Dance Party LIVE!” These fun and interactive Facebook Live dance parties will air from the Baby Steps Dance Asheville page (not from within this event page). I will post previous videos in the comment section of this event page so you can access them at your convenience! Be sure to follow Baby Steps Dance Asheville on Facebook to stay connected and interact with me during live videos! Spread the word to your friends- community and connection is what we all need these days, and I am happy to bring some movement and joy to your families!
Virtual Tip Jar (thank you for your support!):
https://paypal.me/babystepsdanceavl?locale.x=en_US

ABOUT BABY BOOGIE DANCE PARTY LIVE!
Together we’ll connect and get our wiggles out through fun action songs, movement games, sing-a-longs and skill building! Activities are focused towards toddlers and young children, but older children and caregivers are encouraged to join in on the dancing! I’ll see you on the virtual dance floor!

Thursday, April 23, 2020
City Dance
Apr 23 @ 7:30 pm
Landmark Hal

Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.

Wednesday, April 29, 2020
Jus’ Running’s #digAVL Video: How local businesses are adjusting to the COVID-19 crisis
Apr 29 all-day
online
Luke Paulson, Store Manager at Jus’ Running, explains how the business has pivoted during COVID-19 to continue serving customers; and how they’re navigating their new world of e-commerce.

See the video interview here

While we’ve all had to adjust to the “new normal” (whatever that is) our local business owners and managers each have their own story to tell about how they’ve been affected and what they are doing during these unprecedented times. Dig Local is proud to partner with our friend, Ann Smith, at Leap Frog Tours to interview some of the awesome folks who make Asheville, Asheville.
Free Online West African Drumming & Dance for Kids Hosted by LEAF
Apr 29 @ 9:00 am – 10:00 am
LEAF Global Arts Online

Image may contain: 3 people, people sitting, people standing and outdoor

We invite young LEAFers to join LEAF Resident Teaching Artist Adama Dembele for a virtual drumming and dance class for elementary age kids. Adama is a master djembefola (djembe player) from the Ivory Coast, West Africa, and has been a part of LEAF since 2005. He currently teaches year round after school classes with LEAF Schools & Streets, and he is excited to offer video classes in which students can take a journey to explore the sounds, rhythms and movements of West African culture right from their own home!

https://www.facebook.com/events/199994081418039/

Baby Boogie Dance Party LIVE!
Apr 29 @ 10:00 am – 10:45 am
Baby Steps Dance Asheville

Join me on Wednesday mornings at 10:00am (EST) through the month of April for “Baby Boogie Dance Party LIVE!” These fun and interactive Facebook Live dance parties will air from the Baby Steps Dance Asheville page (not from within this event page). I will post previous videos in the comment section of this event page so you can access them at your convenience! Be sure to follow Baby Steps Dance Asheville on Facebook to stay connected and interact with me during live videos! Spread the word to your friends- community and connection is what we all need these days, and I am happy to bring some movement and joy to your families!
Virtual Tip Jar (thank you for your support!):
https://paypal.me/babystepsdanceavl?locale.x=en_US

ABOUT BABY BOOGIE DANCE PARTY LIVE!
Together we’ll connect and get our wiggles out through fun action songs, movement games, sing-a-longs and skill building! Activities are focused towards toddlers and young children, but older children and caregivers are encouraged to join in on the dancing! I’ll see you on the virtual dance floor!

Drive-Up Free Game Giveaway
Apr 29 @ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Well Played Board Game Café

No photo description available.

To participate, simply:

1. Drive up to Well Played at 58 Wall St.
2. Pop your trunk
3. Our gloved & masked attendant will provide contactless game delivery!

There is no cost to participate. All you have to do is visit us!

“We want to keep this simple, safe, and fun. So show up to Well Played next Wednesday, and I’ll meet you out front with a board game to help get you through quarantine,” said Kevan Frazier, co-owner of Well Played. “While we can’t shift our operations to produce hand sanitizer, masks or other critical medical supplies, that doesn’t mean we can’t do our part to help. We hope everyone enjoys these games and finds time to play and connect with their loved ones.”

FAQ’s
Is there a cost?
Nope, it’s free! Just show up while supplies last!

What kind of games are they?
The good, the bad, the ugly, and the downright weird. They’re all lightly used, but very playable!

What game will you get?
No one knows! That’s why it’s a mystery!

Can you donate lightly used games?
Sure thing, feel free to drop them off during this time period! If there’s enough interest, we’ll get them sanitized and host another giveaway! If not, we’ll make sure they find a good home.

You’re not going out of business are you?
No! We’re just in the business of having a bunch of games 😂 We have extra games that are either starting to show their age or can’t fit in our library, and we wanted to pay it forward at a time when people would appreciate it!

Thursday, April 30, 2020
Asheville Scavenger Hunt Cancelled
Apr 30 all-day
Asheville

Explore Asheville’s historical gems, flourishing neighborhoods, and latest attractions. Tourist, local, or new to town, this is a lively small group activity that anyone can enjoy. Lace up your walking shoes and get ready to experience the city like you never have before. Snap pics, race against the clock, and put your navigation skills to the test as you wander at your own pace. No reservations, no tour guides, and fun for all ages.

Jus’ Running’s #digAVL Video: How local businesses are adjusting to the COVID-19 crisis
Apr 30 all-day
online
Luke Paulson, Store Manager at Jus’ Running, explains how the business has pivoted during COVID-19 to continue serving customers; and how they’re navigating their new world of e-commerce.

See the video interview here

While we’ve all had to adjust to the “new normal” (whatever that is) our local business owners and managers each have their own story to tell about how they’ve been affected and what they are doing during these unprecedented times. Dig Local is proud to partner with our friend, Ann Smith, at Leap Frog Tours to interview some of the awesome folks who make Asheville, Asheville.
Friday, May 1, 2020
Jus’ Running’s #digAVL Video: How local businesses are adjusting to the COVID-19 crisis
May 1 all-day
online
Luke Paulson, Store Manager at Jus’ Running, explains how the business has pivoted during COVID-19 to continue serving customers; and how they’re navigating their new world of e-commerce.

See the video interview here

While we’ve all had to adjust to the “new normal” (whatever that is) our local business owners and managers each have their own story to tell about how they’ve been affected and what they are doing during these unprecedented times. Dig Local is proud to partner with our friend, Ann Smith, at Leap Frog Tours to interview some of the awesome folks who make Asheville, Asheville.
Saturday, May 2, 2020
Jus’ Running’s #digAVL Video: How local businesses are adjusting to the COVID-19 crisis
May 2 all-day
online
Luke Paulson, Store Manager at Jus’ Running, explains how the business has pivoted during COVID-19 to continue serving customers; and how they’re navigating their new world of e-commerce.

See the video interview here

While we’ve all had to adjust to the “new normal” (whatever that is) our local business owners and managers each have their own story to tell about how they’ve been affected and what they are doing during these unprecedented times. Dig Local is proud to partner with our friend, Ann Smith, at Leap Frog Tours to interview some of the awesome folks who make Asheville, Asheville.
North Asheville Tailgate Market – Every Saturday Morning
May 2 @ 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
North Asheville Tailgate Market

Locally grown eggplants

May 2 – November 21

Now with special COVID-19 procedures, the North Asheville Tailgate Market features local produce direct from area farmers, local baked goods, crafts, music and more.

PLEASE SEE THE NEW PROCEDURES BEFORE COMING TO CAMPUS. You can find information, including about pre-ordering, and changes in payment and shopping procedures on the market’s website.

Open Saturdays 8 a.m.-noon in UNC Asheville Parking Lot P28. maps.unca.edu

For more information, visit northashevilletailgatemarket.com

Sunday, May 3, 2020
Jus’ Running’s #digAVL Video: How local businesses are adjusting to the COVID-19 crisis
May 3 all-day
online
Luke Paulson, Store Manager at Jus’ Running, explains how the business has pivoted during COVID-19 to continue serving customers; and how they’re navigating their new world of e-commerce.

See the video interview here

While we’ve all had to adjust to the “new normal” (whatever that is) our local business owners and managers each have their own story to tell about how they’ve been affected and what they are doing during these unprecedented times. Dig Local is proud to partner with our friend, Ann Smith, at Leap Frog Tours to interview some of the awesome folks who make Asheville, Asheville.
Tuesday, May 5, 2020
Webinar: “Strategic Business Positioning in the Wake of COVID-19,” from UNC Asheville’s Family Business Forum
May 5 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
(online) UNC Asheville's Family Business Forum

UNC Asheville’s Family Business Forum offers a free, one-hour webinar, Strategic Business Positioning in the Wake of COVID-19, beginning at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 5.

You must register via this link, and then you will receive an email with log-in instructions.

The Family Business Forum provides this description:

Tune in to hear Ken Kaplan, of Kaplan CFO Solutions, speak on understanding and prioritizing options and challenges posed by the current situation, followed by Jim Stickney and Kristi Shrum of Insurance Service of Asheville (ISA), who will address reducing specific exposures during COVID-19.

Please send any questions/issues you would like the panelists to address to Sophia Ungert by Monday, May 4, at 5 p.m.

Wednesday, May 6, 2020
Free Online West African Drumming & Dance for Kids Hosted by LEAF
May 6 @ 9:00 am – 10:00 am
LEAF Global Arts Online

Image may contain: 3 people, people sitting, people standing and outdoor

We invite young LEAFers to join LEAF Resident Teaching Artist Adama Dembele for a virtual drumming and dance class for elementary age kids. Adama is a master djembefola (djembe player) from the Ivory Coast, West Africa, and has been a part of LEAF since 2005. He currently teaches year round after school classes with LEAF Schools & Streets, and he is excited to offer video classes in which students can take a journey to explore the sounds, rhythms and movements of West African culture right from their own home!

https://www.facebook.com/events/199994081418039/

Thursday, May 7, 2020
Mountain BizWorks: $5 Million Emergency Grant Fund; Opens May 15 Ends May 31
May 7 all-day
online
Mountain BizWorks Set to Administer $5 Million Emergency Grant Fund; Application Period Opens May 15, with Awards Announced in Mid-June

The $5 million Buncombe County Tourism Jobs Recovery Fund was enabled Monday for local tourism-related small businesses and nonprofit organizations impacted by the COVID-19 public health crisis, thanks to legislation introduced by Sen. Chuck Edwards with support of the Buncombe County delegation, and signed into law on Monday by N.C. Governor Roy Cooper.

Senate Bill 704 allows the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority to establish the fund for emergency grants of up to $50,000, available for businesses that provide a direct visitor experience, including restaurants, retail establishments, studios and galleries, attractions, tours and activities, entertainment and event venues, and breweries, wineries, cideries and distilleries, among others.

The Right People for the Right Roles Furman University Online
May 7 @ 12:00 pm – 12:45 pm
online

WHO’S ON FIRST? – THE RIGHT PEOPLE FOR THE RIGHT ROLES Featuring Kenneth Fields and Johannes Mutzke with Blue Inc Strategies

The only thing that’s worse than feeling like you are in the wrong place is leading a team of people who feels like they’re in the wrong place!  This session will focus on who is on your team, what roles they’re best suited to play, and how those roles fit within different kinds of organizations.

Enka-Candler Tailgate Market
May 7 @ 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Enka-Candler Tailgate Market

Opening day for ECTM at our new location at AB Tech Enka. We will be in the parking lot of the Small Business Center, 1465 Sand Hill Road (across from Ingles, at the traffic light). Please share and invite your friends and family! We know this second season of ECTM is going to be amazing. Thank you for supporting local!

Vendors for 5/7:
Rainbow Ridge Gardens
Myseanica Farm
Bonny Bath natural body products
Whisk bakery
Saturnia Farm and Nursery
Jake’s Farm
Asheville Microgreens
Throwing Copper
Cornerstone Tea
Sustainabillies Nursery and Farm
Sister of Mother Earth herbal products
HeadShrink Farm heritage beef
The Real Molloy Food Truck
Sugar Whirled cotton candy – AB Tech Small Business featured booth.
*Many more vendors as the season goes on! Check out our website for a full list of vendors for the season. https://www.ashevillefarmstead.org/enka-candler-tailgate-market

COVID-19 Precautions:
To start, we will be holding fast to safety precautions listed below. As the CDC and NC governmental regulations soften, we will follow suit. Please know that we are making every effort to keep both our vendors and our community safe and well.

*No-contact payment: Tap’n’Pay , Venmo, Paypal payments only. No cash payments or card swipes will be accepted.
*Handwashing station upon entering Market
*Limited shopper numbers (car queue will be used, if necessary)
*1 customer at vendor table at a time
*Only touch what you are purchasing
*6ft Social Distancing required
*Masks highly encouraged. All vendors and Market staff will wear masks.
*No Music or Kids tent (yet)
*No craft/artisan vendors until non-essential businesses are allowed to open. We are hopeful this will be by June, or earlier.

Pack Library Online Dance Class for Kids
May 7 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
online

No photo description available.

Every Thursday starting May 4, we’ll have free dance class for kids to tune into!

Our instructor Rebecca will be plugging into Zoom to instruct kids of all ages and all experience levels from 4-5 PM. To get into the class, please create a free Zoom account. Follow this meeting information to get logged into class.
Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4527027407
Password: rodance

Thanks to the Friends of the Library for sponsoring this program.
Bookends Used Book Store at Pack Library – Asheville, NC

Friday, May 8, 2020
Mountain BizWorks: $5 Million Emergency Grant Fund; Opens May 15 Ends May 31
May 8 all-day
online
Mountain BizWorks Set to Administer $5 Million Emergency Grant Fund; Application Period Opens May 15, with Awards Announced in Mid-June

The $5 million Buncombe County Tourism Jobs Recovery Fund was enabled Monday for local tourism-related small businesses and nonprofit organizations impacted by the COVID-19 public health crisis, thanks to legislation introduced by Sen. Chuck Edwards with support of the Buncombe County delegation, and signed into law on Monday by N.C. Governor Roy Cooper.

Senate Bill 704 allows the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority to establish the fund for emergency grants of up to $50,000, available for businesses that provide a direct visitor experience, including restaurants, retail establishments, studios and galleries, attractions, tours and activities, entertainment and event venues, and breweries, wineries, cideries and distilleries, among others.

Golf Tournament Fundraiser
May 8 @ 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Mount Mitchell Golf Club

Join Irene Wortham Center’s 20th annual golf tournament fundraiser! As a non-profit, this annual event helps us continue serving the Buncombe County community. For 57 years and counting, we have been helping children and adults with developmental and/or socioeconomic challenges live more independent, happy, healthy, and full lives. Funds raised at this event will kick-start the building project for a new Early Learning Center. The current center, which is one of two organizations in Buncombe County helping pre-K children with developmental disabilities, enrolls 100 children and has a wait list of more than 400! We need YOUR support to expand our program and offer services to more children and families in need.
Please consider registering as a player, a sponsor, or making a donation toward the cause. The day will be full of golf, great food, cold beer, and lots of prizes and giveaways! Visit the event website to learn more and register!

Saturday, May 9, 2020
Mountain BizWorks: $5 Million Emergency Grant Fund; Opens May 15 Ends May 31
May 9 all-day
online
Mountain BizWorks Set to Administer $5 Million Emergency Grant Fund; Application Period Opens May 15, with Awards Announced in Mid-June

The $5 million Buncombe County Tourism Jobs Recovery Fund was enabled Monday for local tourism-related small businesses and nonprofit organizations impacted by the COVID-19 public health crisis, thanks to legislation introduced by Sen. Chuck Edwards with support of the Buncombe County delegation, and signed into law on Monday by N.C. Governor Roy Cooper.

Senate Bill 704 allows the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority to establish the fund for emergency grants of up to $50,000, available for businesses that provide a direct visitor experience, including restaurants, retail establishments, studios and galleries, attractions, tours and activities, entertainment and event venues, and breweries, wineries, cideries and distilleries, among others.

North Asheville Tailgate Market – Every Saturday Morning
May 9 @ 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
North Asheville Tailgate Market

Locally grown eggplants

May 2 – November 21

Now with special COVID-19 procedures, the North Asheville Tailgate Market features local produce direct from area farmers, local baked goods, crafts, music and more.

PLEASE SEE THE NEW PROCEDURES BEFORE COMING TO CAMPUS. You can find information, including about pre-ordering, and changes in payment and shopping procedures on the market’s website.

Open Saturdays 8 a.m.-noon in UNC Asheville Parking Lot P28. maps.unca.edu

For more information, visit northashevilletailgatemarket.com

Sunday, May 10, 2020
Mountain BizWorks: $5 Million Emergency Grant Fund; Opens May 15 Ends May 31
May 10 all-day
online
Mountain BizWorks Set to Administer $5 Million Emergency Grant Fund; Application Period Opens May 15, with Awards Announced in Mid-June

The $5 million Buncombe County Tourism Jobs Recovery Fund was enabled Monday for local tourism-related small businesses and nonprofit organizations impacted by the COVID-19 public health crisis, thanks to legislation introduced by Sen. Chuck Edwards with support of the Buncombe County delegation, and signed into law on Monday by N.C. Governor Roy Cooper.

Senate Bill 704 allows the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority to establish the fund for emergency grants of up to $50,000, available for businesses that provide a direct visitor experience, including restaurants, retail establishments, studios and galleries, attractions, tours and activities, entertainment and event venues, and breweries, wineries, cideries and distilleries, among others.

Monday, May 11, 2020
Mountain BizWorks: $5 Million Emergency Grant Fund; Opens May 15 Ends May 31
May 11 all-day
online
Mountain BizWorks Set to Administer $5 Million Emergency Grant Fund; Application Period Opens May 15, with Awards Announced in Mid-June

The $5 million Buncombe County Tourism Jobs Recovery Fund was enabled Monday for local tourism-related small businesses and nonprofit organizations impacted by the COVID-19 public health crisis, thanks to legislation introduced by Sen. Chuck Edwards with support of the Buncombe County delegation, and signed into law on Monday by N.C. Governor Roy Cooper.

Senate Bill 704 allows the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority to establish the fund for emergency grants of up to $50,000, available for businesses that provide a direct visitor experience, including restaurants, retail establishments, studios and galleries, attractions, tours and activities, entertainment and event venues, and breweries, wineries, cideries and distilleries, among others.

Tuesday, May 12, 2020
Mountain BizWorks: $5 Million Emergency Grant Fund; Opens May 15 Ends May 31
May 12 all-day
online
Mountain BizWorks Set to Administer $5 Million Emergency Grant Fund; Application Period Opens May 15, with Awards Announced in Mid-June

The $5 million Buncombe County Tourism Jobs Recovery Fund was enabled Monday for local tourism-related small businesses and nonprofit organizations impacted by the COVID-19 public health crisis, thanks to legislation introduced by Sen. Chuck Edwards with support of the Buncombe County delegation, and signed into law on Monday by N.C. Governor Roy Cooper.

Senate Bill 704 allows the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority to establish the fund for emergency grants of up to $50,000, available for businesses that provide a direct visitor experience, including restaurants, retail establishments, studios and galleries, attractions, tours and activities, entertainment and event venues, and breweries, wineries, cideries and distilleries, among others.

Asheville Business Advisory Council Online Meeting
May 12 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
online
You’re Invited!

Topic:
Tourism, Restaurants and Sporting Events…where are we now and what lies ahead.

About this Event:
The BAC is more than just a networking group or a think tank of service providers, nonprofits and employers coming together. It’s also a support network. That is why we will continue to hold our Business Advisory Council meetings throughout the COVID-19 crisis. Please join us for an insightful meeting May 12 on Zoom.

Generally, Goodwill provides lunch at these meetings. But under the current circumstances, this meeting will be a virtual pot luck! Prepare your favorite lunch and log on to learn how crisis is affecting the local tourism and hospitality industry, and how we might collectively help in the efforts going forward. I also want to give time and attention to all of you to share what’s on your mind or heart. Presenters are:

  • Stephanie Brown, President and CEO of Explore Asheville
  • Jane Anderson, Executive Director of the Asheville Independent Restaurant Association
  • Demp Bradford, President of the Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission

Things to do to prepare for the event:
1. Support a local restaurant by getting take-out to bring to the event
2. When you join, we encourage you to join with video so we can see your smiling face
3. Bring any questions you may have for this amazing group of speakers.

Once you have registered, a link to the meeting will be sent to you.

Wednesday, May 13, 2020
Mountain BizWorks: $5 Million Emergency Grant Fund; Opens May 15 Ends May 31
May 13 all-day
online
Mountain BizWorks Set to Administer $5 Million Emergency Grant Fund; Application Period Opens May 15, with Awards Announced in Mid-June

The $5 million Buncombe County Tourism Jobs Recovery Fund was enabled Monday for local tourism-related small businesses and nonprofit organizations impacted by the COVID-19 public health crisis, thanks to legislation introduced by Sen. Chuck Edwards with support of the Buncombe County delegation, and signed into law on Monday by N.C. Governor Roy Cooper.

Senate Bill 704 allows the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority to establish the fund for emergency grants of up to $50,000, available for businesses that provide a direct visitor experience, including restaurants, retail establishments, studios and galleries, attractions, tours and activities, entertainment and event venues, and breweries, wineries, cideries and distilleries, among others.